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Report: Diskerud nearing new deal with Rosenborg

Photo courtesy of RBK.no/Knut Aage Dahl 

By FRANCO PANIZO

When Mix Diskerud signed a six-month deal with Rosenborg BK last August as a free agent, many believed he was simply finding a short-term solution for a club before moving on to greener pastures during the 2013 winter transfer window.

It turns out those greener pastures might just be at Rosenborg.

According to a Norwegian report, Diskerud is close to signing a new deal with Rosenborg that could be finalized as early as this week.

Part of the reported reason Diskerud is keen on re-signing with the Norwegian team is because it would give him a steady dose of playing time and U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann is fond of the move. Diskerud, who scored his first international goal in a friendly against Russia in November, is currently with the U.S. squad preparing for a friendly against Canada at the end of the month.

Currently a free agent, Diskerud had been linked with Rapid Vienna and the Portland Timbers in recent weeks but neither are favorites to land the 22-year-old midfielder. Diskerud has, however, said that he could still join the Timbers if a deal with Rosenborg falls through.

Diskerud enjoyed a solid six months with Rosenborg during the second half of 2012. He made 16 appearances across all competitions and scored two goals, including the winner in a Europa League play-offs game that pushed Rosenborg through to the group stage of the competition.

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What do you think of Diskerud nearing a new deal with Rosenborg? Bummed that he is apparently not signing with MLS/the Timbers? Wishing he would’ve moved to a bigger club?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. I’d rather have our younger players playing in Scandinavia than MLS. Player development seems to be more of a focus compared to MLS.

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    • That because the had a reserve system, the news about MLS/USLmerger would change that. Also how many of Americans, that have went to Scandinavia have move on to better leagues? Now add that to former MLS players who are playing in better leagues, you will get your answer. Also how do they have more games? MLS Clubs play 34 games, add the US Open Cup, Playoffs and CCL play, teams play more games
      then any Norway team.

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  2. Not the worst news. Rosenborg is a huge Norwegian club. Its the AC Milan of Norway. Lots more cash, regular European play, esctatic fans

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    • Well their attendance has been falling for a decade and their average attendance would place them in the bottom third of MLS, so I’m not sure their fans are all that ecstatic.

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  3. It would have been nice to see him in MLS but Rosenborg is better for his development if he is a regular starter. It is a solid European club that plays in euro competitions.

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  4. For a more technically gifted central midfielder like Mix, the obvious next step would be the Netherlands or Portugal. I was hoping for a move to the Netherlands myself. AZ could use a player of his skill, and we all would love to see him connect with Jozy!

    Still, it’s better than MLS. And I say that not comparing the two leagues as a whole, but the two leagues’ coaches and player development. We still don’t offer enough to entice a young technical player to come here and learn their trade and develop.

    Especially, with Porter as his coach whose only professional experience was an utter failure. Portland could be in for a rocky road until he finds his feet.

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    • I think Mix is finding his level as a solid mid level league player and we don’t need to worry about developmental league steps any longer. So if he wants to sign with RBK fine.

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    • Coaching Akron is more similar to a professional coaching experience than being the U23 coach, especially considering Porter had Klinsmann looking over his shoulder with the U23s.

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      • How is coaching non-professional, teenage/low 20s players for roughly 24 games a season with unlimited subs any way like coaching professional soccer? Plus the traveling, sponsor pressure, true fans of the game not school fans, egos, buying-and-selling, multiple tournaments going on at the same time, ESPN television pressure, etc. MLS is the big leagues and much like with players, the top coaches are no longer found at the college level.

        Porter’s biggest failures over the summer were his subs and lack of a plan B which are direct consequences of NCAA rules and the style of college soccer.

        He also did not manage professional players well, who play for seasoned club coaches, who get paid lots, and who are cocky. He stubbornly stuck with the players he was used to at the college level.

      • The same way Jason Kreis was able to step into this league without any professional coaching experience at all and build one of the best teams in MLS. Porter played in MLS so he knows what it’s all about.

        He’s not used to travel? Please many of Akrons non-conference games were on each coast. He barely used more than 4 subs a game and when he did it was in overtime which he wont experience in MLS, so its not that big of a transition. Half of Portlands fans are hipsters that just go to the games because its what other people do and Akron has a very knowledgable fan base so that comment shows how little you know.

