Soccer Carnival Series: Retaining US Talent
January 29, 2007
How Can the MLS retain American Talent?
In my book this is not a valid question, when you look at the # of American players that are overseas, and compare them with the # of American players in the MLS. I think we all can see is that the majority of American talent is in MLS. The only problem with this is that the players that are overseas would be considered the best of the American talent.
When you look at leagues across the world, you will find that the majority of players within that league are traditionally comprised of that country’s talent pool. However, the superstars within those countries always look for the best team and opportunity for their style of play, since each league is known for varied playing styles Cristiano Ronaldo in the EPL, Ronaldinho at FC Barcelona, Thierry Henry at Arsenal, are a few examples of this. This is why players like Brian McBride, Kasey Keller, Tim Howard, and others find themselves playing in their respective European leagues.
I think the more appropriate question is how does the MLS obtain better talent. The new "Beckham Rule" will definately assist in this area, as it allows teams to now spend more to obtain quality athletes from overseas. David Beckham is definately the start but he cannot make that change all by himself. Other players such as Edgar Davids, Luis Figo, and Ronaldo are other names that are rumored to be interested in a move to the MLS. We need to get to the point where the MLS can start truly competing in the transfer window to get better players and creating a league that can truly become another option for almost any player looking to move to a new team. This is when you will see the tide turning.
The league needs to focus on increasing quality so it will not be seen as a springboard for players to move onto Europe and a landing platform for those ending there careers, it will be a league that is a viable option for those players at any time during their career. Since the MLS is a very young league in comparison to others around the world, the league will still need time to blossom into a mature league that is respected throughout the soccer community.
– Chris
** Chris Campasano covers and provides editorial on the US National Team & MLS for ZigaZoga.com. He can be reached at ccampasano<at>zigazoga.com.
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