Photo by John Todd/ISIPhotos.com
By DAN KARELL
It is the question on the mind of every American soccer fan right now. What’s next for DeAndre Yedlin?
According to multiple reports, Yedlin’s representatives and the Seattle Sounders have been fielding numerous international offers, with a chance for Yedlin to use his 111 minutes of World Cup performances as a springboard to greater glory.
Then again, Yedlin could remain in MLS, where he’s pretty much guaranteed to start at right back after winning the job in his rookie season, playing for his hometown club in the city he’s always called home.
So what should Yedlin do next? Let’s take a look at his options:
MOVE ABROAD TO A EUROPEAN CLUB
If Yedlin were to accept one of the many offers on the table from European side’s, it would certainly put him in good stead with U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
Klinsmann has never been shy about urging his squad to move to Europe and challenge themselves in new environments, constantly moving up the ladder until they become regulars on UEFA Champions League clubs and/or title contenders. If it’s true that AS Roma are one of the clubs interested in Yedlin, a move to Italy’s capital would put him immediately into a squad participating in the Champions League.
While he would likely have to wait a year or two to see the field on a regular basis at Roma, (barring injuries to other players), Yedlin could eventually take over as the ready-made replacement for right back Maicon, who at age 32 probably only has a few years left playing at top-level.
Even if Yedlin moved to another club in Europe that isn’t in the Champions League, he could join a smaller side, work his way into the squad, impress, and then a year later move to a bigger club.
One thing is clear. Interest in his services may never reach this high a level again for several years, so this is probably as good a time as any to land a big payday for his services.
REMAIN IN MLS FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON, THEN MOVE ABROAD
While the Sounders and MLS would certainly part with Yedlin if a buyer met a high enough price, the club would rather Yedlin finish the season as they contend for an MLS Cup title.
If Yedlin did agree a move abroad and remained in MLS through January, it would allow him to continue to develop and start consistently, instead of potentially finding himself lower on the depth chart of a European club in July and having to wait it out.
That being said, a move in January would make it tough for Yedlin to break into the starting XI and he would likely not be in great rhythm due to the differences in the MLS and European calendars.
REJECT THE FOREIGN OFFERS, REMAIN IN MLS
Having noticed the wave of USMNT regulars remaining or moving back to MLS, Yedlin could very well decide that there’s no need to leave home right now, and that it may not be worth leaving a great situation for a more uncertain one.
Every time a coach is fired, almost every player has to prove themselves to the new coach, and sometimes the new coach doesn’t have a place for a player, even if they were once a regular in the squad.
In addition, as shown by Graham Zusi, Kyle Beckerman, Brad Davis, and Matt Besler, staying in MLS as opposed to moving abroad doesn’t necessarily hurt your USMNT stock. Being stuck in poor situations abroad ultimately may have hurt players such as Maurice Edu, Sacha Kljestan, and Brek Shea from making the final World Cup squad.
Finally, even if Yedlin does reject the current crop of offers, there’s no reason to believe that any future performances won’t be rewarded with more interest from abroad.
——–
What do you think Yedlin should do? What would you like to see him do?
Share your thoughts below.
Based on an amalam of past young USMNT players experience’s I would this:
take the money and go now; get loaned out to a team that fires its manager, benches him, have him look for another loan by next Spring; lose his spot for 2015 Gold Cup; find a loan to a 2nd tier league, do OK, get called up for 2016 Copa America; get sent back to the big club, fail to crack rotation; transfer back to MLS mid 2017 and slot back into WC 2018 plans mid Hex…..
Move abroad ONLY if they will gaurrantee to loan him out to a 2nd division team WHO has roster opening’s where he WILL play & develop. Ex. –If he goes to Roma and is a ‘reserve’/practice squad player who NEVER plays he will never develop.
The next 2 years will likely determine the trajectory your career will take. You are young, no family obligations, if your dream is to be world class- don’t get off track or distracted as there will be plenty of opportunity to do so- make the game, your skills, your mind, your fitness/health your primary laser beam focus. Don’t rely on your enormous physical gifts- maximize them. Work as much as your most fanatical team mates- then do a little more. Stay humble, continue to challenge himself, work really really really hard to improve everyday. What club/situation is best? I haven’t clue. Hopefully you have solid counsel, good representation and instincts to turn to- ain’t a soul on this site has enough information
Well, I would hope that any bargaining projections are factored into the decision to keep or trade him.
If they raise the salary cap a significant amount, that is exactly the type of player that should be kept here…and the exact type of player that should/could want to stay.
by bargaining, I mean between owners and players when the new contract is written up.
Go for the highest level of competition that will give you regular playing time. If that is MLS then so be it. I would hate to see him go to Roma and have an experience like Gooch did at AC Milan.
Go for the money. The issues regarding the level of competition and playing time or not are imponderable. The future is uncertain so make hay while the sun shines. If DeAndre is a hard worker, he will rise to his potential pretty much no matter where he goes or does not go.