        ESPN coverage? What? There will be probably only 4 portland games that will be on national TV all season. Multiple Tournaments? They wont be in CCL and the US Open Cup is a worthless tournament where only teams that wont win MLS take it seriously so dont think that will be a problem either. Porter cant deal with professional players huh? The only reason Mix even thought about coming to Portland was because Porter was the coach and if you look at Portlands signings this year compared to last year i would say Porter has a clear grasp of the type of players needed to be successful in this league while building his style.

        You can doubt Porter all you want because he was a college coach( like Arena and Schmid) but ill be here laughing when he takes Portland to a higher level

      • Arena and Schmid have also been in the game a lot longer. Today’s MLS climate is not so patient as we’ve recently seen. Portland should be added to that.

        Let’s see. Time will tell, but I don’t think Porter is the savior everyone wants him to be.

        Oh, and seven games in one season doesn’t mean he really played in MLS. Not like Olsen or Kreis who know professional soccer and MLS inside out: As players.

      • And Arena also coached the olympic team to a 1-1-1 record, same as Porter, and then went straight from college to MLS to lead DC United to a Championship and then lead the USA to the highest World Cup finish in modern times. It doesnt matter how long they were in the game its the fact that they were able to transition to MLS and be successful.

        MLS teams arent patient because they dont know how to build teams. NY fired Arena his first year and have been struggling since while LA gave Arena time and look at LA now. If you expect Porter to win in his first season then it becomes less about Porters abilities and more about your unreasonble expectations.

        He actually played 12 games in MLS but had reoccuring knee problems that forced him to retire early but the fact that he was on a MLS team for 3 years gives him some familiarity with the league. Its also common knowledge that ex-players dont make the best coaches

    • I can’t really understand what seems like American fans’ obsession with our young players playing in the Dutch Eredivisie. I get that its a decent technical league and a step below the big boys, but it seems like any time a promising American is coming through (between age 19-22 ish) people just automatically just say they should go there. Not directing this at you, but its just something I have noticed over the years.

      Overall seems like a good move for Mix. Ok league, some European games mixed in, plenty of playing time and can make the leap to a bigger league in a year or 2 if he is ready. Seems like a good jumping off point for a young player’s career.

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      • Here’s why I like the Netherlands and am always a proponent of it:

        1. The Netherlands is the next ladder rung up from the Nordic countries a lot of our young players play in. So they aren’t sitting on a bench like they would in England or Spain. but they are challenged more.

        2. The Netherlands has always focused on youth development, like Portugal, because their best players are constantly leaving. They are factories that produce top notch talent, because if they don’t, there won’t be a league.

        3. The Netherlands is known for teaching technically gifted young players. You wouldn’t want to go there if you’re a gruff, defensive midfielder or a hard tackling defender. However, if you’re a central midfielder, a hole-sitting striker, or a tricky winger, it’s Eden.

        4. It”s a great launching pad to go to the big leagues AND be prepared for it.

        5. The league is stable with a lot of history and great support.

        Just look at Jozy’s development this past year. He’s improved ten-fold. He’s better with the ball at his feet, he’s a better technical player, he works in spaces, and he’s learning how to run off the ball.

        I don’t know why others put the Netherlands, but my views come from watching Ajax since the 90s and watching where top talent is coming from.

      • You do know, that the dutch league has horrible defending,right? Jozy Altidore,is scoring the way he is scoring because the league is a great attacking league with,no defending. If jozy gets into the big 3 and does that,then I’ll be more impress. People also forget, you have a lot of bust stories from the dutch league as well,along with the success stories,you have the bad ones.

      • So it takes being a top level scorer in the one of the 3 best leagues on the planet for you to be impressed? That’s pretty hardcore.

      • Pretty sure Ajax tore city apart, thats just me, and your a idiot if you do not think that Holland is not the best developing league in the world. As a country, second to none. Barca’s success from their youth came from a dutchman who built the foundations and now look where they are.

