Saw this in Shabs' Jeff Parke post, For those who don't know Duka plays for Rutgers and was called up for the U-20 CONCACAF roster.
I love this kid's name. Makes me laugh. Sounds like a cartoon character. He was brought into the U-20 qualifiers wasn't he? I'm all for youngsters (or anyone) going to Belgium. Anderlecht would be a great club to groom and hone your skills. Hopefully, J. Jeffery is talking a little in his ear about going over to Belgium. Of course, I also hope JJ is talking a little smack since he's at arch rival Club Brugge.
Interesting. Does he already have an agent? And does anyone know if he was scouted as a U20 or at Rutgers? (Or something else?)
We have to assume it was with Rutgers since he has yet to make an international appearance. He also played on the Red Bulls Academy team so there may be a connection there.
For all we know he could have some connections and already trained/trialed abroad. http://www.scarletknights.com/soccer-men/roster/roster-detail.asp?ID=3587
Geez, if this kid makes it- the puns will be worse than Adu... 'Willy Nilly Dilly' 'Silly Dilly' (English fans' chant, to 'Luka') 'My name is Duka, I know how to really score'... etc. Looking at Rutgers stats, this guy was basically THE team last year. (scored 8 goals, rest of team only 10 combined, and played in midfield). He must have been double defended every single game too, any opposing coach worth his salt would have tried to shut him down first. Very intriguing case- a young, technically gifter player who had to do everything for his college team, playing in a good conference, and knows how to score as a midfielder. Love those kind of guys- our talent pool is not exactly full of them.
He's the 2nd member of the Red Bulls academy team to head to Belgium this offseason, with Jonny Exantus being the other. I'm guessing there's some connection.
Let's just hope for Dilly's sake that there were scouts watching him today play for the USA U20 team.
How many academy players will MLS teams have to lose to Europe before they change the system? Not that it matters much (unless it could help get an EU passport), but what is his ethnic herritage?
Had a stand up game for the U-20s in their 3-0 victory over Jamaica. Scored 1 and assisted on another IIRC.
Why? Albania never qualifies for anything, and it wasn't very long ago that they were suspended from international soccer.
That doesn't matter, if US was in UEFA they wouldn't qualify for shit either. But it would help our chance of qualifying if we have him. And your talking about a ban that lasted a month in which Albania didn't have matches. Since he was born here i wouldn't really care if he chooses the US but I have a feeling that he will play for Albania.
If the US was in UEFA, then they'd be European, and more kids would play soccer growing up. I love that argument. He's got the makings of an internet legend this kid...can't wait to see him.
I've heard that the Albanian national team has been quite disorganized as of late. I seriously doubt Duka will play for Albania. Plus, their chances of qualifying for the WC is pretty slim. No offense.
Why would be play for Albania? He is doing very well for the u20s and is a good prospect for the future. I can't see him switching.