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Obafemi Martins Makes MLS All-Star Team

Obafemi Martins Makes MLS All-Star Team

Nigerian forward Obafemi Martins has been included in the selection of players chosen as the 2015 Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star team.

This is despite the fact that the speedy striker is currently injured, and has not played a game for the Seattle Sounders in MLS action since June 13.

The players selected in the All-Star side will take on English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, July 29, in Colorado, as the London side make pre-season preparations state-side.

His strike partnership with Clint Dempsey has been a highlight of the season, and his fellow Sounders striker was also included in the All-Star team, along with the likes of Kaka, David Villa, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.

In last year’s MLS MVP voting Martins was a runner-up following his 17 goals and 13 assists during 2014, but this season despite his recent injury he has scored seven times and contributed four assists.

The 30-year-old former Newcastle United, Levante and Inter Milan player has been in excellent form for his US club from Washington, and continues to make a strong case for his return to the Super Eagles setup.

With 18 goals for the Nigeria national team in 39 appearances, Martins has an impressive record for the Super Eagles, but former coach Stephen Keshi did not seem to be convinced by the player, and perhaps now that a new tactician is coming in, Martins will be considered for future games.

The striker represented Nigeria at the 2006, 2008 and 2010 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, as well as the 2010 World Cup.

2015 MLS All-Star Fan XI:

Goalkeeper: Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)

Defenders: Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), DaMarcus Beasley (Houston Dynamo), Kaka (Orlando City SC)

Midfielders: Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Benny Feilhaber (Sporting Kansas City), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)

Forwards: David Villa (New York City FC), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Obafemi Martins (Seattle Sounders FC)