At some point he simply has to admit that for success he must impress coaches and do whatever it takes to do that. If he does that, any move will be a good one and likely followed by a yet better move.
Go for the money! Have to agree. how many chances does a person get for that?
Exactly. And the world cup bounce was his best case scenario.
Player and club both need to get paid now before he regresses to the mean.
Same goes for ochoa, navas, besler, james and cuadrado.
He should stop trying to look like Rihana.
Also, I found this article. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2120309-predicting-the-usmnt-squad-for-the-2018-world-cup/page/8
I could see him playing as a right mid. Crazier things have happened. Bayer Leverkusen played Hejduk as a forward.
What amazes me is that when Big European Clubs (TM) don’t have an immediate use for a player as a starter, they just lock him up in a dark closet where he atrophies and wastes away. It would make so much more sense for them to include the player in practice where he could learn from the veterans, field the player in open tournaments against less formidable opponents, and/or orchestrate a loan whereby the player can get playing time and the club can get reprieve from his salary. I can’t understand why they don’t do that!
When will those Big European Clubs (TM) ever learn?!
Yep, far more players in the closet than we’ll ever know.
And yet somehow there’s always a player that shows up at the club and wins a starting spot. I think it’s hard for people to grip the fact that a team isn’t designed to help the development of one or two prospects. The BECs want to win and so they play the best players and keep the next best players in the mix just in case. People are paid to watch the players and decide if they are good enough. All the player should worry about is being their best every time out.
KGE,
Learn what?
Lots of Big European clubs do all the things you suggested.
And they will also cut you off at the knees if you don’t measure up.
Really, the best thing a young guy like Yedlin can learn from going to Europe is that it is a really cold, cruel, cutthroat business and you need to be on top of everything on and off the field 24/7 if you want to make it to the top,
GW,
You think that the only thing a young player can learn from veterans at a top club is that “soccer is a cutthroat business”? That’s neither the only thing nor the best thing Yedlin could learn.
KGE,
What Yedlin will learn from veterans is up to them and him. Not every team has a culture where veterans take the kids under their wing. Those guys are paid to play not necessarily to mentor their replacements. And some of those guys are frankly, bad examples. And finally, veterans can get hurt or cut or traded so If Yedlin is looking at that, those guys may not be around when he finally shows up.
My brief, incomplete check list for any young American prospect looking to move abroad, in no particular order:
1. Study the successful years of Jozy, Gooch, Sacha, Holden, Edu, i.e. what went right and wrong for them. Contact as many as you can for recommendations.
2. Is the club stable, financially and otherwise? See Rangers, F.C.
3. Manager:
a. Secure and stable? See everyone who managed Adu.
b. Is the manager the one who wanted you?
c. Are he and the management on the same page about you?
d. Does he have a system suitable for you to play in and grow professionally? Does he have a plan for your growth and development? How do he and his staff rate as developers of talent and as teachers.
4. Club:
a. Is the league an upgrade from your present circumstances in terms of competitive level?
b. Is the team more relegation or championship material?
c. Is the country some place you can adapt to culturally?
d. How are their facilities and resources?
e. Is there a spot on the team you can, within a reasonable amount of time compete for?
GW, your checklist seems fine. No complaints from me. But the most obvious and important thing to learn at a big club is the game. You said:
“Not every team has a culture where veterans take the kids under their wing. Those guys are paid to play not necessarily to mentor their replacements.”
Which is beside the point. Playing against and with top talent in practices will teach a young player like Yedlin a lot about the game that he would not learn at Sounders. That’s the bottom line. Whether his teammates are kind-hearted or not.
As the saying goes, “The game is the teacher.” Playing that game—even if only scrimmages—with top talent will be a top teacher.
KGE,
I remember when Henry went to RBNY and everyone was saying ”OMG Juan should stick to Henry like a hungry Kristen Stewart and suck out all that great knowledge”. If Juan did get to hang with Henry it didn’t show with his play since, well Juan didn’t play much.
Zardes is , I’m sure, learning a lot by playing with Keane but then again, Zardes is ACTUALLY PLAYING with him.
I think you have it turned around. You are of course right that a young guy like Deandre would learn a lot being around great players but this osmosis stuff only goes so far. It has to be balanced with actual playing time.
Remember Spurs when Dempsey went there? Bale the super star and then a bunch of very good players? You’d think a young guy would learn a lot from that bunch. I have no inside knowledge but the whole thing struck me as a hot mess, a cluster with a cherry on top. I daresay I hope Yedlin does not go to that sort of septic tank. As big and storied a club as Spurs are, as many good players as they always seem to have , there doesn’t seem to be a “there” there.
If he went to the Ajax that I remember, there might not be as many great players as at Roma but there would be a coaching staff in place who know how to teach players how to play. Ajax’s very long list of really good players over the years is not an accident. Milan, Bayern, Barca, Ajax, clubs like that have a style, a philosophy , a plan in place on how to develop players.
