Kenny Sayef, forward (Gent) Nationality: Israeli-American Status: Israel youth international, made his first appearance for the U-21s in May; would have to file a one-time switch to play for the US. What's his game?: Think of him as a Rafael van der Vaart type, only two-footed. Does he project as a No. 10 at the international level? Or is he really a pure support forward? That is the question, and it's not clear if anyone has a solid answer yet. Either way, the 20-year-old Florida native is unafraid; he opened his Gent account in just his second Jupiler League sub outing by nodding home the lone goal winner with eight minutes remaining this past weekend. Is Jurgen recruiting him? Give the guy some time... this one is not German! Just joking, but no apparent Klinsi switch pitch here as of yet. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...ng-out-dual-nationals-usmnt-ahead-russia-2018
Kenny just gave an interview to Gent's official site http://www.kaagent.be/buffalo/nieuws/20-09-2014/vooruitblik-met-kenny-saief/ Through Google translate: What are your goals with KAA Gent? "I have many dreams. The key is to play well and to catch up with the team. PO I I also hope for a selection for the national team. The coach of Israel were in the stadium against Mouscron, so maybe I get a call for any of the following parties. I hear that the United States is interested. Thanks to my American passport I can come to them. Have a choice, I have not yet made. I will only do it when the time to choose has come. Firstly, all my family lives in Israel, but on the other hand plays the United States every four years on the World Cup. I definitely want to experience in my career. The choice will depend on what my heart and head are saying"
Might be worth a look, but this guy shouldn't be thinking about the possibility of regularly playing in the World Cup or playing in it at all. If he were to choose the USA, he's definitely's not currently one of the four or five best strikers, and he might not even be one of the best 8-10. Players like Johannsson, Brooks and Green had that luxury of thinking about that because they instantly become part of the best 23. This guy wouldn't instantly become part of the best 23.
A mercenary? On USMNT? That would be a shame, never happened before. Or we have some mercenaries limit?
This post is a joke right? First off you claim you don't want him cause he's a mercenary but if he's good enough then its cool…. C'mon man.
I mean if he's a world class talent you can't say no but atm there are guys in mls who deserve way more of a shot. Did you not read the part where he basically said I'm isreali my whole family is in Israel but US is a shoe in for the WC so I think I might go with them. Does that not annoy you? At least Germericans have an actual connection with the US. Even Johansson went to high school here for a period of time
I know exactly what you are saying, but Johannsson has alluded to that same reasoning being the reason why he's playing for the USA. The difference is that he never came out and said exactly that.
You do realize that Kenny was born here, right? Also, you conveniently left out the part where he said: "The choice will depend on what my heart and head are saying" Not to mention the interview with ASN where he has nothing but great things to say about representing the U.S. and that it would be an honor.
Eligibility for national team programs should be left to the emotional whims of BigSoccer posters. Any other system is just plain ridiculous.
Played in the last 15 minutes in today's 1-1 draw with KSC Lokeren. Picked up a yellow card for a dive. http://www.kaagent.be/buffalo/wedst...ague-2014-2015/9/kaa-gent/ksc-lokeren-ov/live
67': wissel bij Gent: Yaya Soumahoro UIT, Kenny Saief IN #kaagent #wesgnt #jpl— KAA Gent (@KAAGent) October 3, 2014
If he's a top scorer in Belgium, with prospects outside of it, then maybe we'll take a more serious look. Until then, meh.