FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Makes sense. They have a French-American President with a facination with American players. He already got Freddy Adu from Benfica so I can see this happening.

i liked the monaco option originally... linking up with adu would be good... and i know Monaco is good at producing some quality talent, but i wonder if the move would be smarter then staying another year at Heerenveen... im not sure...

Interesting.

In my opinion he is better off at Heerenveen and just waiting another year. If he has another good season, bigger clubs will come around.

Id rather american players not pile up on one team. It happened at fulham and they were almost relegated, it makes it look like too many americans means a weak team. If its only one or two they can succede or fail without bringing their nationality into it. Stay at Heerenveen and let Adu have his own midfield to lead.

My only problem with American internationals playing in the Dutch league is this, I am not sure the league is good enough to make them starts. Both Howard and Dempsey took off in both their poise and play after moving to the EPL. In Dempsey it was especially striking. Those who went to the Dutch league, Gooch and Bradley, have in my eyes, especially Bradley, improved, but more than expected with good training? I'm not so sure. Is the French league better competition? More quality players? I am not so sure there either. The bottom line is these guys need to work their **** off and break into first team play in the EPL, Bundesliga, La Liga, or (good luck) the Serie A. That will make them and the USMNT much better. The MLS and the second tier leagues around the world aren't going to help. Honestly, I have seen many Dutch league and French league games and aside from 1 or 2 teams in their heyday, 1987-1990 for PSV Eindhoven, and perennial champions Lyon. Notice how quickly they all crashout of the champions league?

kingmax- im sure there were more english players on the Fulham roster then American... the experts of the EPL even mentioned that fulham and reading's failure last season was not due to the yanks on the team, but rather the entire team itself...

Re: Americans piling up on one team:
Having a compatriot on the team is good for everyone. It's tough making the transition to another club in another country. Having someone with a similar cultural background and similar goals would make the move much easier.

Special One:
I think you may want to review your critique of dutch club teams... Since 2000, PSV has made it to the knock-out round of the champions league 3 times, and Ajax twice. I believe one PSV run went all the way to the semis. I don't necessarily consider that to be "bad." Making it out of the group stages is hard enough. Likewise with the French teams. The French at some points in the last 7 years have sent two teams to the knock out round. Lyon has made it to the final 8 twice I believe. You are asking a lot if you would like them to do better against the big spenders like Chelse, Inter, R Madrid, etc... I think they have actually done pretty well, and Lyon are always competititve. Also, Gooch plays in Belgium.

You're right though, these guys are going to have to work their tushes off to get into starting line-ups whether it be Monaco, Hamburg, or otherwise. I hope they are ready for that.

I like this, Ligue 1 is the next logical progression. That league has produced a ton of EPL/La Liga players. From the previous boards it sounded like everyone agreeed 'Boro would have been a disaster and kind of split on Hamburg. I think this would be great for his progression.

if he stays he'll probably leave next year anyways, so hveen is smart to try and shop him, otherwise he goes away and they get nothing

I like this for two reasons. One, I think the French League with be a great stepping stone for both of these young players. However, second, and more importantly to the US national team, we now have our two best players at the same club. Hopefully this will prove to be the next effective partnership to the US squad.

Fitting that they chose a picture of Bradley with Adu watching in the background.

The Special One:

Btw dude, Onyewu has never played in a Dutch league. The last prominent American to play extensively in the Eredivisie during his career was Ernie Stewart, and honestly, the league did wonders for him.

I have to say the last American to play for any amount of time who had minor success was Damarcus Beasley. Champions League Semis with PSV along with a Dutch League title.

slightly off the topic - but why the heck did coach bradly not include Freddy Adu in the game against Guatamala?

Just resting perhaps after the Olympics I guess. Freddy has shown himself to be an essential player for the future of the USMNT.

Becasue Bradley is a moron, Beasley and Convey should be our starting wingers, with Adu the first man off the bench

RoDawg- b/c adu has just returned from the olympics not to mention he is also trying to work a spot into Monaco

Beasley should play left mid. Dempsey right mid. Marvell Wynne should be playing RB. 4-4-1-1.....Altidore up top with Freddy rigth behind him