Who on the Men's Nat Team (and who on your favorite MLS Team) make others play better? In pro basketball, you used to be able to say that about Larry Bird and Magic Johnson and to some extent Michael Jordan - Who in American soccer? - The guy out there who makes the great passes to open players, works hard to be in a good place to receive a pass from someone in trouble, makes passes to teammates feet and always controls the worst passes from others - Always seems to be there quietly On the Men's Nat Team, that should be Reyna, but sometimes his influence seems very muted out there - On DC United, its been apparent that its Ben Olsen - When got over his injuries last year, DCU started to roll - When he got hurt, neither Etch nor Hristo had any real leadership - This year, DCU's fortunes again go up and down with Olsen's health - No one else seems to be able to keep the Middle together the way he has After watching Argentina in the Copa America and Olympics, I'd say either Allesandro (sp?) and Kily Gonzalez
Landon Donovan is a great passer who makes his team mates better, especially when playing as a midfielder with SJ. His vision is the best of anyone in the MLS.
When healthy, Preki makes the rest of the Wizards a hell of a lot better. His passing is amazing, and when you play with someone great, it automatically makes you step your game up another notch. Preki's vision is just as good as Donovan's, and maybe even better. Preki is obviously slowed by injury and age, but he's still got it. As for the USA, I think that the youth and skill of Donovan helps the other players create good scoring chances and 1-2 combinations with Landon. Also, Landon is not too shabby and controlling possession and he works to get other players involved. He's not that bad of a soccer player.
Brian McBride Josh Wolff I think these 2 make those around them better... or at least look good. McBride has done it with both the national team and his club teams... particularly Columbus. He does all the grunt work, holding teh ball, making passes, going for headers... and then can lay the ball off for another to take a good shot. Wolff does it with his speed. He forces the opposition to respect his speed and draws them away. He can clear space with or without the ball for others to take. When on his game he also does a good job of getting the ball wide, drawing the defense and sending a dangerous ball across the goal. Landon also improves those around him, to some extent Reyna, for all his considerable talent... really doesn't seem to bring up the games of others. It's not a knock on him, but his game is typically slowing things down and control rather than quick connections with teammates.