In the latest socccer news: During the 2008 Major League Season, many young and upcoming US prospects were making their name in MLS Circles and started to receive attention from abroad. Sacha Kljestan, Kenny Cooper, Edson Buddle, Robbie Rogers, and Marvell Wynne became hot commodities during their MLS season and in some cases due to their national team play.
Oh, how times have changed for these players in 2009, who have suffered from injuries, poor play, and the international credit crunch that has haulted the soccer spending craze. With Major League soccer attempting to squeeze every last penny out of potential transfer deals, and now that the 2009 rookie class is really stepping up and proving their worth and depth this year, it seems that the hefty price tags that MLS places on their top talent should be adjusted to a more realistic quantity.
Yes, MLS will not receive top dollar. But during this age of E Bay, most items can be purchased at a discount with just one click of the mouse. MLS must continue to develop their talent and be willing to sell their players at a discount. Moving players at a faster rate and building a good track record with European teams could be very profitable for the MLS. Considering the dollar's previous lack of strength against the Euro and offering discounts on their players would entice European interest. By creating value and affordability for the European teams, MLS will create an incentive to buy USA. Let's not forget, also, that MLS is not Brazil or Argentina: they do not have a Kaka, Pato, Messi, or a Ronaldinho lying around waiting for the immenent European move.
At the same time MLS has proven its ability to restock their talent and not lose a beat. USL provides quality players that can make the transition to MLS. These potential acquistions bodes well for the future, and past success suggests that this theory is true; recent acquistions, such as Macoumba Khandji, Bryan Jordan, and Osvaldo Alonso just to name a few.
What will happen this year with Cooper, Kljestan, Wynne, Buddle, and Rogers? Your guess is good as mine, but let's take a look at why conceivably all these players could be staying in MLS another year?
1. Kenny Cooper: Considered the most likely to leave this season , Kenny Cooper, US supporter's consensus-favorite for receiving additional USMNT call-ups, has struggled this season despite scoring four goals and one assist. Although four goals in nine games is a great average, it appears that Kenny Cooper does not possess the "it" factor that he demonstrated last year by almost single-handily bringing FC Dallas to the playoffs. His timing, decision making, touch on the ball seems out of sync this season. Poor service and poor forward partner play has affected his swagger and striking. Playing on a bad team has not help matters either as the frustration mounts after each game.
After receiving interests from England, Sweden, and Germany, MLS decided that the proposals did not warrant his sale so rejected their offers in hopes of attracting additional suitors willing to pay their price. Perhaps, the summer market gossip wires will produce new interested clubs, but his game must return to his 2008 form where he finished second in MLS scoring. His real and perceived value would increase tremendously if he can earn Coach Bradley's confidence utilizing him in either the Gold Cup and or Confederations Cup. Improved club play and a good showing in these tournaments will entice bidders to return for the Goliath-esque forward.
2. Sacha Kljestan: seemed destined to be a lock to move abroad before the MLS season. His excellent MLS season, Olympic performances, Celtic trial, and hat-trick against Sweden indicated that Kljestan would head to greener pastures. What a difference a few months makes!
After struggling against Mexico and El Salvador in CONCACAF qualifying, Sacha Kljestan appears to have lost his starting position for the USMNT. His drop in confidence has been most notable on the field; unable to score a goal in the 2009 MLS season. What makes matters worse is that he has only one assist and has struggled to make a statement on the field by utilizing his trademark creativity, improvisation, and off-the-ball movement. His play has resembled that of a ghost disappearing for stretches during the game, a horror movie that would normally scare the most devout Chivas' fans. Although Chivas USA usually struggles when Kljestan is not at his best creating in the attack, Chivas USA has experienced some type of Euphoria as they assumed first place in the Western Conference leading by eight points.
His recent hair cut inspired the biblical and symbolic analogy that the Samson-esque soccer player had lost his strength. It seems fair to suggest that Kljestan's value became over-inflated, and perhaps a price reduction will entice suitors such as Celtic and FC Twente to reconsider the versatile midfielder again. If he continues his current production for club and country, it will be difficult to receive any reasonable European offer.
3. Marvell Wynne: The Toronto FC right back speedster is experiencing a decent season but has yet to break out much like he did at the end of the 2008 MLS season and during the Olympics. His speed and physical attributes alone summon coaches and scouts to take notice. His technique and crossing has not yet been fully cultivated, but his potential and upside evoke thoughts of overlapping runs and lock-down defense.
With an improved offense, TFC has not relied so heavily on his advancement in the attack. There have been glimpses of the Marvell Wynne that made USA soccer fans salivate at thought of Marvell Wynne succeeding Cherundolo and Hejduk for the starting right back position. The Gold Cup and possibly the Confederations Cup will indicate where Marvell Wynne's value for the USMNT and the free market stand. With a strong MLS season and good showings for the National team, Marvell "Marvellous" Wynne could be the first of the group to transfer to Europe if he can make a splash internationally.
4. Robbie Rogers: After returning from Heerenveen due to homesickness and unable to make a first team appearance, Robbie Rogers made his first statement in the U-20 World Cup in Canada where he frustrated opponents with his flank speed, 1v1 ability, and penetrating runs. He parlayed his U-20 success in the 2008 MLS season with a best Xl, All Star inclusion, and MLS Championship. His Olympic performance in Beijing offered mixed reviews and lacked the skill that made Rogers a US supporter's favorite. In his lone start for the USMNT against Sweden, Robbie Rogers did not demonstrate the qualities that make him a potential European prospect. Doubt and questions persists about his potential to succeed DaMarcus Beasley at left wing after his recent USMNT play and his slow 2009 MLS start.
His recent injury has sidelined him for the majority of the 2009 MLS season yielding 1 assist and 0 goals in 7 games played. Although Rogers has yet make an impact for the Crew in 2009, it appears that his confidence to attack players due to inactivty and lack of fitness are major contributors to his current slump. With the Crew situated in last place in the Eastern Conference and lacking team chemistry, it is understandable that Robbie Rogers will be staying another year in MLS unless his play makes a dramatic change whether proven at the MLS and or the international level. The Gold Cup will provide a platform to test his skills against the finer talent in CONCACAF.
A summer transfer might be in the cards for Rogers, but his career and development would benefit greatly by staying another year.
5. Edson Buddle: performed admirably in 2008 scoring 15 goals and two hat-tricks for the LA Galaxy. Many US Soccer fans clamored for his inclusion to the USMNT. It came to the point that US supporters wanted Eddie Johnson to walk the plank. Mutiny on the USS Bradley had reached new heights with the progression of Buddle and Kenny Cooper.
Not rated high enough for a USMNT callup and Captain Bob Bradley, Edson Buddle must perform again at a high level this season. However, his 2009 season play has yet to yield a goal, and the potential for scoring goals looks less likely with Bruce Arena's defense first at-all-costs approach. Buddle experienced his greatest production under Coach Ruud Gulitt. With injuries and passiveness plaguing his potential and career, MLS should have accepted the million dollar bid from the undisclosed Norwegian club last year. Matching his 2008 form causes concern for skepticism. MLS should have taken the money and run.
Who do you consider the first to tranfer to Europe? Who will be the first player to bounce back from the slump? Who will be the first player to assume a starting position; Wynne, Cooper, Rogers or Kljestan? Share your thoughts.
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