From Dundee to Vancouver via Lisbon: Ryan Gauld’s long road to MLS success

The Scottish midfielder has always been happy to forge his own path. And at the age of 26, his rich football education looks like it is paying off

Nearly 10 years on from his professional debut, and more than 4,000 miles from home, the man once labelled the Scottish Messi" and who drew interest as a teen from the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United and Liverpool has at last, in Major League Soccer's Vancouver Whitecaps, found a home at which he can deliver on his vast potential.

Now 26, Ryan Gauld has come a long way in his career - both in terms of distance covered and experiences logged - as he gets ready for the start of the new MLS season, which starts on Saturday. He was once the 17-year-old star of a vibrant young Dundee United side, before a seven-year stint in Portugal brought mixed fortunes.