      • The quality of defending in the Dutch league has not prevented Dutch clubs from producing excellent strikers that did well in other leagues (Suarez, Nistelrooy, Bergkamp, Ronaldo, Kluivert, Van Basten). I am not saying that Altidore will reach the level of these players, but just pointing out that the Dutch clubs have been pretty good in developing strikers.

      • I hate that people say this. I understand that the Dutch league’s focus has never been on defense, but somebody going there and scoring isn’t something we can just ignore. It’s certainly no worse than if Jozy went to Mexico and started lighting it up similar to Herculez Gomez, that’s for sure. Moreover, more important than the numbers is that Jozy is improving certain facets of his game. His hold-up play, his link up play, his movement, his touch, his decision making, his use of his body. He’s improved majorly since going to the Eredivisie. That’s why people like the Netherlands. The numbers the players put up may be inflated, but the improvements they’ve made generally aren’t.

      • That’s why I didn’t mention Jozy’s goal’s, but his all-around play. That’s what’s impressing me. I’m not impressed with his work-rate at the national level, but for his club, he has greatly impressed.

        And as for easy Dutch defenders, it’s the same answer as I give when Euro fans say it’s easier for the US to make it to the World Cup: Jozy can only score against what’s in front of him; like the US can only beat who they face.

        Jozy is doing well and it’s up to him to chose his next team; I just hope he chooses a team that will utilize him the same way AZ has. He’s not a loan striker.

      • Defenders aren’t bad, its just the team play with an open, attacking mentality. The risk goals to score goals. When everyone plays that way, you get a high scoring league. And you get offensive players with a great touch on the ball.

      • I don’t disagree that the Eredivisie is a solid league that has proven adept at developing talent. However, I’m not so sure Jozy has increased “ten fold” since he arrived. He’s certainly in a better situation and I think he’s taken some strides, but that hasn’t exactly translated to on pitch results with the national team (even against lesser opponents). I think his success there vs. Spain and England has as much to do with the Netherlands being a lesser league in comparison to Spain and AZ not being a complete disaster like Hull.

        I also think you’re selling both MLS and Porter short. Porter’s run at Akron (both in terms of on field success and player development) was nothing short of spectacular and I think he was a great hire by Portland. Obviously his time with the U-23s wasn’t what we all wanted, but I chalk that up as much to timing and bad luck as to anything else.

        As for Mix, I think he could develop his talents as well in MLS as at Rosenberg. I don’t buy that because its Europe and Rosenberg plays a few qualifying Europa matches that its a better talent development situation, nor do I think its necessarily better for his development with the USMNT. Most of the Europa league games Rosenberg is going to see are against other teams from tier two or three European leagues and being in Europe makes it more difficult, IMO, for Mix to be called into B team camps as regularly. Just take a look at the current camp. Tons of MLS guys are getting a look, while the vast majority of the fringe European guys are nowhere to be found because they are in midseason with their clubs. Mix is there, but is it going to be as easy to call him in when his season heats back up?

        To me the move is all about money, nothing more, nothing less.

      • Thank God someone else understands this…

        “I don’t buy that because its Europe and Rosenberg plays a few qualifying Europa matches that its a better talent development situation, nor do I think its necessarily better for his development with the USMNT. Most of the Europa league games Rosenberg is going to see are against other teams from tier two or three European leagues”

        Seriously, I have been trying to tell this to people and nobody listens. And the quality of that league from top to bottom is really quite awful. He would be a regular 90 minute player in Portland, and would play far more games in a more competitive environment. That is one of the great things about the MLS… the parity and quality from top to bottom. I’m sorry, but the bottom 2/3 of the Euro mid-level leagues are just god awful… and a few games against other mid-level Euro teams in the Euro league is not enough in my mind to bring up the overall quality of play he is against… Especially considering RBK didn’t make it throught the group phase.

      • MLS coaches do not know how to develop young, technical talent. Donovan is an exception to the rule, and someone that did develop in Germany for part of his early years. Otherwise, I cannot name a young, technically gifted, creative, passing central midfielder to come out of MLS. Bradley left at a young age and landed in the Netherlands.

        Even if we’re comparing leagues, MLS is behind. The Norwegian league is longer, has Europa, and offers players better opportunities to be seen. MLS is catching up, but there’s nothing we offer that other leagues don’t; we just offer less of some things.

