The following statement will likely upset some Major League Soccer supporters, but it also happens to be accurate: The success of MLS is largely based upon it being a “feeder league” for more noteworthy leagues that are located overseas. There’s nothing wrong with our domestic league being somewhat of a youth academy for teams in England, Spain, Italy and Germany. MLS clubs selling off future stars will, if the funds are properly invested, help the league, its teams and American soccer, in general, continue to grow at a speedy rate.
I’d like to believe that every reasonable fan understands why the best American footballers in the world shouldn’t, and don’t, play in MLS; because those athletes want to reach their ultimate potential. It’s mainly for that reason why I put together the list that is found below. That doesn’t apply to the first name I’ve mentioned, though, as he has simply earned his exit from MLS.
5 Americans who should leave MLS in January 2013 #1: Landon Donovan
I first touched on Lando leaving MLS back in May. While his staying with LA Galaxy through December 1 worked out rather well for both club and player, never before has it been so obvious that Donovan has done all he can for LA and MLS. Unless you’ve been living under a rock since this past spring or you aren’t a big soccer fan and just happened to stumble upon this piece, chances are that you’re quite aware of all of the rumors regarding Donovan’s future that have been swirling around. Those of you who need to catch up can do so by clicking on the previously linked article.
Partially because of conversations I’ve had with people and partially because of gut feeling, I don’t believe that Donovan is really ready to call it a career just yet. He’s got one more World Cup in him, and the guy can clearly still go at the highest level when he is fully fit and fully motivated. I’d like to see Donovan take January off, get rested and healthy, and then join Everton at the end of the transfer window. He could then play one and a half seasons of Premier League football before playing for the US one last time on the biggest stage of them all.
You don’t owe us anything, Landon. You’ve done plenty. Thanks for it.
5 Americans who should leave MLS in January 2013 #2: Juan Agudelo (born in Colombia but features for US Soccer)
The New York Red Bulls shipped the once budding star to Chivas USA back in May in a move that greatly benefited RBNY and also left some wondering if the teenage sensation was destined to be just another player who couldn’t live up to the hype. Agudelo has earned a bit of criticism with his lack of production (three goals in 24 league appearances in 2012 is undeniably not good), but there’s one thing everybody should remember when evaluating the young forward: He turned 20-years old in November.
Regardless of your personal opinion on Agudelo, his remaining at Chivas USA does him and US Soccer zero favors. The talent is obviously there as he showed in the USMNT’s 2-2 draw at Russia last month. Maybe he just needs a new home. Agudelo has recently been linked with a potential move to Celtic. I’m all for it, and also hope that it proves to be a restart of sorts for the young man’s career.
5 Americans who should leave MLS in January 2013 #3: Graham Zusi
I don’t see Zusi leaving the league this coming winter for a few reasons, but I also can’t help but wonder if his doing so would be best for his immediate future. The 2012 MLS MVP candidate led the league in assists this season with 15, and he notched his first goal with the senior US team in January. Zusi kinda/sorta came out of nowhere in that he quietly became the most creative American play-maker in MLS over the past two years, and he is just now entering his prime.
The US will be playing in some important contests in the next two calendar years, and manager Jurgen Klinsmann has been very clear about wanting the best American footballers playing in top-flight European leagues. The future, not to mention his best playing days, is now for the 26-year old midfielder who isn’t getting any younger.
5 Americans who should leave MLS in January 2013 #4: Omar Gonzalez
I’m willing to admit that this is a completely selfish selection on my part, and also one that’s a bit too obvious. It’d be easy to argue that Gonzalez would already be playing elsewhere had he not tore his ACL while training with FC Nuremberg this past January. Gonzalez returned from injury in July, and he showed that he was “back” when he was man of the match in the 2012 MLS Cup Final.
I touched on some concerns I have about the current and future US back line in my 2012 USMNT Year in Review. Gonzalez definitely has the size and the talent to feature in the senior US team, and it’s been widely reported that Klinsmann noticed the defender’s stellar play during the fall months. Gonzalez making a move to a decent-to-good European side could be the final step in his securing a spot in the Klinsmann Army, perhaps as soon as this February.
5 Americans who should leave MLS in January 2013 #5: Brek Shea
Shea had an Agudelo-esque fall from grace in 2012 following a breakout 2011 campaign. He had a much-publicized blowup with FC Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman in July, and it seemed as if he was always dealing with some sort of injury during the regular season. Shea underwent surgery to remove a bone in his foot in November, and it’s been reported that he could be sidelined for three months.
I see Shea as I do Agudelo in that both may just need a change of scenery. Dallas looks like a side without any clear plan for the immediate future, and Shea reminded both fans and Klinsmann of his skill when he began the scoring sequence on that historic August night at Estadio Azteca. He’ll likely have to prove himself in 2013 before he gets a look from any noteworthy teams, but I could think of several English sides who should at least take a flier on the injured American and see if something could be worked out.
