pires expressed a desire to move here in 2006 - that would be sweet (hes one of my favorite players) i think we should prefer foreign attackers - that would be more exciting and might give young american defenders something different to look at (for seasoning purposes) bringin over playmaker like berkovic marcelinho (i have no idea whether either has ever even considered MLS) when theyre ready to hit the downside would be terrific for the league - and some of these cats draaaaag out that downside with some darn good set up play (ie valderamma, etcheverry, nowak) quick wild suggestions(again im not startin rumours) haessler chapuisat balakov r gomez cocu ortega and please santa bring us papa bouba diop one christmas just not djalmiha besides were always gonna want our attack mid types playin overseas (ie reyna, JOB, stewart, LD eventually, back further harkes, jones, olsen) if they are to be at the level of influence that we require in that position on the big world stage
Our best bet is trying to find quality players who aren't getting playing time in Europe, or are playing for small clubs. I think MLS is fully capable of raiding the likes of the SPL (outside of the Old Firm) or the Polish league for talent, for example. That being said, I think the following foreign players might be worthwhile to pursue: D Marlon Ayovi D Zurab Khizanishvili M Constantin Galca M Ali Karimi M Nikola Lazetic M Daniel Ngom Kome M Ilya Tsymbalar F Stephane Chapuisat F Predrag Mijatovic F Emmanuel Olisadebe F Mladen Rudonja F Abdelsatar Sabry F Venance Zezé Most of these are young players, a few are veterans. Olisadebe is probably currently the biggest name here... he's unhappy at Panathinaikos and no one seems to want to sign him. Certainly one could do worse than to let him resurrect his career in MLS.
Olisadebe was Poland's meal ticket in WCQ. Without him, they would not have qualified. I think he would be a great addition. There are a bunch of quality Swiss players that would be good deals. John Hartson of Wales would be a great addition.
after mijatovic's little anti-US tirade a couple of years ago, i don't think MLS would be his best bet.
Baggio. I know he's doing well now but man he's playing for Brescia. And he's pissed he's not on the National team so maybe he'll be ready to leave Italy for Little Italy.
Also the situation in South America is perfect for picking up some old Brazilians and Argentinians. Maybe Maradona will want to come over and run his fat ass off.
Ferdinand?? A good possibility might be out of favor former England International Les Ferdinand from Tottenham Hotspur, he is still relatively young and can play his balls off, but lacks what it takes to crack the starting line-up at Spurs......
Along with Friedel and Keller (already mentioned), I would like to see Hahneman (another US keeper doing well in Britain, albeit in 1st Division). Also would be nice to see Claudio Reyna--have our national team captain finish his career in our national league--and John O'Brien someday. Baggio would be nice, but I've heard from some Italian friends he's indicated he'll end his career where he is. Once Man U is done with him, Ryan Giggs would be nice. MLS players would benefit from playing with or against a player with the skills and field vision he possesses. And Argentina's D'Allessandro--be nice to see a player with such skills and speed come to MLS before he loses a step. I know he ticked off a lot of people with his cross field jog after being sent off in Miami, but it would be good for MLS players to be exposed to that type of play (and fun to watch, too).
Along with Friedel and Keller, how about Hahneman (another US keeper doing well in England, albeit 1st Div.) Also, sometime in the future, Reyna and JOB. Baggio would be good, but I've heard from Italian friends he's stated that he'll end his career where he is. Ryan Giggs from Man U/Wales. Imagine how MLS players would benefit playing with or against a player with his skills, field vision and experience. D'Allessandro from Argentina (his cross-field jog in Miami notwithstanding) would bring some exciting play to MLS. Plus, it would be nice to see him before he slows. The skills he possesses, along with the speed at which he plays, would challenge all other 21 players on the field every match.
Baggio repeatedly said that he's more than happy to be finishing his career in the relative obscurity of Brescia. And if he is serious about challenging for a place on the national team, he won't be helping himself by leaving Italy. I'm afraid he's over the hill. You didn't think he was going to be 18 for ever, did you? I mean, look at him - he can almost grow a mustache! Almost! A mustache!
I'll tell you who I'd like to see playing in MLS. How about Howard, Mathis, Donovan, Bocanegra, Beasley, Mastroeni, etc.
Window shopping... If we're looking for young, cheap foreign talent - good TI's - the UNCAF Nations Cup is going on this week and next. It's the Central American qualifier for this summer's Gold Cup and is on Galavision. Tyson Nunez, Pescadito Ruiz, and Freddy Garcia are all playing and demonstrate the sort of talent on display. Plenty of info, including rosters (and results), at Concacaf.com: http://www.concacaf.com/news/article.page/1207 From what I've seen so far, the Honduran nats are still packed with players who could have an immediate impact in MLS. Rambo de Leon is all class, but, unfortunately, we'd have to pry him away from Reggina. Some of the other Hondurans who may be more affordable for MLS play domestically, although Olimpia probably wouldn't part with them too cheaply or before they're done with the Concacaf Champions' Cup. SS's Costa Rica brought several new, young players to this tourney. One of them, Erick Scott, scored an excellent goal tonight and, according to the announcers, is only 21. ES is rebuilding, based on its U-23 team. Rudy Corrales, a 24 yr old forward, was one of the few dangerous players for ES against the US last Nov. and has already scored in this tourney. Guatemala debuts on Thursday.
Ok I know you guys want us to have some experience in this league, but the names you have requested would make MLS into (if it isn't already) the world soccer's retirement home. I hope I'm not alone in not wanting our league having a bunch of whinny has-beens who want to get their way in their last season, or just want to sit back and soak up the money. Ehhh, MLS is fine the way it is now, let it grow, one day more and more international "stars" will want to play here. Patience my friends, patience.
I won't name any names here, but I've long been a proponent of Australians who have more or less "gradualted"from the meager talent level that is their own domestic league in the NSL but aren't quite ready enough for the European theater to try their hand in MLS. Sure, they might be using the league as a springboard for European soccer, but these players (who are generally younger) might play with a better purpose than those from Europe who are coming here at beyond the peak of their careers. Just some food for thought... Cheers, William
I read in an interview a year or so back that Luis Figo says that his favorite city to visit is Chicago. It would be nice to see him playing for the Fire. Maybe he will move over here on a free transfer when he reaches his mid 30's. Wishfull thinking aside, the only players that MLS can attract right now without screwing their salary structure are prospects, journeymen and over-the-hill players. Roberto Baggio, Paul Ince, Ramon Ramirez, Tony Adams, Dennis Irwin and maybe Batistuta in a couple years would all add to the league. A kidnap-and-play plot involving Del Piero would also be interesting. Of course this post now ends and reality sets in with the realization that all of these players would probably thumb there nose at MLS.
I like the idea of raiding Central America for cheap YOUNG foreign talent. These players will be much better than some aging European. Not to mention the potential upside of smaller salaries and transfer fees. Ruiz, Garcia, Coralles, Cienfiegos, etc....have all been excellent picks ups for the league. Much better than El Crapador, Mattheus, etc....