The term ‘Designated Player’ is thrown around in a variety of sports leagues. It is used to describe a player or athlete that is given special privileges or benefits that are not available to the other players in the league. In American soccer, Major League Soccer (MLS) has a Designated Player Rule which allows teams to sign players that exceed the salary cap and other salary limitations. The Designated Player Rule has been a great success in MLS, with some of the biggest names in soccer, such as David Beckham, joining the league due to its attractiveness. In this article, we will discuss what makes you a designated player in MLS and what it takes to be successful in this role.
What is a Designated Player?
A Designated Player (DP) is a player who is signed by a team in MLS with a salary that exceeds the salary cap and other salary limitations. The DP Rule was introduced in 2007 and has since been utilized by teams to sign star players from other leagues. The salary cap for a DP is set at $612,500 per season, with the remainder of their salary coming from the team’s own resources. DPs are usually players that are considered to be the ‘face’ of the team and are expected to bring in a large number of fans.
What Are the Benefits of Being a DP?
The most obvious benefit of being a DP is the salary. Designated Players are generally paid much higher salaries than the other players in the league, as they are expected to be the team’s ‘star’ players. DPs are also usually given more promotional opportunities and media attention than non-DPs. This can be very beneficial for players who are looking to build their brand and increase their exposure. Furthermore, DPs are usually given preferential treatment by the team’s coaching staff, as they are expected to be the team’s most important players.
What Are the Requirements to Become a DP?
In order to become a designated player in MLS, a player must meet certain requirements. The first requirement is that the player must be a professional soccer player with a minimum of five years of professional experience. The player must also be over the age of 23 and must have played in at least one professional league outside of North America. The player must also be a representative of the team’s brand, meaning that they must have a positive reputation and a good attitude.
How Does the Team Choose a DP?
Once the team has identified a potential DP, they must decide whether or not to sign them. Teams must take into account a variety of factors when making this decision. The team must consider the player’s age, experience, and reputation, as well as their skill level and potential for growth. They must also consider the player’s ability to bring in fans and revenue, as well as their overall impact on the team. Finally, the team must consider the salary cap and the team’s financial situation.
What Are the Challenges of Being a DP?
Being a designated player in MLS can be a great opportunity, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. The most obvious challenge is the pressure to perform. DPs are expected to be the team’s best players, and they are expected to lead the team to success. If they do not perform to expectations, they can quickly become unpopular with the team’s fans and the media. Additionally, DPs must also deal with the pressure of living up to their salary. With such a high salary comes great expectations, and DPs must be prepared to handle the criticism that comes with it.
How Can DPs Succeed?
In order for DPs to succeed, they must focus on their performance on the field. They must be willing to work hard and improve their skills, as well as their understanding of the game. DPs should also be prepared to accept their role as the team’s leader, both on and off the field. They must be willing to take charge and make the necessary decisions in order to help the team succeed. Additionally, DPs must also be prepared to handle the media attention and the pressure of performing at a high level.
Conclusion
Being a designated player in MLS can be a great opportunity for any soccer player. Although there are many challenges that come with the role, DPs who are willing to focus on their performance and handle the pressure can be successful. It is important for DPs to understand the requirements and benefits of being a designated player, and to be prepared for the challenges that come with it. With hard work and dedication, DPs can be the difference makers that teams need to succeed.