American Players opting to play elsewhere

[grant1972]

More and more we are seeing players that cannot make teams in the U.S. opt to play in other countries. What do you think of this? I think it is great that they are willing to do whatever it takes to live out their dreams.

[lewgeist]

I'm not sure what you mean by "cannot make teams in the U.S.". The players that leave the U.S. are the ones that are at the top of their game and European teams want them because they are good. For instance, Eddie Johnson moved to Derby because he's a top striker in the MLS. I think the only player that wasn't doing well in the U.S. and still got a move to Europe was Freddy Adu. He's not starting at Benfica, but he at least is coming off the bench to play every now and again.

[webhustler]

I'm not sure if it was due to an inability to find an American team to qualify for, but Jesús Padilla might just be in some hot water for being born in California, as Chivas is known for its Mexican only heritage. Do you think they'll switch him over to the America team?

[philkiecker]

Generally, Americans do not develop the greatest soccer players in the world. I'm going to have to agree with lewgeist. Whenever any player goes to a European league, it is because he is trying to make it big over there. I also wonder if it has something to do with the excitement level. In Europe, soccer/football is king. Here in the U.S. it's behind the 'american' football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and NASCAR. If a player wants superstar status, he needs to go to Europe.