Messi makes a lot of guys look good, true, but at Barca a lot of those guys were already very good before they played with Messi
The point is you go to a place that has a good record of taking guys like Yedlin and making something out of them. It could be the clubs I mentioned or maybe others that I don’t know about where there is a history of player development, a well organized, powerful system that everyone believes in and that teaches everyone how to play the game the right way. Or as close to that as you can get.
He should move to Toronto!
He should take the biggest pay check for 2 reasons.
First- a pro sports career is perishable. His career could end tomorrow so he should make as much money as he can while he can.
Second- the team that offers him the most money is likely to have skin in the game. The best chance that a team won’t just cast you aside lightly is when the team cannot afford to do so.
I don’t think Yedlin could go wrong either way, but just to argue against this idea of jumping asap:
1) A sports career is perishable, but running with that mentality seems to invite greater risk. Who fares worse, on average:
a) the player who views every paycheck as possibly his last, so pushes himself beyond what his injuries/healing can bear? Shoots for mercurial growth.
b) the player who plans to be around a long time, making calculated decisions? Plans for steady growth.
2) Money isn’t everything to a team. The team that needs him the most will be the team that has skin in the game. Right now, the Sounders definitely and demonstrably NEED Yedlin.
Bonus argument: $92k is not exactly starvation wages. He’s fine for now and this will hardly be his only shot at a Big Move. Interested clubs will continue to scout him with the Sounders, in 2015 he’ll feature in the Gold Cup (some international attention), and in 2016 he’ll feature in the Olympics/Copa America (a ton of international attention). That’s only two years: really not a long time to be sitting in a very good situation with the Sounders, waiting (i.e., maneuvering) for an even better situation than what Roma might be offering today.
-1
beyond dumb. a player can both plan for long growth while recognizing that sh!t happens and leverage his marketability in the present rather than the uncertain future. and why are you injecting this strawman about “pushes himself beyond what his injures/healing can bear?” I’m not even sure what that means, but to the exent you suggest getting paid now requires complete blindness to your health in the future, you are beyond dumb.
keivno—or is it “kevino”?
I don’t think you took much time to understand my comment before you decided to get so upset about it.
I’m not making an all-or-nothing argument. I was, as stated, “arguing against jumping asap.” In other words, illustrating that there are multiple sides to this decision. Or, as you put it, “a player can both plan for long growth…and leverage his marketability in the present.” You disagreed with me by restating my point.
Some players play through injuries that actually hurt their career. I’m not the first person to point this out.
The team that offers the most money doesn’t necessarily have the most skin in the game. Yedlin’s transfer fee could be half the budget of a all club like Genoa while essentially be a rounding error at a club like Liverpool. Similar idea with his wages.
Getting paid a lot early can put a player in a tough spot for getting time if they don’t reach the level the club wants (for example Bendtner and Ryo at Arsenal). Their wages are small enough by Arsenal standards they can be stuck on the bench, but too much for a smaller club to pay.
Yedlin’s responsibility is to do what serves him best, and maybe that is to go for the cash. That said, heshould consider more than just raw dollar amount.
I think he should listen to a bunch of random internet posters that know little about him.
I agree 100%, it’s why the internet was made.
He should listen to internet posters in holland for a few years to develop his listening game, then make the jump to a bigger league’s internet before russia 2018.
IMO I think he has to push for an offer from a European club to be accepted. I think Yedlin makes something like 70k right now. He could blow out his knee tomorrow. Sports careers are short and have a lot of risk, you have to maxamize your earnings or at least take the opportunity to make the kind of money that will help you and your family be prosperous for the 40+ years of life after soccer. The money is in Europe at this point.
AS far as the actually soccer situation. I think being purchased by Roma, loaned to seattle for the remained of the season and then loaned to a team like Genoa during the January transfer window is actually a perfect situation. First, keep getting minutes on a team competing for a championship for the next 6 months (Seattle), When he goes over to a team like Genoae he will benefit from training with Genoa but he shouldn’t have the expectation of cracking a starting 11 of a team in mid season. Instead it should be thought of basically an extended offseason where he can train with his teamates and prepare for a step up in quality and as an opportunity to adjust to living in a foreign country for the first time (6-months to 1 year). If he happens to earn his spot on match day rosters that’s a bonus during the second half of the season with Genoa that’s great and a bonus. The next year hopefully he is loaned again to the same team and is competing and earning a starting 11 spot consistently in series A without the pressure that comes from a team that is competing for a league title and a champions league spot. this takes him to year 2 and then if things went well with Genoa he probably can be in Roma’s plans to be a replacement/option for their right back spot. if it takes another year that is fine as well. Then hopefully by the 2017 he is a consistent starter for Roma in the Champions league. Yedlin then goes to Russia in 2018, has another stand out performance and is a 24 year old with real talent and proven success at a high level competition (series A and the WC). Roma then gets to sell him to a top champions league team in Spain, Germany, or the EPL for a huge profit, and the US has their first bonafide soccer star (even if it is not as glamorous as a goal scorer). That’s the dream if Yedlin is actually good enough to do it. If he fails he gets to come back to MLS with DP money or he can stay in Europe and make DP money at some mid to lower table team.
