The ongoing absence of professional football has allowed me to look back on four years of playing MLS Fantasy Soccer. I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs along the way, with some spectacular successes, some horrible choices and the odd bit of bad luck thrown in.

Everyone has their own favourite players, those reliable performers who we return to time and time again.

I’ve made up an XI featuring some of my heroes from the fantasy game. This line up (3-5-2 formation) may feature some surprise names but it’s based on players who did the business for me, rather than just a list of the highest scoring stars.

Goalkeeper

Brian Rowe (LA Galaxy)

Now at Orlando, in his Galaxy days Rowe often found his way into my team, forming an effective partnership with Daniel Steres.

Defenders

Daniel Steres (LA Galaxy)

See Brian Rowe.

Jimmy Medranda (Sporting Kansas City)

Something of a cult hero. The Colombian wasn’t always a starter but managed to come up with some big returns particularly when playing further forward, despite being listed as a defender.

Axel Sjoberg (Colorado Rapids)

The big Swede made the MLS team of the year in 2016. A bargain in the days before unlimited transfers.

Midfielders

Victor Vazquez (Toronto FC)

Perhaps flew under the radar at times in a team where Morrow, Bradley, Altidore and Giovinco (more about him in a minute) were all fantasy gold.

Ignacio Piatti (Montreal Impact)

Now back in his native Argentina, Nacho was a ‘must have’ at his peak.

Diego Valeri (Portland Timbers)

While his best days may be behind him, El Maestro has been an outstanding fantasy choice over the years. Goals, assists, penalties and bonus points all part of his game.

Nicolas Lodeiro (Seattle Sounders)

Another South American midfielder, another points generating machine.

Mauro Diaz (FC Dallas)

Hampered by injuries but, on his day, an outstanding talent and often an essential pick.

Forwards

Cyle Larin (Orlando City)

Picked him in GW1 of my first season and he scored. A solid performer for a couple of years.

Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC)

The Carlos Vela of his day. At his best Gio was the best points returner in the game. Even thinking about leaving him out was crazy.