Michael Ballack to the New York Red Bulls?

Right position. Right pedigree.

But I'm worried about his age -- 35.

And I'm worried about his health.

If he's the type of cheaper Designated Player, like Frank Rost last year, who could be had for a million bucks instead of five-million bucks, then it might be worth the risk.

Price matters with a 35-year-old.

 

Ballack is past his expiration date. They need to find a younger player.

 

Seems like the writer is just guessing and assuming it makes sense. He doesnt cite any sources. Seems like hes pulling it out of thin air

According to Goff montreal looks to be closing in on ballack not us. Right now ballack is more of a deep holding mid. He's more of a Rafa than #10. I wouldnt put too much stock in him being the 3rd dp for rb

 

Agree. It may be just me but I rather go for a younger, unheard of player than a 30 something year old DP in his last 2-3 years of playing.

 

It seemed like Montreal was the most likely MLS team to go after him.

I honestly don't like the idea of Ballack on this team. He is really old and injury prone at this point in his career. And the last thing we need is a guy to come here and take it easy and collect a paycheck.

 

This rumor comes up every couple of months, never with a single reliable source or quote from a person who matters.

It isn't even really a good fit anyway, our problem with our midfielders is not their skill on the ball but their athleticism and movement. We need who can bring the ball forward on the ground and then hustle back to defend, not somebody who needs to be fed the ball further up the field.

 

Yeah the only credible rumor we heard about Ballack was Goff saying that there was a good chance he would end up in Montreal.

 

we don't need him.

 

He is the kind of player that we do need.

 

He is the kind of guy who will retire on a moments notice.

 

Eh, another temperamental aged vet..

 

man i loved Ballack in his prime....does what needed to be done to win a match. All these rumors are popping up cause the Bayer L coach has said that he did not live up to expectations for the club when he rejoined. Plus the emergence of quality youth from the german system, they don't need a 35 yo any more.

But the games i have seen him play healthy this season he dictated the midfield very nicely and played as a floating mid. i think he still has a good year left in him but not much after that (obviously depending on injuries which are most likely guaranteed)

 

This is just a rumor and I don't believe it. Soler had indicated several times he is pursuing a younger player for that 3rd DP. I am more inclined to believe the story on Steve Ireland who is 25 and is an attacking midfielder of Aston Villa. This was reported on the NY Times soccer blog and sounds much more credible.

 

Well according to Goff RB officials are at least meeting with him but I still have major concerns about Ballack playing here. We'll see how it plays out.

 

Stephen Ireland?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Ireland

Sounds like this guy has some serious character issues.

 

Leverkusen definitely want him out. Rafael Honnegstein talked about it on the Guardian podcast this week. They will let him leave for free if he can come to an agreement with another team.

 

i would take ireland in a heartbeat.... but he seems to be settling in at AV after all. Not sure he would come here but then again he might be attracted to NYC.

 

Ireland has talent but as Dtrip said he is settling in at AV, the huge problem is the guy is an absolute nut. He has a terrible history of fighting (teamates, randoms in bars...everyone). He was only pushed out of Man City when they went on their huge shopping spree last year, I think he would stay in England for at least another 2 years.

 

Luke Rogers?

Anyways they can be best buds and totally kick the shit out of anyone on the pitch

 

Ireland fits our needs much better than Ballack (who I see as Rafa 2.0), but either would improve our midfield.

And I don't think we need to worry too much about Ireland missing much time, since he's no longer part of Ireland's national team. That, and all three of his grandmothers are dead...

 

The would make for an interesting attack but we'd have to get rid of Rafa to have some order. The 3 of them would be out of control

 

Think Ireleand would be perfect but seems like we only get older guys here that are any good.