Someday I would love for all of the brightest American stars to play their soccer in MLS, but there is no denying that at this point moving from the EPL to MLS is a step down in terms of quality of play. It is still in MLS' best interest for their products (such as Clint) to play at the highest level possible, and continue to market the brand through their play. Every time that he scored for Fulham or Spurs, he was proving yet again that talent from the MLS can be successful at the highest level.
When Tottenham bought him at the end of last year, it was the first time in my life that I thought an American truly had a chance to be a difference maker for a champions league contender (goalkeepers aside). I imagined the possibility of Dempsey being a regular starter for Spurs, backing up his Fulham campaign with similar blistering scoring numbers, and holding hands with Gareth Bale whilst they skipped into the Champions League. It would have been the ultimate advertisement for MLS. Clint had a chance to be The One. Or at least, it felt that way for a moment.
Besides the slight dent it puts in my fanciful vision for US Soccer abroad, Dempsey's move makes sense. He'll be paid comparably to what he was making in England, he get's to live in the same time zone as his loved ones, and finally gets to experience MLS as a league that actually has supporters. I can't begrudge a man for making a move that makes sense in every other aspect of his life, but I wasn't yet prepared to give up on Clint as the prime example of American talent abroad.
I see what you're saying. But we give our players a damned if they do/damned if they don't situation, don't we? they come home -> it's too soon. they stay abroad -> too good for playing home. let's just let the players decide.
ReplyDeletei think this is HUGE for MLS, just like Landon staying. players need to do things out of the ordinary (ordinery would be staying there til he didnt get enough playing time) and taking the leap early. they're called pioneers - and Landon was the first. Now Deuce.
i can tell you it doesnt really matter about what we think. i know i for one will be screaming like mad when i see him 9/21 in galaxy
First of all let me just say: Leonardo you are the shit. You are the first person to comment on my blog, and for that I am eternally grateful. Not only that, but you did it with an intelligent argument that actually makes sense.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you. The double standard that has been put upon American players by the fans (myself certainly included) to grow the game domestically, but also become international stars abroad,is something that is impossible to achieve. Even if Dempsey was an integral part of a Champions league side, there would be those that wouldn't want him to return until he had led the EPL in scoring, or won a league title in Spain, become the first American to etc etc etc.
In conclusion: you rock Leonardo. Hope to see you around the blog
I see two factors you didn't mention that went into this decision is that the Spurs did not qualify for the CL last year, and the Spurs made a number of signings that appeared to place Dempsey further down the depth chart so that it wasn't a given that he was going to get regular playing time. I admire Dempsey for doing the right thing for his family and also his desire to help build the sport (MLS) while he is still in his prime. He is right that so many talented players come here after their prime. His desire to return to the US while he is still in his prime shows his willingness to sacrifice personal goals for the advance of soccer in the US.
ReplyDeleteVery good points, and I think it's true that had those things not happened there is an excellent chance that he would have stayed.
ReplyDeleteI suppose there is something to be said for the theory that he came back at just the right time: not old enough to be called over the hill, but having accomplished enough to come back as the glorious victor.
It would have been very sad to see Clint struggle to find his place over the next three to four years, then come back to MLS having fallen from grace from his phenomenal form of the past. I'm very glad that didn't happen, and you're right in saying that MLS really could use some players coming to the League in their true primes.
Thanks a lot for reading and commenting dcboy, hope you continue to read and tell me what you think!