FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Ugh. At least he'll finally get playing time.

But I can't imagine why you'd make the jump over to Israel... whose league is actually on par with the MLS. But I can see why he wouldn't want to go back to the MLS. Landon Donovan came home and everyone called him a coward. At least this way he's saving face.

Benny should just come to MLS. I don't think he would be criticized the way Landon was. Landon straight out quit the Bundesliga. Benny tried and tried (I assume),

I think there was too much hype after the U-20s. At least Bradley has been in form

That disappoints me. He's better than that. He could work wonders for a Blackburn or a Portsmouth side. I hope he stays in England. Or at least go back to the Bundesliga.

come home benny, help build the MLS

unless he's getting more money in Israel, he should come to MLS. if you can't get starts for Derby you shouldn't waste your time in Europe.

I don't know how great the Israeli soccer league is compared to the MLS. Frankly, I think they're both bottom tier leagues. And American players should stick what they know best--playing in the MLS. A friend of mine keeps pointing out how American soccer players are breaking into the EPL. But most of them play for bottom EPL teams, i.e. Fulham who most likely will be relegated at the end of this year. So much for American soccer

Come back to MLS, Benny. I'm not knocking the Israeli league but I think he could do better here.

I'm with everyone else, he might as well come to MLS, though I'm sure Maccabi Tel Aviv probably is able to offer a better wage package, one of the the major reason he wouldn't come to MLS...

Thats pretty cynical ChiMarvrick, more Americans are playing in England-and around Europe, than ever beore, American football is fine, and I think Fulham has the quality, not to mention resources to break out of relegation, especially with teams like Wigan and Sunderland right there too...

Doubt the MLS would pay the tranfer fee and no way anyone would pay him DP money. Don't know what his salary at Derby is or what he'll be making in Isreal, but it'd probably more than the max non-DP salary of $400,000.

Do Israeli teams compete in the Champions League and UEFA Cup? If they do, that might be a possible insentive.

LKD yes teams from Israel do compete in UEFA competitions. Matter of fact the club hes going to is the most successful club in Isreal. They have made it to the group stages of the champions league a couple of times. But i still think its disappointing that hes going there. Should have come home to the MLS but he probably figures its easier to transfer back to a bigger league by playing in a league that can get into the champions league (more European exposure).

Yeah they Israel is a UEFA member, Maccabi Tel Aviv regularly plays in the early stage of the competiitons, as Nvaevo said they are one of the dominant clubs in the Israeli league...

Good points by nvavevo and KopHawk. After I made my comment about the Israeli league I did some searching about Maccabi. I am going to assume that Feilhaber sees Maccabi as his ticket back into a bigger league.

...on the bright side he will learn about playing in high pressure situations.

I disagree that it will be easier to get in a big league for Israel rather than the US. Maccabi may be a great team in Israel, media could have a lot to do with it. Look at Jozy Altidore. He was being scouted by Madrid at the age of 18. That's crazy. Soccer isn't the most popular sport in America, but it has great TV coverage along with a growing fan base. Feilhaber has great potential. I think if he came back and played for a team like DC United or NYNJRB, he could get good media coverage, and he would be surrounded by great talent.

Give up on Benny, boys. I know many are still enamored by the 'wonder volley' in the Gold Cup, but this guy really is on par with Landycakes.
He left HSV because it was too hard to crack the first team and thought it would be an upgrade to move to Derby (?!?!?!?) now he's going to a league that really is no better than MLS where he will get ZERO media coverage and should have fun every time the missiles start flying over there.
Yeah they get to champions league more often than not, but without looking; tell me 7 people who currently play on Maccabi Tel Aviv. I am positive there are only a scant few who can.
He isn't the future at D-mid/holding-mid anymore. Edu and Bradley have those spots LOCKED up. They are both more skilled and I think more fiery competitors than Benny. He could still have a shot out wide if he learns to play there but I think he is out.

potential is there..but where are the results?

Scotland anyone?

But do go to israel. at least stay in one of the bigger european leagues

i meant dont