New York Red Bulls and MLS newboy, Thierry Henry was in attendance Saturday evening in Columbus, Ohio to watch a Columbus Crew shy on confidence rediscover its stride against his new team. The two-time defending Supporters Shield holders picked apart an uninspired Red Bulls in front a less than enthralled Henry. All while questions of just how far the Red Bulls will go with the former Arsenal, Barcelona and French national team striker were thrown around with unrestrained anticipation and glee by NY sports pundits and followers of MLS alike.
Nothing can match the unmitigated frenzy of David Beckham's move to MLS in 2007, but Henry's move - while long-rumored - is drumming up some starstruck reactions and questions about the whole idea of designated players. Is Henry's move a signal of increased respect for MLS? If so, will it mean more high profile signings?
These may be the wrong questions.
Are designated players even a good idea for the league as a whole? Beckham hasn't been able to win an MLS cup with LA and the Galaxy hit the ground running this season without him. On the other hand, Guillermo Barros Schelotto has elevated the Crew to two and a half successful seasons. And while each team is allowed 3 designated players, the league has signed just 11.
But let's face it, Henry came to MLS because he loves New York City. Beckham came over for, among other reasons, the celebrity saturated landscape of L.A. So what happens to the league when the coasts are filled with DP's and the center gets overlooked? Would Ronaldhino really want to go play in Kansas City, or Ryan Giggs in Colorado?
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