From Landon Donovan to Robbie Keane: ChatGPT selects the MLS all-time best XI as David Beckham & Zlatan Ibrahimovic miss out

MLS career: 2000-2019

MLS clubs: Miami Fusion, DC United, Real Salt Lake

Total MLS appearances: 516

ChatGPT told us: "Nick Rimando deserves to be in the MLS All-Time XI due to his record-breaking career and exceptional goalkeeping skills. With the most career clean sheets in MLS history, Rimando's consistency and shot-stopping abilities set him apart. His leadership qualities and impact on Real Salt Lake, including an MLS Cup win, further solidify his place. Rimando's influence on the league and his role as a mentor make him a deserving candidate for the prestigious All-Time 11 line-up."

MLS career: 2009-

MLS clubs: Sporting Kansas City

Total MLS appearances: 355

ChatGPT told us: "Graham Zusi deserves to be in the MLS All-Time XI for his versatility, consistent performances, and contributions to Sporting Kansas City's success. His solid defending and attacking prowess have made him one of the league's top right-backs."

MLS career: 2000-2003 & 2013-14

MLS clubs: Chicago Fire, Chivas USA

Total MLS appearances: 117

ChatGPT told us: "Carlos Bocanegra deserves to be in the MLS All-Time XI for his leadership, defensive prowess, and impact on the Chicago Fire. As a dependable center-back, he was instrumental in the team's success, earning multiple individual accolades and national team recognition."

MLS career: 2004-2019

MLS clubs: Columbus Crew, Seattle Sounders

Total MLS appearances: 409

ChatGPT told us: "Chad Marshall deserves to be in the MLS All-Time XI for his exceptional defensive abilities, multiple MLS Defender of the Year awards, and crucial role in the Columbus Crew's success."

MLS career: 1996-2005

MLS clubs: DC United, San Jose Earthquakes, MetroStars

Total MLS appearances: 224

ChatGPT told us: "Jeff Agoos deserves to be in the MLS All-Time XI for his longevity, defensive prowess, and multiple championships won. As a versatile left-back, Agoos was a key contributor to the success of D.C. United and the San Jose Earthquakes."

MLS career: 2000-2020

MLS clubs: Miami Fusion, Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake

Total MLS appearances: 545

ChatGPT told us: "Kyle Beckerman deserves to be in the MLS All-Time XI for his consistent performances, leadership, and impact on the field. With numerous individual accolades and a long career with over 500 appearances, Beckerman has been a key figure in the success of Real Salt Lake and a respected presence in MLS."

MLS career: 2001-2014 & 2016

MLS clubs: San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy

Total MLS appearances: 340

ChatGPT told us: "Landon Donovan deserves to be in the MLS All-Time XI for his unrivalled impact on the league. As the all-time leader in assists in the league, his versatility, skill, and leadership propelled him to four MVP awards and six MLS cups, solidifying his status as an MLS legend."

MLS career: 2013-2021

MLS clubs: Portland Timbers

Total MLS appearances: 262

ChatGPT told us: "Diego Valeri deserves to be in the MLS All-Time XI for his exceptional playmaking abilities, consistency, and impact on the Portland Timbers. As the team's all-time leading scorer, his skill, creativity, and leadership have earned him MVP honours and played a crucial role in the Timbers' success, including their MLS Cup win in 2015."

MLS career: 2011-2016

MLS clubs: LA Galaxy

Total MLS appearances: 125

ChatGPT told us: "Robbie Keane deserves to be in the MLS All-Time XI for his prolific goal-scoring record, leadership, and impact on the LA Galaxy. With the 2014 MVP honours and three MLS Cup titles, his skill, clinical finishing, and ability to perform in big moments solidify his place among the league's greats."