        And the January camp is the only one I can think of that doesn’t fall on a FIFA date. And the rest that due fall on a FIFA date, a club has to let the player go. And luckily for Mix, playing in Norway means he still can make it to the January camp. Plus, not showing up at the January camp hasn’t heard our starters who play in Europe.

      • Sorry, you’re just being a Eurosnob now. You honestly think the Tippeligaen is better at developing talent? I must’ve missed all the Norwegian playmakers streaming into the top European leagues and god knows a league that averages 7,000 fans a game offers a much better and more professional atmosphere than Portland. Rosenberg is the most storied team in the league and they averaged all of 13,500 fans a game in a 21,000 seat stadium. Congratulations on being the Chicago Fire. Their mighty Europa league draw featured the likes of Rapid Wien, Metalist, and Leverkusen. At least I’ve heard of 1 of the 3.

        As for the MLS failing to develop any young technical talent I think guys like Stuart Holden, Clint Dempsey and your very own Jozy Altidore would disagree. The league still lacks a bit of flair, but with first generation American pros like Jason Kreis, Jesse Marsh, Ben Olsen, etc. entering the coaching ranks the sophistication of the league’s style has grown as well (and is born out by statistical analysis) and, as a result, you are seeing guys like Graham Zusi, Roger Espinosa, Andy Najar, etc. (all very technical) nurtured and succeeding in the league.

        Finally, you are correct that most camps are gonna fall on FIFA dates. However, on those dates Mix is going to be competing with the cream of the American European crop, as well as domestic talent. That’s not even mentioning the fact that Rosenberg probably isn’t going to be ecstatic about him flying thousands of miles to take part in camps, friendlies, and qualifying. Nor does it take into account that it will be harder for the USMNT staff to evaluate him when he’s playing in frigging Oslo versus if he was in town playing the Galaxy or Chivas.

        Look, I’m not saying Mix can’t succeed and grow in Norway. His situation is unique in that he was born and raised there anyway and it may be a stepping stone to a larger league (like the Eriedivisie) as well. However, you’re not going to convince me that the Norwegian league is a better or more technical league, nor are you going to convince me that he couldn’t develop his talents and get to a bigger European league from MLS because that simply isn’t true.

        My opinion is that Mix (a Norwegian) simply feels more comfortable there and in all likelihood he was able to extract a larger salary from Rosenberg than what the Timbers were offering.

      • Dude, you cant speak for the capabilities of all MLS coaches. You are just assuming how they coach/develope based on stale sterotypes. As far as young attacking mids, its not an MLS problem its a USMNT problem. But Zusi comes to mind to answer your question. Also the young kid (Luis??) from RSL as well.

      • Josh you a very wrong. MLS coaches do know how to develop young, technical talent. Dike,Espindola, Zusi and Omar,have they not improve. Even Cameron who didn’t even practice his first game before playing his first game. What has hurt the MLS as for developing HG players is the reserve system, which might change if you haven’t heard.
        Also the point I was making isn’t that the dutch league doesn’t develop talent, however you also had some bad failures from the dutch league. Again till Jozy goes to one of the top 3 leagues, he hasn’t proved anything to me. The Norwegian league is not better then MLS, and very few top European side care about the Europa, many start reserves.

      • There’s no real mystery. It’s a good technical league renowned for developing good (and even great) players. MB benefitted greatly from his time there and so has Jozy. Earnie Stewart also had an excellent time there.The only USA player who didn’t really develop to his full potential in the league is probably DMB.

      • I get what you are saying, and I agree with a lot of it. The league has a good record in developing young players. I just think its become kind of cliche in American soccer circles.

        Technical young American player?….SEND HIM TO THE NETHERLANDS ASAP! if you get what I’m saying.

        I just think its more about club situation than the league specifically. If a player has a manager that believes in him, and he fits their system, he will have many opportunities to thrive and develop under their tutelage, no matter what league it is. Mix seems to have found that in his current situation so good for him.

      • And it’s a league where Americans seem to be able to score goals (Bradley & Jozy) and we can see games on ESPN. At least that is a fun way for us to watch a player develop.