Man, when did this site turn into goal.com? Way too many trolls these days.
Yedlin should finish out the season with Seattle and then move to Roma in January where he can get his feet wet before hopefully taking over for Maicon when his contract runs out.
Anybody claiming that Yedlin doesn’t know how to track back needs to realize thats because of Seattle tactics
Great call on the Goal.com stuff…it’s a real bummer. oh well
Agree about the general decline of the comments, though I don’t do much to help matters. Also agree with the “caught up field” nonsense. Modern tactics demand that fullbacks get forward and have designed cover for them while they track back.
Disagree that he should stay in mls. If he can triple his salary he should do so immediately.
Yes, MLS has shown that it can produce talent (Besler…etc), but what we learned is THAT level of talent is not good enough on the world stage. Frankly, i’m not sure where he should go in Europe and there’s certainly a host of arrangements. What he gains by going to Europe is daily competition for a spot. Daily battles.
Dan, the author, notes one of the risks of going to Europe:
Every time a coach is fired, almost every player has to prove themselves to the new coach, and sometimes the new coach doesn’t have a place for a player, even if they were once a regular in the squad.
That’s absolutely true and it’s one of the reasons expressed by Klinsi to go there. Teaches the kids to deal with some adversity. …adjust….prove yourself…over …and over…
Oh, meant to add…And while they’re dealing with proving themselves and adversity…Yedlin would certainly be making more money.
Yedlin should do whatever his potential European suitor wants him to do. He’s not in a position of leverage, so whatever they think is the best development path..he should take the ride, start his adventure..and if it doesn’t work: he can always come back to MLS.
He is NOT in a position of leverage ?
What planet do you live on ? He is a borderline stater for the US national team, a top 16 team in the world.
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Yedlin should go to the netherlands or portugal at first. Or if he does sign for Roma, get a loan somewhere abroad. He needs minutes.
I think DeAndre needs to take a sabbatical to think about it all. It could all be too much to handle.
Signed,
Landon D.
:-O
:)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
if he plays for 17 years without a break for the USMNT, and leads them in scoring and assists over that time, he will have earned one. we’ll see if he can get to that level some day.
Hyperbole much there, Superstar? When he took his sabbatical, Donovan had played for the USMNT for about 10 years. He had only gone the previous 2 years without a break. Points and assists, I concede you. Listen, I am big LD fan, but let’s not give him a pass on everything.
no hyperbole at all. he’d been is the system for that long representing through youths and more
please don’t concede me anything Superstar…you got nothing I need or want
Really? Are you that sensitive? You said USMNT…that does not include the youth teams. If you are going to say that Tim Howard has had longer service, Beckerman was on the same youth teams as LD…
I will concede the previous two years before his sabbatical were uninterrupted, but he did that to himself BY REQUESTING to go to Everton. You cannot make a decision and then use it as an excuse.
who is so sensitive? I called out your 10 year misinformation Superstar
10 years? LD played with the USMNT starting in 2000; what is 2000 to present minus the sabbatical/Jurgen not calling him…14 years? and before that he was year round in Bradenton and led the U17s to victory at the U17 World Cup 1999 and won the Golden Ball, rounding out his years of service to that number
Beachbum, your original and following posts are laden with so much misinformation, you should really concede that you lost this argument. Anthony is right because
(1) USMNT does not equate to Youth National teams.
(2) You originally stated 17 years without taking a break but he took a break with his sabbatical in 2002 – 12 years after his initial USMNT capping. That is a lot closer to “about 10 years” than 17. The worst thing is that is was during a critical qualification period.
(3) LD did not lead the U-17 team to victory at U17 World Cup. They finished 4th. You have to win to have victory.
(4) He had only spent the previous 2 years before his sabbatical on break. Before that, he had time off/had an off season.
Trivia – while you are right and he did win the Golden Ball. You will never guess who came in second and won the Silver Ball – DeMarcus Beasely.
Stay in MLS. Help make the league better.
What about him? Would they pay him as much? Would they help him develop into what he can truly be. MLS is good for some players and a hindrance to some. While he may not be ready for Roma, it sounds like they will loan him to a smaller club to develop for the coming season or so. In 2/3 years, he could be a more polished player and only be 23 years old. He needs to go to the highest level where he can be taught and play.
