Another Post About Thierry Henry, the NY Red Bulls and the Question of Designated Players

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?

Top 3 Hot, Cold and Bargain World Cup Players for the Summer Transfer Window

When the World Cup comes to an end next week, the soccer world will focus on the transfer window in Europe. Traditionally headlining and breakout stars alike have used their performances in the World Cup to peak the interest of other clubs and gain leverage in transfer negotiations.

Here are three quick lists of players I think have improved their reputation, have lost a bit off their transfer fee, and who have positioned themselves as great bargains in terms of skill and price.

HOT

Carlos Tevez
As I mentioned in my Argentina-Germany quaterfinals prediction, Tevez is the engine of the Argentine team. His energy and bulldoggish never-say-die aggression has put him at the center of every team he's been on. Add to that his ability to score spectacular goals like his second one against Mexico and the fact that (love him or hate him, and I HATE him) he deserves Champions League Soccer, he might just become a transfer target.

Mesut Ozil
Germany has look clinically threatening and specatcularly dangerous when going forward during the World Cup. And at the heart of the German's success has been the 21 year old attacking midfielder, Mesut Ozil. And with Ozil and his agent have both indicated that he is open to moving to either England or Spain, a summer move away from Werder Bremen seems inevitable.

Wesley Sneijder
All the pre-World Cup buzz about the Dutch camp surrounded the fitness of in-form winger Arjen Robben. However, once the matches got underway, it was 26 year-old attacking midfielder Wesley Sneijder who delivered the goods - including the two goals that lifted the Dutch past tournament favorites Brazil. With the impending shake-up of Sneijder's club, Internazionale following Jose Mourinho's departure, Snijder may be looking for a move and will have no problem finding suitors.

COLD

Alexis Sanchez
Sanchez relished in flamboyant displays against weaker teams and all but nonexistent when it mattered most (see Spain and Brazil). He may make a move away from Italian side Udinese this summer, but it won't be on the grounds of his World Cup performance.

David James
With his domestic club Portsmouth suffering a painful relegation to England's second tier league, the 39 year-old English goalkeeper may have been looking to prolong his career with a summer move. His indecisive performance against Germany, however, put an end to such hopes. Retirement now seems likely.

Fernando Torres
El Nino's skills are undisputed, but his performance at this World Cup has left something to be desired. If Torres makes a move away from the hemorrhaging train wreck that is Liverpool this summer, it will more than likely be to follow his former coach and mentor, Rafa Benitez to his new club.

BARGAINS

Keisuke Honda
Many people, including myself, expected nothing of Japan's soccer team in this World Cup. However, the Blue Samurai pushed into the quaterfinals at the expense of Denmark and Cameroon. Leading the charge for Japan was the midfield stylings of 24 year-old Keisuke Honda. He can shoot, he can open up a defense with a penetrating pass and he can calmly slot home a penalty kick. Honda would be a great bargain buy for a big name team looking to shore up depth in the midfield.

Michael Bradley
Bradley has already been identified as a rising star in U.S. soccer, but his performances at the World Cup - including a crucial tying goal against Slovenia - have solidified his status as an integral midfield workhorse. And at only 22 years of age, his prospects will only improve. If Bradley makes any move away from Borussia Mönchengladbach this summer, you can bet his performances for the U.S. men's national team at the World Cup will be a factor.

Winston Reid
New Zealand was another surprise in the early group stages of the World Cup. After going down one goal in their opener against Slovakia, defender Winston Reid scored a fantastic stoppage time goal to give the All Whites their first ever point in a World Cup competition. The Kiwis went on to put on defensive showcases against Italy and Paraguay, at the surprise of the World. The experience Reid gained during the tournament will make him an ideal target for mid-level clubs looking for a bargain this summer.

UPDATE: Gil goes to Wizards

The AP is reporting that the Kansas City Wizards have won the rights to US U-17 star Luis Gil.

I will refrain from making any "work his magic" jokes.

Link to Sports Illustrated article:
http://ping.fm/wXgCT

MLS Nabs US U17 Star from Arsenal, But Will They Know What to do With Him?

photo credit: www.ISIphotos.com

According to the Steven Goff over at the Washington Post, the MLS has signed US U17 international Luis Gil (pictured above) in the face of competition from European clubs of no lesser stature than North London's Arsenal FC.

Gil will be assigned to a team through a lottery on Monday. The lottery will be weighted in favor of teams at the bottom last season's table.

So not only did the MLS steal a promising future US international from a team internationally renowned for its outstanding youth system, they are more than likely going to give him to one of the league's worst teams.

I smell another botched career in the making.

To be frank, the MLS has a terrible track record when it comes to developing young players. And now that the MLS reserve system is gone, it seems the track record will only get worse.

If anything, it provides an unnecessarily steep learning curve for the star players who make the unavoidable move to European clubs. Although initially hailed as the savior of American soccer, Freddy Adu is still struggling to prove his international prowess.

"But what about Jozy Altidore," I hear you yell at me. Yes, he spent two successful years with New York, but he has struggled since to find the proper footing in European club football. While Altidore is liking life with Hull City FC, scoring only one goal in 19 appearances may not be enough to keep both he and his club in the Premier League.

On the other side of the argument, you have West Ham United's Johnathan Spector. Signed at the age of 17 by Manchester United after less than a year with the Chicago Fire's youth team, Spector has had a quiet but successful career as a defensive workhorse in the Premier League and at the international level.

Don't get me wrong. I want US youth players to do well. I want them to become the stars I know they can be. I just don't think the MLS is equipped to give them the challenge and discipline they need. The bottom line is that the MLS should stick to the development model it does best, signing college stars, and leave the art of youth development to the clubs that have the money, coaching staff and experience to do so.

When it comes to the future international success of MLS youth players, it's a fine line between a Jozy Altidore and a Freddy Adu, and even longer odds. So while I'm excited to see Gil's MLS debut, I'm slighted worried about yet another brilliant young player whom the league may never fully develop.

Sitcky Summer Ahead for Manchester United

Manchester United secured their third consecutive and 18th overall topflight title with a gritty draw against London rivals Arsenal today at Old Trafford.

Comments made by manager Sir Alex Ferguson as well as players Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney were filled with sentiments of inexpressible joy.

But while the team basks in a well-earned threepeat of Premier League titles, a storm brews in the wings.

As the Premier league season winds down and all eyes turn to the stage of all club stages - the UEFA Champions League final in Rome on May 27th - transfer rumors abound.

Currently, Carlos Tevez, the 24 year old Argentinian striker is the center of a maelstrom of speculation over his future. His 2 year loan deal at an end, Tevez and his represntation are seeking a higher profile for the striker at Old Trafford with stoic signals coming from management.

On the other side, the wunderkind and FIFA World Player of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked (via hearsay mostly) to a number of Iberian sides. However, if Manchester United win in Rome and Ferguson works his magic, it seems likely that he will stay at Old Trafford.

In the end, Tevez's fate is more than likely up to Ronaldo. If Ronaldo leaves, Feurguson will surely look to keep Tevez in a 4-3-3 setup of sorts. But if Ronaldo stays, then Fergie can certainly afford to let the selfish striker go.

Only time will tell.