      • Josh D,

        “The Netherlands is known for teaching technically gifted young players. You wouldn’t want to go there if you’re a gruff, defensive midfielder or a hard tackling defender. However, if you’re a central midfielder, a hole-sitting striker, or a tricky winger, it’s Eden. “

        I get your wider point about Holland but you do not give the Dutch leagues enough credit.

        They have produced more than their share of players who fit the description of “gruff, defensive midfielder or a hard tackling defender.” It just that on this side of the pond other than the famed Nigel de Jong, most people don’t know about guys like Mark Van Bommel , Edgar Davids, Michael Reiziger, Clarence Seedorf, John Heitinga, Joris Mathijsen. Maybe because their names are hard to pronounce.

        Everyone in that group, at their peak, would walk right into the starting 11 for the USMNT. They were plenty nasty, (Van Bommel is practically a psychotic), have the medals to prove their worth and they certainly are not the only such players coming out of Holland over the years. Besler or Gonzo could do a lot worse than hook up with Twente, Ajax, PSV or Feyenoord.

        And Holland.is not the only place where American players can go to get developed.

        Every Yank Abroad is a little different. Each one needs to find the right combination of a club that is stable, with a management team that wants you and will give you a fair shot, with a team that has a role for you to play, players to play with and in a country where you can adapt readily enough off the field.

        That is the lesson of our goalkeepers, McBride at Fulham, Gooch at Standard, Holden at Bolton, for a shorter term, Landon at Everton and of course, Jozy at AZ.
        Jozy at AZ was a special case. Jozy’s flaws, as much as USMNT fans hate him, were mostly between his ears. He was not as bad as you all like to portray him.

        Earnie saw a bargain in Jozy. A big, strong ,young physical specimen with a lot of tools and some fixable flaws. He knew he could buy him on the cheap and felt that Jozy’s flaws could be fixed by their manager Verbeek, who already had previous experience with another physical American talent, MB90.

        Mix is a different case. He plays a different position from Jozy with different requirements. And Mix is not a young player to the Dutch. He’s 22, middle aged by their standards. He’s a US player but to the Dutch he is a Norwegian soccer product. I’m pretty sure there are more than a few 18 year old attacking midfielders with the same talent and skill level in Holland that Eredivisie clubs can get cheaper, with more upside, who are more likely to fit in. I’m sure Dutch clubs have a lot of contacts in Norway. Norway’s league is ranked 27th while the Eredivisie is ranked 8th so it is a bit of a step up for Mix. If he were attractive to them you would think they would have approached and signed him a while ago.

        In other words for a Dutch club, a guy like Jozy is harder to find than a guy like Mix.

        A big, relatively fast and skilled winger with a big upside that I’ll bet the Dutch would be interested in is Shea. Guys like Earnie and Verbeek could take Brek, coach him up for a year or two, and then flip him for a profit. Mix, not so much.

      • Bergkamp, Romario, Ronaldo, Van Nesteleroy, Ibrahimovich, Suarez. ect. ect. There is a reason why people have a positive impression of players that have been molded in that league.

  5. While the quality of the Norweigan Tippeligaen can be hit or miss, I have no problem with Mix signing a deal with RBK. They are a good side that qualified for Europe, have a good nucleus of young talent, possess a respectable manager in Per Joar Hansen, are willing to sell to players to bigger leagues, and Mix will be in position to be a key player for them. There’s not much to dislike. He’s certainly young enough to spent another season or two at RBK and that won’t hurt his prospects with the USMNT or moving to a better club / league. Mix has proven to be a very smart and savvy when it comes to his career so if he thinks it’s the right move, it probably is.

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    • It hasn’t been confirmed by Portland just yet but it appears they are picking up Diego Valeri, an attacking midfielder from Argentine club Lanus, on loan. That would pretty. Cut close the door on Mix and any interest in Bedoya.

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      • Valeri is only on a six month loan with the timbers and is relatively unproven compared to Mixx. I think the timbers made the move for valeri with he hopes that the Mixx deal would work out. Having some competition doesn’t hurt.

    • I don’t think Caleb is looking for USMNTers in general, he just had a thing for Mix. He needs some real slick passing cms for his system to work and Mix fits that bill. Bedoya is more of a physical, work rate wing player.

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