The Bulgarian Riviera should suffice: Vilian Bijev at Cherno More Varna

Bulgarian!!

Say that in Sofia and someone will throw a block of feta at your head, lol.

 

It's all Greek to me!

....

 

Good luck to Bijev and the Bolivian national team

 

Fading into Bolivian

 

As long as he enjoys his time with his fellow Botswanans then I am happy for him.

 

I had no idea he was a Bostonian. Thought he was from California...

 

He's transferring to Barcelona?

 

You guys are idiots, he got called up to go bowl with Gary.

 

"Villyan Bijev became the latest U.S. youth prospect to jump ship and represent another country last week when he put on the jersey of Bulgaria for a U21 UEFA Championship qualifying tilt against Andorra.
Bijev, who currently plays for Liverpool, provided the assist on the second goal for Bulgaria in a 3-0 win.
The striker did not receive much of an opportunity with the U.S. U20 Men’s National Team since Tab Ramos took over, as the Cal Odyssey product only appeared in one camp."
http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/club...pects:-european-dreams-a-step-closer_aid28878

 

It's not so funny now

 

Not again! Even if he doesn't play out at Liverpool, the kid could very well drop at a decent club to continue his career and development. Very rarely do players completely fall out of the sport after being involved with clubs like Liverpool. It happens, but I'd be surprised if he doesn't pan out in a fine way by YA standards. It's a frustrating development.

 

The guy just didn't impress with the U20s and was out played by Hernandez, Rodriguez, Villarreal, Cuevas, Garcia, and Pineda (all dual nationals, btw). Same with Kiesewetter too

I don't think we're looking at another Subotic here

 

Pouring on the cold water, eh? Seeing those names does make it feel like less of an issue, but youth trajectories can be fickle. I agree he probably won't end up like Subotic, or Rossi to an extent.

 

I guess the real question about projecting a prospect is do you trust Tab Ramos as a scout or the scouts and coaches at Liverpool. Not saying Tab is right or wrong, or that Liverpool is always on the money on their talent, but it's going to hard to not second guess when we turn our backs on young Euro prospects.

 

This big test will be whether he can consistently start for the LFC's u-21 squad. It will be a big year for him next season.

 

He can still switch (back to U.S.) , right?

 

Yes

 

What do you think the chances are of him making this a permanent switch?

 

Inertia tends to win out. To make the switch back to the US, you have to be convinced that you are wanted and needed and you have to be willing to risk what might happen while you wait for the switch to be approved (change of coach, bad result, injury, loss of position). As long as he is getting called in with Bulgaria and treated well, he'll continue down that path. It takes a bit of effort to fill out the switch paperwork and submit, knowing that you are making an irreversible decision.

 

Not really. They aren't working with the same player pool.

 

Also, I would imagine something like 90% of youth/reserve team players at clubs like Liverpool never become regular first team players in top divisions of top tier leagues.

 

This is the best title I have ever seen

 

Bijev started for the Liverpool u-21's in a friendly in Ireland recently. Looks like he played on the wing. Too soon for a call-up?

http://www.glentoran.com/news/glens-suffer-narrow-defeat-0

 

YES