I think it would be cool if my Timbers landed him for next season. Bring a big name over to help jump start our new team!
No. As BengalDuck stated before, the US youth system is sort of fucked so European, African, and South American talent generally has a good three to four year head start. Cesc Fabregas joined Arsenal (one of the leading football clubs in the world) at the age of 16 and has now established himself as one of the best playmakers in the world and captains the club at 23 (turned 23 in May). That is quite an achievement for such a young age. If Adu stays on-track and gets good playing time, he should establish himself as a big part of the US' team but I can't see him becoming a top player in the world.
Ronan, what do you think of your guys' national team final 23? (assuming you're english). I can't personally believe Adam Johnson was left off. And Heskey wouldn't even make the US team, but I guess he's there because Rooney plays well with him...?
haha that would be sweet. Although I still think it will be some years before we get players who will cost a bit of money, and are almost in their prime. We will get some leftovers for a while still.
I'm more disappointed in Walcott's omission but I guess that is solely because I'm an Arsenal fan. To be honest, Rooney could perform well with anyone by his side. His workrate is amazing and he sets a great example for any youngster inspiring to make it to the top league(s). Anyway, I have no idea why the England coaches continue to pick Heskey. Zamora (I believe he was left out due to injury) and Darren Bent could both take his spot. The only other choices I don't support is Warnock. He has been absolutely awful in the Mexico and Japan friendlies. Overall, I'm quite happy with the choices but I'm a bit bummed Walcott isn't going to SA.
Funny, I thought Walcott looked like shit recently and was maybe Arsenal's worst player when they faced off against Barca in the CL. and lol at Adu going to the Timbers... he still commanded a few million pounds (or euros, whatever) even though he hadn't played in two years. if he washes out in Europe, though, he could end up in Portland's MLS team, I guess, because it makes sense that he'd come back stateside and maybe they'd want to place him in a new franchise?
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/5219888/ce/us/future-us-soccer?cc=5901&ver=us wonderful article on youth academies in the US youth academies are the key to becoming a real soccer nation. (and finding a way to get the poorer immigrants who are good at soccer on the pitches)
repped! Thank you for that. And I agree.. they are the future. Couple with better youth academies.. and the US maybe mining Central America for young talent, to bring up, then sell off to Europe... that would get some decent money going into the MLS. Do this and slowly but surely you are more respectable as a league. Then the money and better talent will follow. (hopefully)
I agree that Walcott was one of our worst players this but he completely changed the game when he was subbed on during the Emirates game. The return leg wasn't one of his best, that's for sure. I feel like this is a good choice by Capello. Walcott still has time to turn his career around and hopefully this nudges him in the right direction.
