https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=373835 In Post # 65 in the above thread (credit to Greenbill for point it out) Andy Bennett mentions another interesting fact that, if any KNOWS the answer, I'd love to hear it. The issue in question was the kitten slayer's citizenship: From Andy Bennett: "It says that Adu would have to have either dual American/Ghana or simply Ghana nationality to play for Ghana. HAS he got dual or Ghana nationality. Wasn't it a condition of his US citizenship that he didn't retain his Ghana citizenship? I mean, regardless of whether he has or has not played in an 'A' international, his naturalized American citizenship would preclude him anyway, wouldn't it?" Anyone know the answer to this one?
The US doesn't require naturalized citizens to renounce their original nationality, in order to obtain US citizenship. Many countries other than the US, however, do techically prohibit their citizens from having dual nationality. Don't know if Ghana has such a prohibition. Even if it did it is most likely not enforceable. The point appears to be moot however since Adu appears to have been cup-tied according to FIFA rules.
Adjust expectations. None are elite compared to the top players in the world. Until the "promise" gets replaced with real ability, the US won't be able to beat the best teams in the world. The US culture consumes a great amount of "sizzle", which like Freddy may not be the real thining
Fair enough, but I think your description above applies more to the mainstream fan who swallows whatever the media dish out. If anything, the more, er, dedicated, fans among us are more pessimistic than we should be.
If we are discussing BS, I'm not sure your description is accurate. There's so much hype on Freddy, more than on Bobby or Tino. None can currently live up to it, although Convey had a good Championship season. Jaime is the real deal. Maybe Gomez too. But no one else on the team. Many of them are developing into solid pros who may make the leap to becoming a game changing player in MLS. I feel the same about the hype on the US team, and it's relative underperformance based on expectations. The US doesn't have any full fledged game breakers, except for a couple of goalies. That's it. But this is sports in America, home of the hype. Thank you everyone for letting me stand peacefully on my soapbox. I'll take it home with me now.
What is the fuss all about? I understand Adu perfectly and bet most of you would side with him if you were in his shoes. Firstly, there is no place like home. Although, I'm an american on paper, I'm Ghanaian at heart; it ain't easy to be an immigrant. It's impossible for Adu to be fully loyal to the united states because he spent half a decade in Ghana and "attachment" is strongest during childhood years (it's like asking a cat to call itself a dog because it now lives ina dog's house). Besides, he still lives with his mother and other relatives who speak twi and eat fufu day-in-and-day-out. Frankly, Adu won't make the Black Stars team; there are too many people who are equally or way better than he is. If he makes it in the future, it won't be because of his ability but rather his popularity. Nevertheless, I must say that I won't blame Adu if he plays for any other country besides the US. MOst people on here always talk trash about him, instead of encouraging him, some people sit on here and inflate his weakness. Remember, he is only 17 years old!!! I presume he comes on here to read some of thise mean comments. Why would he play for a country whose people has no love for him? I won't!! Just on the side... Imagine if USNT had 2 Appiah(s), an Essien and Muntari. What difference would that have made? Maybe US should start recruiting players from West Africa . FYI: Togo-Ghana-Ivory Coast-Nigeria are only differentiated by boarders Pls, dont be to harsh on me....
And, they are wrong. As I explain here: https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8847313&postcount=163
I remember Fred doing some interesting stuff for us in '04. Last year he diminished a bit and this season he has lots of touches but isn't much of a breakout or standout. Compared to a youngster like Messi from Argentina, Fred looks pretty dull. Ghana can have him.
Actually I have no idea who he played for two years ago but this past season he looked great everytime he walked on the pitch, and, made a difference. Are you saying Adu is better than Messi?
I think FB's point was that Messi hasn't played for any club that long. He might be a once-in-a-generation player for excitement and poise. No, Freddy is not at that level, and might never be. Anyway, so long as Messi insists on languishing at some minor-league club in an obscure professional league, he'll never be showcased on the world stage.