http://www.tycsports.com/notas/72681-licencia-confirmada?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter I wonder if there are any teams looking at him? This article states he's basically free to leave boca now. He was supposedly going to retire.... but I think he has probably changed his mind and isn't so 'tired' anymore after everything that went down with Boca last season and in the libertadores. He still 'has' it, even though he is 34. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Román_Riquelme I think he can play deep into his 30s like El Pibe, because his game doesn't rely so much on physical speed, but his hold up play (amazing at holding in spaces with 3 men on him), FK's, vision, and ability to do accurate long passes. Classic number 10. Here are some of his latest clips from his time in the libertadores. He still has it. I am sure He wont come cheap though, and Brasil is huge into Argentine play makers... wouldn't be surprised if a big brasilian team buys him. MLS could afford him too though..
So what is the news/analysis of the MLS here ? If only there were a place for this type of thread ...
Oops! I would imagine some MLS speculation would be involved.... as with (what it seems like) any big player who is on the move to a club outside of where they are playing.... most of the time gets linked to MLS.... I would think Riquelme (a guy DC United was trying HARD to go after in 2007) would be one too. If not in the right section, please move. Thanks !
Disagree. He when playing, made DCU the best team in MLS at that time. They spanked Galaxy at the time (who were the highest scoring team in MLS, at the time) 4-2. Unless Riquelme comes to DCU
Yea... but no offense to Branko... but he doesnt compare to Riquelme. Benny would have no choice (especially since he'd be the face of the franchise) to NOT play him. He'd give him the keys to the offense.
Guys Riquelme is almost of Godlike status for many Argentines. It was very controversial that he was left of the last World Cup roster and it was mainly because he and Maradona do not get along, have a bad history of talking crap to one another, and he was never even considered. It was not because he lacked ability or anything like that. That said though I have my doubts about him being adaptable to MLS in the sense that he might not be all that happy here in the US. He's a got a bit of a temper and if he decides he's had enough that will be "all she wrote" from him.
I agree that Gallardo was not a failure for DCU, more like DCU was a failure for him lol. Gallardo was far ahead of what he had around him in terms of passing. DC players often flubbed his passes with bad touches. I wish he would have stayed longer in DC, it was clear the quality the guy had, pure class.
He'd be a big name signing (read, draw) for pretty much whatever team signs him. Problem is, he couldn't sign with MLS until the winter transfer window opens; he was under contract during that time (June 27th - July 27th of this year).
If DC got this guy, they would score 3 goals most games. Riquelme is known to be one of the most popular players in Argentina, but has had conflicts with teams. Any MLS team that wants to sign him needs to be aware of that.
He's a contreversial player, but he also is a guy that will take a team and make it his own.... if the players let him and coach... If a MLS team cna do that, like Schelotto with Columbus.... then he would kill in this league. He's a truest form of a competitor.... he was crushed with how his last copa libertadores ended...
I'm pretty sure you're thinking of Veron, unless I missed the Riquelme speculation back then. I love Riquelme as a player, but I'm afraid he's a strong candidate to have the Rafa Marquez "I'm too good for these clowns" attitude if he came to MLS. Having said that, I'd be thrilled to have him with D.C. (or anywhere in the league). He is one of my all-time favorite futbolers.
Difference between him and Marquez... he actually would be able to CREATE scoring chances from a higher up spot on the field. But yea, he probably would have a similar attitude because he can get frustrated at times..... either way.... I still think he'd make things fun to watch. I miss the DCU of 2004-2008ish where we were the RSL of the league.
I miss the days when DCU was a dominant force that beat that team from Brazil back in the day in a real international competition. Then MLS blew that team up and they really haven't been the same since.
They were pretty good during the Gomez years. Dominant in MLS and just got shut down by a very very good and talented Chivas of Mexico team by the skin of their teeth...and by an amazing Pachuca.
Maybe the Union's new international scout, Ricardo Ansaldi, could entice him to sign. Ansaldi does have ties with the Argentine national team. I'm hoping he can help the Union brass secure Messi's signature, though.