Just thinking- that when one considers the enormous pressure (well, for most it would be pressure- for Freddy, he makes it seem a walk in the park) Freddy has been under over past few weeks: He had final exams of school, all the interviews, practicing w/new team, playing "men" and taking some real good licks, etc. And by all accounts, he is coming thru like a champ. OK, maybe he scores inside first 5-7 games, maybe not. But if he plays well over next few weeks, and survives the initial hubbub- I mean, isn't this going to be about as big a crucible as Freddy ever faces in his career, all things considered- GIVEN his age (no small consideration). I mean, if he comes thru this by playing well or even exceptional, what an incredible confidence boost/reservior to draw the rest of his playing days. I truly think it will/would be a great cornerstone for him to do fantastic things with our national team. After all, if he can conquer this- the pressure of some other things (first World Cup, etc.) won't in many ways be as bad. Let's face it, coming from US- the pressure will never (in our lifetimes) be as bad as in other countries. I think in many ways Freddy is putting more pressure on himself now (to debut well) then he ever will. Later I believe Freddy will mostly be able to focus on his craft at these higher levels- since he will have already conquered such as high mountain when he was less prepared, able, and experienced to do so. Can you imagine Freddy being totally dialed in on the field (not distracted), and having years of pro experience to draw upon (and still being 20 or 21?). I think the difference between winning and losing in World Cup's is often how 'dialed' in the players are. Obviously, at the highest levels, they are all great and talented. I also think, viewing how few games he's had against 'men' (last year, he was playing primarily against 16, 15 year old). If he makes it to be one of the (in the games he plays) better players (say, in first 10 games)- and I think he may well do so- there is little I would say this kid can't accomplish. Think about the enormous leap in playing standard that is. Within one year. From 14 to 15 years old. From there, to becoming THE/or one of the best in MLS within 2-3 years..well, that a smaller jump in many ways (in my opinion) than what he would have accomplished from 14 to 15. Any kid who can become the best player in MLS by 17 or so- well, would it not reason that he would be the best player ever produced (by US soccer?) So, here's hoping for the best for Freddy. It is not that bad, even, if he does not shine early. He has sooo much time. But if he does, I predict enormous, never seen before things during his time w/Men's National Team. He will push us farther then ever before in World Cup competition and be an absolute star. After all, he's accomplished harder things before- what he is about to embark upon. I'm sure I'll hear some of fetish jokes again- just like a year ago when I shouted how great Freddy was, and when I used to plead for Gibbs on the National team. But I look forward to pulling up this thread years from now...as long as Freddy loves and respects the game (as he has) and himself (as he's shown), there is no stopping this guy.
I do remember your pleadings for Gibbs. You were spot on there, absolutely right. I think your right about Freddy though, he's definitely going places especially when he goes to play in England in 2007 (My prediction).
I agree with a lot of what you said... but while this is all hard, it is nothing compared to what he may have to go through if he becomes an international star. The pressure on those guys is enormous. Look at what's going on with Beckham right now. Think about how much pressure it would be if in 2010 we expect him to take us really far in the WC. That's pressure. Becoming a better individual player is nothing compared to when the hopes of a club team or a nation are put upon your back. I do agree that it would (hopefully I can change that to will) be awesome to see as US National Team of players who all have a 10 years of international experience by age 27 or so. We aren't anywhere close to that right now. Our best players. Maybe only JOB has that right now. I don't have the roster in front of me, but only our 30+ players have 10 years of pro experience I think. When US players that never went to college outnumber those that did, then we'll be a much better soccer country. This is getting a little off topic now I guess, but oh well. Your post got me thinking... dreaming.
(Pressures of an international star...) I understand your point, but I think by that time Freddy will be supremely prepared and much more mature to handle it. That not to say he isn't mature now- he's amazingly mature for his age- but my "argument" is a workload/pressure vs ability to handle it and not just a workload/pressure (absolute) argument. At 14, this is an amazing bunch of junk to deal with...
Yes, I understand the nuances of your argument. Maybe I didn't address them directly though. Remember one thing though... he's no ordinary 14 year old, even from a poise and ability to deal with stress standpoint. 99.99% of 14 year olds would crack under the pressure, but he doesn't look like he will, at least he's shown no signs of it. I'll make another counter-argument... that the sustianed level of stress he's going have been under by age 20 or 25 (assuming he does half of what we think he might) will be so great that the that may nullify some of the increased ability to deal with it. And even still I just think the pressure on him is really all about what he allows himself to feel right now, but when you get to the level I was talking about you don't have a choice but to feel the pressure. While this discussion is all hypothetical its still an interesting one to me.
Wait a minute, are you saying Freddy's going to be a good player??? You sure are putting yourself out there on this one.
No, I'm saying if he can do well here and now, he will be major impact player on World stage (World Cup), and I don't think everyone will agree that's a given..
With respect to future Nat'l team potential...if we can add some of our young players who have demonstrated they are capable of containing Adu or players of the same caliber...it looks good for the future. Fantastic attack potential with solid d. With a bit of luck..who knows?
I remember that he was talking Gibbs up and then we found out he hadn't even seen Gibbs play yet. I'm not sure he should bring up his backing of Gibbs when he was about the last person on bigsoccer to actually get to see the guy play.
Surely Adu has amazing talents for his age, but his abilities are superior than almost anybody we have seen on soccer. Generally we’ll wait during the whole Real Madrid game for Ronaldo to make his moves for once or twice; but Adu can present this high level of soccer many times. I’ve watched Ronaldo when he was at PSV as well; even he wasn’t as good as Adu is today. Hopefully Adu will hold on to his wit, his passion and his talent. Hopefully he wouldn’t choose to play for Inter Milan or any other Italian team, (Defenders are criminals in Italy) and hopefully we’ll enjoy watching USA winning the world cup with him.
Freddy is right on schedule...even ahead of it.....anyone see his 2nd game? As far as the other poster's comments and Gibbs, I am sorry that I can reach the correct player/talent evaluation and with less information, quicker than you (and many others) who have more information...but such is life...