Article in NY Times about Grimandi

wasn't McCabe Amokachi's agent as well?

 

From the second page of that same article... this would be good news.

 

ExtraTime reincarnate? Can Bretos and Miles out-do Stone and Dir? Could we stand it?

I have always wondered why FSW never carried MLS games. Do you suppose MLS is getting a little jealous since the A-League got a weekly game?

Any TV types out there that can give us a little insight?

 

I think this guy will help the Rapids a lot. I would think he would be more valuable than Valderrama for them this year. Sounds like Anders Limpar, another ex-Gunner who helped the Rapids for a couple of years, but this guy is younger. Also sounds like Ronnie Ecklund for the Quakes.

 

I liked this part.
"``There are many players in Europe who are interested in my experience in America,'' Grimandi said. ``I am here to help the game go up, and I do believe that a few top players would be interested in coming here. For me, it was just time to move, to find a new life experience.''

Maybe Henry is his friend! (just kidding)

 

Seriously, though. They just follow each other all over the place! Wenger went to Arsenal, then he brought on Anelka and Viera, they were successful and now Arsenal basically has the French national team. It's rumored that Trezeguet wants to play at Arsenal now. I think they talk to each other a lot and if one has a good experience somewhere, the rest follow. Not that I would expect Henry to be coming to MLS next year if Gilles has a good season, but we may see those guys in MLS in a few years if Gilles talks up MLS enough. Or conversely, we may have a lot of young French talent willing to give MLS a go early in their career.

 

I think the young guys coming over is more of a possibility. Henry and Trezeguet are only 24 or 25. It would be a while before they would be willing to give up top flight soccer to come here and equally long for MLS to begin affording them.

Now, if MLS would rethink their loan policy, then we might get some good players over here when they are young and help build the league. It helps the Belgian league when Man U loans players. It could help MLS to take on young up-and-coming stars who can't break into the first team.

 

U.S. under 20 vs. Colorado....Just Saw Grimandi & Rapids Play

Just 3 hours ago I watched the Rapids play the U.S. Under 20 National Team.

Grimandi is a calming, experienced midfielder. He maintains the ball well and quickly and simply finds the correct outlet distribution. He may have to get used to MLS hurry up and run type of game.

Colorado's significant players as I thought before and as was evident today were veterens such as

Mark Chung. Simply the best midfielder! This guy just doesn't get enough recognition except by his head coaches. He played briefly in todays game but as usuall he sparkled.

Pablo Mastroeni - against U.S. under 20 his class was just levels above theirs. The elegance of his soft touches to the ball as he glided around outstretched players merely emphasised he deserves a brighter stage.

Robin Fraser - pure class...veteran, athletic, superior defensive intellect. Good on the ball.

Chris Hendersen - Great engine, very strong contributor to the attack and movement of the ball. Continues to reduce the amount of time ball is in his possession before he successfully finds the best teamate option. He is playing at a very good level, contributes on most plays, on both sides of the ball.

Most of these players only came into the end 20 minutes of the game. Prior to their entry into the game the match was like a soldiers dule. It was not a sweet seductive playing of football in attack by either side. Not even close. The U.S. attack had athletic challenges going forward. But nothing embodying seductive talent, out manning the Colorado defence. Not sure if Colorado as a team looks like a contender. Todays performance they looked less like a contender and more like an also ran! Except for the noted players above.