MLS career: 2005-2021

MLS clubs: San Jose Earthquakes, Houston Dynamo

Total MLS appearances: 413

ChatGPT told us: "Chris Wondolowski's MLS career is special due to his record-breaking goal-scoring, longevity, and consistency. He holds the all-time goal-scoring record, achieved notable milestones, and has made a significant impact on the San Jose Earthquakes, all while displaying humility and a strong work ethic."

MLS career: 2017-

MLS clubs: Atlanta United, Inter Miami

Total MLS appearances: 146*

ChatGPT told us: "Josef Martinez deserves to be in the MLS All-Time XI for his electrifying performances and record-breaking achievements. He set the single-season goal-scoring record with 31 goals in 2018, showcasing his dynamic playing style, speed, and clinical finishing, making him one of the most dangerous and influential forwards in MLS history."

We also asked the AI to tell us who would manage the MLS all-time XI, with Bruce Arena selected.

ChatGPT told us: "Bruce Arena is the definitive choice as the manager for the MLS All-Time XI, thanks to his exceptional record, tactical acuity, and significant impact on the league. With a record-breaking five MLS Cup titles to his name, Arena has consistently showcased his ability to build championship-winning teams. His tactical acumen and strategic prowess have allowed him to adapt to various opponents and situations, solidifying his reputation as a managerial mastermind."

"Arena's influence extends beyond his success on the field. His emphasis on player development has led to the growth and blossoming of young talents under his guidance. Additionally, his accomplishments have attracted high-profile players to MLS, contributing to the league's expansion and elevation in stature.

"In summary, Bruce Arena's remarkable track record, tactical acuity, player development skills, and influence on MLS make him the ideal choice to manage the MLS All-Time XI. His achievements and contributions have solidified his status as one of the most respected and accomplished figures in the league's history."

We also asked the AI to explain why it had omitted the likes of David Villa, Preki and Frankie Hejduk from the XI.

ChatGPT told us: "As an AI language model, I don't have personal opinions or the ability to create an MLS All-Time XI. However, the exclusion of David Villa, Preki, or Frankie Hejduk from any hypothetical MLS All-Time XI could be based on several factors, including the specific criteria or preferences of the person or panel selecting the team.

"When forming an all-time XI, various factors are considered, such as individual achievements, statistical records, impact on the league, longevity, positional depth, and competition for spots. While Villa, Preki, and Hejduk have had successful careers in MLS, there may be other players who are considered more influential, accomplished, or better suited to the specific positions being filled in the XI.

"The selection of an all-time XI is subjective and can vary based on personal opinions and preferences. Different people may have different perspectives on the significance and impact of certain players in MLS history. Therefore, the exclusion of Villa, Preki, or Hejduk from any hypothetical all-time XI is a matter of personal judgment or the specific criteria used for the selection process."

We also asked the AI why players like Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry weren't included in the team, considering their global appeal and impact after moving Stateside.

ChatGPT told us "As an AI language model, I don't have the ability to exclude or include players in an all-time XI. However, the exclusion of players like Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic from any hypothetical all-time XI could be due to several factors:

Time spent in MLS: While these players had successful stints in MLS, their overall time in the league might be shorter compared to other candidates. All-time XIs often consider players who have made a substantial impact over a longer duration in the league.

Influence and impact: While these players brought star power and global recognition to MLS, the evaluation of their impact on the league and their teams can be subjective. Factors such as statistical achievements, individual awards, team success, and overall contribution to the growth and popularity of MLS are typically taken into account.

Depth of talent: MLS has seen an increase in the quality and depth of players over the years. The competition for spots in an all-time XI can be fierce, and there might be other players who are considered more influential or accomplished in their respective positions.

Positional considerations: The availability of exceptional players in certain positions might limit the inclusion of others. All-time XIs aim to strike a balance across different positions, and the selection process involves evaluating the performance and impact of players in their specific roles.

"Ultimately, the composition of an all-time XI is subjective and can vary based on personal opinions and preferences. Different people may have different perspectives on the significance and impact of certain players in MLS history, leading to variations in the composition of an all-time XI."