New York City FC are at the bottom of the overall MLS table — but you wouldn’t know that with the procession of big name players linked to the club.

A cavalcade of global superstars were, in one way or another, connected to the club through various reports this Memorial Day weekend.

We begin with Didier Drogba; no stranger to the MLS rumor mill. Upon completing his championship season with Chelsea, Drogba, 37, spoke candidly about his desire to play in the United States under the MLS banner. NBCSports, however, links the veteran striker to New York City FC.

There is no question that David Villa could use a proper strike partner in Jason Kreis’ 4-4-2. As of now, options such as Adam Nemec, Patrick Mullins and Khiry Shelton have fallen woefully short in complimenting the Spanish legend. Though on the wrong side of 30 — and nearing 40 at this rate — Drogba still has the class necessary to help compliment the more shifty Villa up top.

Another interesting aspect to a Drogba acquisition is his relationship with Frank Lampard. The duo helped propel Chelsea to three BPL titles and a UEFA Championship. Fueling the fires of the rumor mill, Lampard also left a gushing message on his Instagram page dedicated to his former teammate.

[colored_box color=”blue”]”I need to talk about my mate [Didier Drogba]. Without him I wouldn’t have enjoyed the personal success I had at Chelsea but also the club would not have leagues and Champions leagues titles to their name. He ALWAYS produced in the big games. He was a monster in the dressing room and a great friend away from football. It was an honour to have played with him and I wish him well in whatever his next move is. I know he still has lots to give. Thank you Didi!”[/colored_box]

A younger and arguably more tantalizing option is German striker Mario Gomez. The 29-year-old may be on the move to either NYCFC or the New York Red Bulls after a disappointing spell at Fiorentina, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Gomez suffered injury last season, ruling him out of many matches with the Viola. Upon his return, Gomez has failed to rekindle the magic of his Munich days, making way for his Italian exit.

Rounding out the big-name rumors is Italian legend, Andreas Pirlo. David Amoyal of GianlucaDimarzio.com reports “ongoing conversations” with the Juventus icon, linking him to a possible NYCFC move.

If Kreis desires a return of the diamond midfield, Pirlo would be the defensive general to lead the way. Like Beckerman in RSL, Pirol would represent a rock on defense and a skilled distributor in transition vital to Kreis’ prefered system. Partnered with Lampard, and flanked by Mix Diskerud, Pirlo (36) would theoretically complete a midfield transformation which, on paper, would complete one of the most feared units in all of MLS.

Empire of Soccer contacted NYCFC over the litany of rumors, and received no comment on each.