The Top 10 Athletes I Would Love To See Playing Soccer

Soccer is pretty much the top sport in every country but the United States. It's no wonder while our men's national team has never played in a World Cup final and still has to struggle for respectability.

In other countries the nation's top athletes play soccer. In the US, they play football, basketball, baseball, hell, even hockey.

Often when I see a great US athlete I wonder, what if he played soccer instead of pro basketball?

Will out top athletes ever start opting to play the beautiful game? Here are 10 athletes I would have loved to seen on the pitch in no particular order.

Now keep in mind, in this theoretical world, these athletes would have been playing soccer hardcore since the time they started the sports they play now.

10. Steve Nash

Nash is a lifelong Tottenham fan. His father was born there. He's even stated that he may have played pro soccer had he focused on it.

The guy is lightning quick and has superb vision on the court. He's a playmaker and would be fantastic with the ball out of his hand and on the end of his foot.

9. Ed Reed

Ed Reed, a Pro Bowl defensive back for the Baltimore Ravens has been an excellent shutdown defender since he was drafted in 2002.

He's the franchise leader in interceptions.

You have to be confident to be a DB in the NFL and I think he would be a great defender in soccer, being able to lock down some of the world's best.

8. Tim Tebow

Every great soccer team needs a guy who is a vocal leader.

Someone who can be the heart and soul of the team.

Tim Tebow would be that guy.

He has the physical attributes. He's strong, durable, smart, and has a motor that would have him all over the field.

He'd be a great midfielder.

7. Chris Chelios

Sometimes you just need a real tough guy on your team. A champion, a winner.

Enter Chris Chelios.

If you have him in your back line I promise you there will not be an easy path for anyone.

I'd imagine this guy accumulating plenty of cards.

6. Dwight Howard

Call me crazy, but I would love to see this guy in front of the net.

His giant frame, strength and quickness in my opinion would make it difficult for anyone to score.

5. Jason Kidd

Jason Kidd, again, a great distributor.

He has quick feet and has great vision. Having both Kidd and Nash on the wings, forget about it.

4. Jimmy Rollins

A great striker needs to be able to take advantage of their opportunities.

So does a good baserunner in baseball.

Jimmy Rollins is one of the fastest guys in the bigs right now and maximizes his chances on the bases.

3. Troy Polamalu

Troy Polamalu again, is a guy who just doesn't stop.

He seems to be everywhere on the field at all times.

With a guy like him in your midfield you can be sure that any space opposing teams have will be closed down immediately.

2. Adrian Peterson

A great running back has vision.

Can make great cuts and avoid people and then separate themselves from the crowd chasing them.

Petereson can do that. He also has a knack of creating positive plays where there seems to be none and you need folks like that in soccer, because those goals don't come easily some matches.

1. Chris Paul

Another point guard? Yes.

I think elite NBA point guards would be excellent soccer players. They have the quickness without the giant size that you get once to start going to the 2 and 3 spots on the court.

These quick guys remind a lot of folks like Messi and Ronaldo on the pitch. The quick feet, the movement, the way they see things.

Only if...