Now that America has both players, here's the question: What style of player will make a bigger impact for MLS; Adu or Beckham? Breakdown: Freddy Adu: The biggest prodigy signing in MLS history. MLS signs him and bills him as the next-big-thing, and EPL/the world kept an eye on him with DC United with the thought that he could one day play in EPL, possibly Man U. David Beckham: The biggest international signing in MLS history, and the history of American sports. He may still be at his prime, but he will be 36/37 when he finishes his contract with LA Galaxy. Chances are high that LA could be where he ends his career. After the 2007 season, what style players would help make MLS compete with other sports leagues in terms of building it's legtimacy: The big-name stars who start their careers in MLS, or the big-name stars who end their careers wth MLS?
David Beckham who played for Machester United and Real Madrid, has a movie named after him, and who captained a quarter final team in the last World Cup. vs Freddie Adu who is famous for being really young, wasn't the best player on his DC squad, and who played on a youth national side that made the second round of the youth world cup. Advantage Beckham
None taken. U gotta understand why I ask the question though. Adu and Beckham have one thing in common: when both were signed to an MLS team, questions arose as to what their signing means to the future of MLS. The question arose as to "will this guy take MLS to the 'next level'". Now, we've seen both the "next big thing" in American soccer, and the "big name" sign for MLS. What now? This surely isn't the best soccer can do in America. MLS will still be looking to grow after Beckham starts playing in LA. What I'm asking is what direction would they take from here? Would the signing emphasis be to bring in a player that could one day be the next Ronaldhino or Ronaldo of Man U (an investment player), or to sign a player who is already famous and is towards or at the end of their career like Figo, Zidane, or Ronaldo of AC Milan?
If Freddy becomes a superstar it'll help MLS respect. If Beckham is NOT a superstar in MLS, it will also help MLS respect(among foreigners). But then, MLS will also lose money if he's not.
Freddy generated a lot of interest Becks genereated a hell of a lot more interest (never seen so much coverage on ESPN and ESPN.com and other news places) In the end, they are both good for MLS, US Soccer, and for soccer in this country in general. Hopefully we get more impact players from both avenues.
I agree with the Freddy part, but not neccesarily Beckham. He needs to play with a do-anything-to-win approach for this to works. If it means he scores a whole bunch and/or exploits other teams' defensive weaknesses, so be it. Other teams would be forced to improve their squads if that were to happen. Also, I agree with everyone that both are winning-signing approaches to MLS. There's still a lot to know. Adu still has to become the premier player, and Beckham still has to bring it to the LA pitch.
What a question, Freddy Adu of course. This is where MLS should go : producing better american players, not importing old finished british dudes... The Beckham signing makes MLS look like a retiring league. Nothing more.
Just curious, but is Real Madrid a retirement team? You know the team that offered him a 2 year extension and for whom he has been starting? Also, are most 31 year olds who were national team captains retired? I mean seriously? 8/
*sigh* 1) Beckham walks into any team except maybe the top 5 or 6 in the world. 2) There are many of us English fans who actually want Beckham back in the England fold. Include me in that list.
Of course they want to keep him, this guy sells more jerseys than any other guy on earth. It has nothing to do with his soccer skills. So what does it prove ??? This argument is pointless.
Walk into what ??? This guy is not even a starter with Real marid. Nobody would sign Beckham if it wasn't for his huge endorsement deals. This guy is the most overrated player of soccer history. No better than Ryan Giggs. So what does it prove ??? English national team is not great sorry.
I don't think it is a stupid topic at all. The heart of the question is whether we should high priority on signing the world's elite prospects or signing proven superstars approaching their twilight years. I'd say that until we are attracting the top youth from outside the US and not just the best Americans, signing players of Beckham's ability is better for the league and its image.
How can you expect to attract the best Americans if you prefer signing forign player. It makes no sense.
Krayzie, I don't often get involved in disputes with other posters but what you say is pure drivel. I lived in Manchester during their glory treble year, unsurpassed by any other English club and if Beckham could have been gold plated and made a statue. They would have built one the size of the Eiffel Tower. David Beckham was and is a fantastic soccer player with certain abilities that are unmatched by any player I can remember. Is he Pele? no Maradona? no even Zidane? no. but none of these players can pass, cross or shoot a ball like Beckham! BTW I am a liverpool fan who hates United but Becks was special mate, very special. I only hopes he lights up MLS so you can eat your humble pie!
You can't compare the two without looking at the big picture: -Yallop has a track record of success. He has won championships, he did as well as he could with Canada, he was even on Tampa's Supporters' Shield team in '96 and he had a good career in England, didn't he? -Ellinger couldn't manage Rosie O'Donnell in a twinkie-eating contest.
That's another similarity: Adu and Beckham both will play with their new squads for the first time this summer (Galaxy and RSL), so both will have a lot to prove. And both made soccer headlines with their transfer announcements. Also, Beckham's career took off with Man U, while Adu is expected to play for Man U in the next few years. BTW Krayzie, Beckham's no fluke. The dude still scores. I bet you EVERY team in the world that's not one of the top 5-10 in the world would have him as a starter, and people would watch anticipating results. And with the top 5-10 clubs, he'd probably fight for a starting position and get it on or off. Some people in Europe and American critics don't want to believe that a 31-year old player while in his prime would never want to play for an American club and still be in contention for a European international call-up. The tables have turned there, and Beckham, as Adu, will both have a lot to prove to their national teams' coaches. I think if Beckham avoids injury, he'll be back with the English squad, and make the World Cup '10 team to end his international career.
Eh? He doesn't start for Real Madrid so that means he must be crap, right? He'd start at EVERY English, Spanish or Italian top flight club except the top 3 in each league. And any other club team in the world. It proves that in many people's opinion, he is still worth a squad place (if not a starting place) for the 6th best international team in the world. I'd certainly take Beckham over Frank Lampard.
This guy is no better than Ryan Giggs. But Giggs never get the fame that Beckham get because he's not a pretty looking guy.
Actually, yes he did - he was drooled over long before Beckham got his chance in the first team. The problem is that Giggs is Welsh, so never got the chance to play on the biggest stage - the World Cup.
I don't think it's either/or. In reality you need both. It is important for MLS to foster and generate young American players like Adu, Donovan, Convey, and Beasley etc. both as a foundation for MLS teams, to export, and also to improve the national side. At the same time, signing aging foreign veterans can be boom or bust. Pele transformed soccer in the US because of his fame and personality. Beckham is poised to do something very similar. There is also the possibility Becks could be a huge bust like Lothar Mattaeus, who, while well paid, did nothing on or off the field. So, its still too early to tell. But, I don't think you have to choose between the two, you really need both.
I would like to see MLS put a little more effort in keeping the Clint Dempsey's in their prime in the US. If we would have spent the money on Clint that we spent on EJ, he might still be here, or at least may have stayed here a little longer.
Dempsley was exciting, but he wanted European experience, and I can't blame him. Even if NE had the money, he still would have probably taken Fulham. Same with Beasley. They'll still probably come back to MLS in their late 20's, but their moves actually help the US team more, and MLS got a lot of money for their transfers.