As far as improving the MLS (which I want). You have to improve the quality of the mid-tier players before you start asking the elite players to stay. That is where the focus should be. I think the MLS is probably 10 years away from doing that. And please do not use LD as an example. Was he a great player? Yes. However, you would be hard pressed to prove to me that he would not be a better player had he played with Everton for 7 years (in an environment he loved — because he is easily discomforted) against better competition. You would also be hard pressed to prove to me that Adu wouldn’t have better off accepting the elite academy offers he had at 14 instead of being used as a marketing vehicle for the league.
wherever he ends up he needs to play
I agree with this. I would very much like to see him move to a top league in Europe, but only someplace that will actually use him. Sitting on the bench won’t do him any good. Maybe a mid-table team in one of the top leagues would be best.
Im a lot more interested in where Robinho is ending up in MLS. Any insight?
did I muss something? I was to the understanding that the Italian club offering him aa spot didn’t have a non-EU slot open for the upcoming season so the transfer at the break would give them time or a chance to farm the boy out.. It’s not like he’s being promised First team starts
GO PLAY FOR JUERGUENS FRIENDS AND MAKE LOTSA $
FRANK, when will you let us see the updated spreadsheet?
Go get paid! He’s 20 yrs old, I’m sure most teams who sign him know he isn’t the finished product. Perfect time to get on the job training, with top of the line facilities, coaches, and competition…I’m not bashing MLS, I like the league and it’s growing, but right now it is still a feeder league and a stepping stone for our young top tier talent/prospects.
MLS/USA has no problem producing WC-quality, REFLEXIVE athletes (GK,DF & DMs) .. .. If he wants to stay a marauding RB, them MLS for his entire career is fine > It kept EDDIE POPE at a world class level and it will keep MATT BESLER there if he stays .. ..
However, if DE ANDRE wants to become a quality RWB (think CAFU) who can easily slot in @ RM, or even RW at the INT level, then he will need to move abroad in the next couple of years .. ..
And, JURGEN KLINSMANN view of his future should be 51% of his decision whether to stay or go .. ..
This young man would do quite well at Christ Church I would speculate. I play whist with the vicar Tuesday next. I will make inquiries. This peasant may well become the finest cricketer in Oxfordshire. My valet is sleeping with my wife. Good day.
As Michael Bradley’s stellar play at the World Cup clearly showed, competing for playing time at big, UCL clubs in Europe is a huge mistake. Much better way to develop your talent and become a world class player is by staying in MLS which is obviously the best league in the world. That’s why Bradley and the other MLS based players will be in the World Cup Best XI!
Develop your talent in the best possible way, DeAndre!!! In MLS!!!
I should add that I have no idea why Julian Green should want to stay at Bayern Munich. That would be a colossal mistake. Come home to Chivas USA, Julian! It’s the best way for you to develop into world class talent like we saw on the Belgium and Germany squads!
+1
Good one
what do you think of Beckerman’s play?
yep, he did make someone’s World Cup starting XI. Cant remember who though
Messi, Sneijder, James Rodriguez, Robben, Beckerman. My Best XI in the MF.
You know we did have a World Cup Best XI midfielder relatively recently. He didn’t play for the Dallas Burn at the time though.
First of all, Bradley was one of the best players on the field for the US — not saying much, I know. But the person who deserves the blame for his play, which was far below hid potential, is Klinsi. The tactics were poor and they affected Bradley more than anyone else.
^^this
Please stay and work on defense. The kid did well in the couple of appearances and deserves the attention. However, the biggest knock on him is getting caught out of position too far up the field. Whether he is going to be switching to midfield is one thing. But currently, work on positioning while in the MLS and have a more consistent season.
He did very well under the circumstances he came in on and definitely impressive. The context in which Yedlin came into the two games also has to be held into account. Certainly took advantage of the opportunity.
He did not have a great year in the MLS prior to the World Cup. I watched him in several games and he really does get caught out of position a lot. My preference, stay put in the MLS for another year (or maybe even through to the winter transfer season) and mature as a defender. Specifically, on positioning.
The last thing we want is for another young USMNT player to fill a European bench, get loaned out, and then be perceived as a failure.
Side note – it is awesome that our defenders are getting European interest this go round. Besler is a guy that would benefit tremendously getting into a good club situation over the pond. Him getting beat by Lukaku I think gets corrected with experience. He went into that challenge way too hot for being that far up the field with noone behind him. With experience playing against the top players in the world, i think he would of recognize to let Lukaku know that you are there but dont go all in on that challenge with a chance that he beats you like he did. Not to mention that the guy is a beast that was fresh off the bench. Besler is an example of a guy that I think is ready for the next step. He has an excellent foundation and playing against elite competition will sharpen his game.
Congrats for being the first person to recognize this! Seems like everyone on here think his World Cup games are a reflection of the player he is. He needs more work on his defensive skills.
Yes and he should work on those defensive skills while earning as much as possible. That means taking a big money offer if one presents itself.
Someone should put together a list of people that went to Europe and were never heard from again. I think it’s funny that we say MLS can’t develop talent when most of our best USMNT players came from MLS. Yedlin really needs to find a place where he can develop because the one thing he has going for him now is speed. It should be obvious from the Belgium game that he has no left foot and has one move (reminds me of Brek Shea). I can’t imagine Italy or England will allow him to work through his limitations. However, he may never become a more cultured player and will always be relied upon for speed. Like Matt Besler has stated, he needs to go to a place where he is guaranteed playing time or end up rotting on the bench or in lower leagues.
