Metros sign another aging veteran

[Rover]

Originally Posted by bordelais7

An interesting hypothetical question: If the "door" were open, and the best $$ in the world were in MLS, would we want the best players in the world to come play here, killing the developmental benefit that MLS has been for our National team, etc.?

If only we could have these problems.

Actually, you just described the dilemma for the English, Italians, Germans, and Spanish. The English have been most vocal about the "foreign invasion" that many there believe has hurt homegrown player development. It's tough for EU countries due to the Bosman Ruling that effectively tossed out preferential player quotas for club teams.

My opinion? Better competition always makes for better players among the elites, but hurts the next level down (where national teams get their depth). Our clubs will have to develop strong youth and reserve systems to keep the talent close to home and prep young players for the first team.

Don't think we'll have to worry about this for a few years . . .

[Jim Umber]

Originally Posted by Rover

If only we could have these problems.

Actually, you just described the dilemma for the English, Italians, Germans, and Spanish. The English have been most vocal about the "foreign invasion" that many there believe has hurt homegrown player development. It's tough for EU countries due to the Bosman Ruling that effectively tossed out preferential player quotas for club teams.

My opinion? Better competition always makes for better players among the elites, but hurts the next level down (where national teams get their depth). Our clubs will have to develop strong youth and reserve systems to keep the talent close to home and prep young players for the first team.

Don't think we'll have to worry about this for a few years . . .

Remember the NASL. That's basically what they did; pay big bucks for great players from all over the world. I remember watching the great Pele and Franz Beckenbauer (I think). They imported all the stars, and left no room for developing American players (or little room).

I think the MLS model is better. A few good foreigners just to sweeten to pot, but mostly home grown. And our level of play continues to increase. This is good.

[Rover]

Originally Posted by Jim Umber

Remember the NASL. That's basically what they did; pay big bucks for great players from all over the world. I remember watching the great Pele and Franz Beckenbauer (I think). They imported all the stars, and left no room for developing American players (or little room).

I think the MLS model is better. A few good foreigners just to sweeten to pot, but mostly home grown. And our level of play continues to increase. This is good.

You're absolutely right. MLS has been all about developing American talent, and has succeeded much faster than I ever expected. It helps that we've had two decades of youth soccer development to get some momentum (as opposed to the NASL), but I'm still amazed at all the young talent--with actual skill to go with traditional American athleticism.

It's great to have players from around the world to introduce different styles of play. That's the strength of soccer--every country has its own approach to the game. We're developing an American style, and MLS is where it will be perfected. Tested in the World Cup, but developed here in our league.

[Czar Jake]

I will now resurrect this thread.

(Clear!) bzzt... (Clear!) bzzt...


Djorkaeff injured, out 4-6 weeks with hamstring injury. And so it starts...

[Rover]

Originally Posted by Rover

Too bad none of them (Valderrama, Nowak, etc.) were 37 when signed. All were under 35. Take it from one who knows--each year past 35 counts double for wear and tear.

Would it be wrong to say "I told you so?"

[AreliusII]

Its still early. Let’s hold off on the nay saying until we’re well into the season. I say that Djorkaeff still proves to be a good signing…

[Czar Jake]

Arelius what happened to your original screenname?

[Rover]

Originally Posted by Czar Jake

Arelius what happened to your original screenname?

Dont' tell me there are two of you now. 🙂

YD may yet turn out to be a good signing. But he is old for a soccer player, and older players tend to break. It's good for the entire league for him to succeed, so I'm hoping a pattern isn't being set.

[AreliusII]

Originally Posted by Czar Jake

Arelius what happened to your original screenname?

In search of more attachment space.

[bordelais7]

Oh well. At least he sold a few jerseys before going out injured. Punk.