‘Scottish Messi’ becomes history-maker by emulating Bayern Munich hero

RYAN GAULD is yet to win over Steve Clarke.

But he’s certainly won over MLS – to the point where he is regarded as one of the league’s best players, period.

Steve Clarke has opted not to pick the former Dundee United wonderkid ever since he took over in 2019, despite the playmaker’s impressive form at club level over the years.

Gauld, 28, was compared to Lionel Messi when he first burst onto the scene at Tannadice and made a number of appearances for Scotland youth teams.

But he’s yet to win a senior cap – and was overlooked for the Euros despite having a season deemed worthy of ALL-STAR recognition.

The attacking midfielder, who is one of Vancouver Whitecaps’ designated players (DP), meaning he earns a higher than average wage, has scored nine goals in 17 games this season and laid on four assists for his teammates.

That form has seen him named to the MLS All-Star team for the current year.

He becomes the first Whitecaps player to make the roster since Canada superstar and Bayern Munich ace Alphonso Davies, who was given the honour in 2018.

Gauld is also the first Scot to be named as an All-Star since John Spencer 23 years ago.

Needless to say, Whitecaps fans are overjoyed at the news.

One fan said: “Congrats Scottish Messi!”

Another said: “Deserved!”

A third supporter said: “Fantastic news for Ryan, as he finally gets some of the recognition he’s deserved for some time now.”

Another noted the historical significance of Gauld’s achievement: “For the first time since Alphonso Davies in 2018, the Whitecaps have an All-Star. Well deserved for Ryan Gauld, the Working Class DP.”

Other observers were quick to point out the bizarre relationship Gauld has with his own national team.

This fan said: “Superb, well deserved. Still can’t get into national team though.”

Another replied: “And Scotland keep overlooking him. In September he needs called up.”

Some responses were even more damning – particularly of boss Clarke.

And they were made worse by Scotland’s dreadful performance at Euro 2024.

“Sadly the maestro Scotland manager Clarke never saw fit to take him to the Euros. Let’s hope his replacement is wiser,” said one.

Another replied: “Where is Steve Clarke? Has he gone into hiding? He should have explained himself after the early exit. His tactics were extremely negative!”

A third fan said: “Swear to God, Gauld could do this, win the Ballon d’Or, and become captain of Real Madrid and Steve Clarke still wouldn’t pick him. Utterly baffling stubbornness.”

Another Canadian fan alluded to another possibility, in that Gauld could turn his back on Scotland and represent Canada instead (like Scott Arfield).

They said simply: “Become Canadian.”

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page