OK, but Donovan is on that list.
The guys who stay in MLS look better bc they play against lesser competition. This cycle is going to be all about getting everyone to Europe for Klinsi. Getting young guys exposure and getting them over there. I think he is beyond pissed at Bradley, and wouldnt be surprised to see him marginalized unless he goes back
well, it does appear that Klinsi holds petty grudges, so maybe he is mad at Bradley. Not Bradley’s fault he was put in a system that made him look less than what he is capable of in the WC.
There can be no comparison between Yedlin and Shea/Besler. Or Yedlin and Dempsey/Donovan/Bradley for that matter. Yes, DeAndre has speed, but he has so much more.
Yedlin is not even one of the best backs in MLS and doesn’t have nearly as much skill as any of the players you mention. That doesn’t mean he can’t be successful but he needs to grow other areas of his game. His choice of league and team will go a long way to determining his growth especially if he stumbles early. Fans in England and Italy are generally unforgiving of American players who don’t perform immediately and consistently.
Yedlin is a defender so having no left foot just limits the positions he can fight for rb and rw
Besler and Gonzo can make it in the Bundesliga. If Brooks and Chandler are starters Besler, Yedlin and Gonzo can be starters too.
All of us need to acknowledge that, for all his faults, real and perceived, Klinsmann hit a home run when he chose Tedlin for the squad. There were quite a few comments along the lines of “Who?” and “He’s not ready,” but Klinsmann clearly got this one right.
As for Yedlin, he must avoid the “big club but no playing time” problem. Maybe a pre-agreed loan? He should challenge himself, but sitting on the bench for most of the year can’t help.
Go to Roma, get loaned back to Seattle for this season. Then in January, loan him to the Netherlands or preferably a lower level italian club. Next Roma season, loan him out for the first half of the season to a lower level Italian or spanish club. Then after that loan runs out, make the decision whether he should push to start or sell.
Good thoughts contained here. Why more deals for MLS guys aren’t worked out this way is beyond my understanding. You want the guy, but you don’t think he’ll be in your XI right now and you’re going to loan him out anyway? Loan him to the team he’s coming from in MLS. When the campaign is done, bring him over and have him train with the first team for the rest of your campaign and make an evaluation about that player’s readiness at the end of your season.
Makes sense to me.
If I was him I would go to Europe tired of MLS blocking good Euro deals. Blocking Palmer from Sporting KC Juventus move made me annoyed with MLS. Smh.
This is not the right attitude to have either. Just because a big club comes calling doesn’t mean the MLS should bend over and give up whatever is asked for. No successful business operates that way.
Maybe so, but don’t you think calling the MLS a “successful business” is a bit of a reach at this point?
It’s existed for 20 years, shown steady signs of growth in popularity and correspondingly revenues and team values, just signed a lucrative TV deal. What is your benchmark of success that the MLS doesn’t meet? You think they should already be the top league in the world or something?
Ok, nevermind Fast Eddie, I don’t want to sit next you at any point…don’t start watching MLS please.
+1
Especially talking about SKC who has never stood in the way of their players leaving to go to Europe. See Kei Kamara, Uri Rossel, Roger Espinoza and probably in a few weeks Matt Besler.
Right attitude, the kid wanted to go. Also it put money in their pockets. Why hold a player down, who can better their career. It should be about what the player wants and fits best for them vs what MLS wants. That is my point of my comment. And I think it is a rational attitude to have.
So if they got offered $500K instead of $1 million would it still have been the right move? MLS would still get money in their pocket and the kid wanted to go after all. What if they can sell him for $5 million in 3-4 years. Would it still have been the right move to sell him now for $1 million? The decision was based on the money. Just because someone sets a price they think is fair doesn’t mean you should accept it.
Try and imagine that we r talking about baseball and the discussion is whether Yedlin shud stay in AAA or go to the big leagues. But somehow some of you really believe that MLS is major league. Go to Europe NOW.
plus fifty million
+1
this
Why do you bother posting on anything that relates to MLS if it’s the minors…do you go on sites about AAA? What a troll!!!!!
MLS stands for Minor League Soccer
Now try and imagine that AAA keeps growing with aspirations of someday competing with the big leagues.
I can imagine that….I looked forward to the day that we stop overpaying washed up Euros and no-name Latinos….and truly run a domestic league…but that is at least 20 years away….
Ok, now imagine that we can somewhat shorten that timeline and improve the quality of the league by keeping players such as Yedlin. In my mind the question is: should we sacrifice a player’s personal and technical development to collectively strengthen our domestic league?
The best way to grow is to be a feeder league first. That’s how you stack up on cash. If the quality keeps rising and the league keeps selling the prices will keep rising. Eventually the quality and cash flow will be better that the European product. We already know MLS is the more financially stable league so no need to rush it just give it time. Remember pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered. The Banks will eventually get tired of saving these teams we’ll be here nice and ready to take over look at rangers FC, Liverpool barely survived!!!
So you are saying Dempsey and Bradley are AAA players then ?
Hmmm, interesting theory and it got the ignorant masses all riled up…but in the end just ended up being a troll posting.
They are clearly not Major League? No top league is coming for them. Meaning they are second tier players. Disagree? Got a link that says otherwise?
Telling the truth has got people so up in arms. Sheesh! Can some one get out the dust buster?
staying the rest of the season, then moving abroad would be best. Although i think moving to an english speaking country would be smarter, unless he knows other languages. OR a team with other Americans. It will help his transition.
Whether he speaks other languages or having other Americans around should not should not play any part in his decision. The kid already speaks the only language necessary, his body language on the playing field, and he speaks it very well.
If he would go to a 1. Bundesliga club he would be speaking fluent German within one year. And besides, he already has 2 very good friends there, Brooks and Green.
Mr. Eddie,
Have you ever had to work in a foreign country?
Yes
He should continue kissing up to Klinsmann and never leave that rectum. That paid off for a free ticket to Brazil. Just what gamein qual did he play?
life has dealt you a raw deal, hasn’t it.
….Dude…Give it a rest.. he performed well in the WC and you still butt hurt about his inclusion?…Really….SMH
Just give it up. Klinsmann said that he wanted the youth teams to play the same system as the national team so Yedlin already had an idea of klinsmanns system. So does everyone else in the youth teams coming up. That’s why the learning curve wasn’t that much
We have come a long way since the 30 were brought to camp,. It was a shock, it was madness that DeAndre was one of the 30, how could this be. Then someone figured it out, he was brought to camp as a practice player, one to duplicate the speed the real 23 going to Brazil will see in Brazil. But no way would Yedlin be one of those 23. Most everyone here agreed, it was the only possible reason he was brought to camp. There were less than one could count on one hand, less the thumb, who said he would be one of the 23.
When he was chosen as one of the 23 it incredible the comments here. Even as bad a choice of bring Julian Green. But in Green’s case it had to be he was promised a spot if he made the one-time switch. Now look where we commenters are.
What should DeAndre Yedlin do? I say let his agent(s) work it out. Give it a couple weeks yet. Roma would be okay, but not the way it is rumored to be handled. Play out the MLS season, then play the second half season with Genoa, then go to Roma for the 2015-16 season. Maybe a 1.Bundesliga club will do it the right way, just make the kid a decent offer and bring him in.
The reason I say this? The same reason I said he will be picked as one of the 23 and get playing time in Brazil. The kid can play!
+1 i knew he could play.. Just didnt think he had the consistancy… And 100 or so mins over a couple games doesn’t really prove me wrong but i’m glad other teams see the potential. Now go so where while you are young and capture that potential!
MLS will be here, and better, if it doesn’t work out
Fast Eddie, you really need to start watching MLS.
It was appearant his first game, he could really play. There are plenty others that were not eligible who could have been stars.
Go to Liverpool
He needs to leave — ideally now.
Before this tournament, I was definitely one of those commentors who thought players should be cautious about going to Europe, since a combination of culture shock, club instability, and a dip in form could easily land them on the bench with no way out. After having watched the USMNT over these last few weeks, however, I’m leaning more and more toward Klinsmann’s view of things. The biggest difference between MLS play and the top European leagues is that in the top leagues, midfielders and defenders close off space a lot more quickly, leaving players with less time on the ball to make decisions. This is partially a function of the talent differential, but more broadly a style-of-play issue, as even non-big-4 European leagues (like the Eredivisie) are much more open than their big 4 counterparts. In our World Cup games, much of our roster wasn’t prepared for that level of ball pressure and that was one of the main reasons that we couldn’t keep possession for long stretches. We need to get as many of our players into that environment as possible. Even if they’re not getting game minutes or they play poorly, they need to be in a environment where every time they step on the field and get the ball, someone’s pressuring them — hard.
As for Yedlin’s specific situation, his transfer value (and therefore, his ability to get into the most high-quality practice/training environment) will never be as high as it is right now. Teams tend to over-value World Cup performances, so if he passes on the chance to move this transfer window, it could take years for him to play his was into a comparable set of opportunities. He needs to strike while the iron is hot and get into the highest-level league and club (assuming the club isn’t dysfunctional) possible, then sort out his path to playing time later. He may end up stuck on the bench, but worst case scenario, he gets himself loaned out, then gradually makes his way back to MLS with a year or 2 of exposure to European ball pressure.
As for whether he makes the move in the summer or after the MLS season, that’s likely not in his control, and in any case, I’m not sure it makes a ton of difference. I certainly think there’s a strong argument for moving now, so that he would have an offseason and the chance to train with his new team. On the other hand, an orderly move after the MLS season is over would allow him time to prepare for the non-soccer aspects of the move, reducing culture shock. I think club choice is ultimately probably more important than time. If Roma truly is willing to buy him, but isn’t willing to pay enough to get him now, that’s still better than going somewhere lower down the foodchain but with a quicker transition.
Are you on crack?
No
Of course you aren’t petro. However, I can not be so sure about others here.
In all seriousness, I’m always a bit perplexed by such elaborate discourses on what a player “should” or “shouldn’t” do. Fans, the masses, etc., tend forget that at the end of the day, people do what they need to do in order to best serve themselves and their families. To think that your opinion matters is an intriguing fantasy, I must point out. Remember, the stars may tell you that they care what you think, but don’t be fooled…
tl;dr. Could you break that into three easily-digestible bullet points?
Do you need someone to cut your food into bit sized pieces for you?
Are you offering?
Great post, agree with everything you said.
The ball pressure thing showed on guys like Davis and Zusi the most I think.
Go to Roma, get loaned out to mid-table Serie A club (Genoa?), battle and win a starting spot, learn tactics and then come back to Roma after 1-2 years and take over Maicon’s position. Klinsy would approve.
If MLS is serious about being one of the top leagues in the world, then they need to dish out the money to keep players like Yedlin from leaving. If Yedlin doesn’t mind riding the bench for a couple of years then a move to Europe is an easy choice. If it were me, I would take the money and try my luck in Europe.
“If the MLS is serious…” they would get get rid of their absurd salary structure where you have $2-5 million per year players on the field with quite a few at $50k to $70K per year. It’s hard to take the MLS seriously as a major league.
“If MLS is serious…” then it will keep doing what has obviously worked spectacularly well thus far: an odd salary/contract/allotment structure that gets tweaked little by little as the need arises.
Players like Yedlin are the “need”. Immediatly he got back from the WC there should have at least been a four year 7/8 million dollar deal on the table and a choir singing please don’t go!! Just to put it in perspective Yedlins WC compensation was a much as his MLS salary!!!
JayAre: where would that 7-8 million come from? (Unless you really meant 7/8—i.e., seven eighths.) More importantly, how would it be earned back?
Yedlin is just one player. He’s hardly a marquee signing for any club like Dempsey or Bradley (or Beckham, etc.). I see no need for MLS to keep him.
Yes, Yedlin’s salary is comparatively small. Don’t you see that as a reason to SELL Yedlin? Because with the money they make off the sale, they could afford to bring in 2-3 long term, solid prospects from abroad and/or invest heavily in expanding the Sounders Academy at home—the very place they first got hands on Yedlin.
I’m all for them selling him but keeping him at this contract is criminal. MLS should have NFL type contracts for young guys with escalator and bonuses when they reach certain bench marks. MLS could easily give him an 5-6 million dollar contract with 3-4 million guaranteed and in the first year he makes between 900,000$ with the potential of going up to $1.2 million.
I’ll be honest I don’t believe this is happening soon so they should just sell him. That’s excellent business.
JayAre,
MLS is not NFL.
You are talking millionaires vs billionaires.
MLS is screwy but they are also stable and have grown phenomenally.
You should not take the presence of a stable , reasonably high level professional soccer league for granted.
It can all go away in a heartbeat.
If MLS is serious, it won’t listen to wannabe experts who know how other people’s money should be spent regardless of economic realities and financial risk.
The fat guy at the Yankees red Sox game who fell asleep then sued for defamation is a man u transfer target
He should stop wearing eyeliner and dying his hair blond. He looks like a transgender Duracell battery out there.
ya. He should grow a beard und cuffer his legs too.
LOL
Rude.
+ –
Or you could just stop making transphobic comments.
Or you could stop being transphobicphobic
Or he could remain that way. It’s a good way to be.
lol!
Cross to the back-post and keep tracking Hazard
Time for MLS to abolish the lottery system for USA players who leave on a transfer fee!
If SSFC could sell him for whatever fair price and have the assurance that if it doesnt work out in a year or two he could return to Seattle they would be a lot more willing to let him pursue the right offer.
The rule deters teams from selling players when the time is right, unless they are a Jozy-10m deal, a incentives them to hold on to a player until their contract is up… Last thing they want is to loose Yedlin for an insignificant fee during the middle of the season and run the risk of him being allocated to conference rival down the road if he returns to the league.
Definitely. I don’t think that rule ever made any sense but it certainly doesn’t now.
That, and several other stupid rules need to change. USMNT players entering the league go through an arbitrary distribution system as well. That needs to end. MLS will always have its quirks, but a few rules really should have died with MLS 1.0.
Go now. There is not even one good reason to stay. Well, what r u waiting for? Go, Go!
Wow, we finally found an example I agree with.
Nice job… Yedlin would be more likely to move if he knows he can come back home.
I guess the question is do I want him to go…..the answer is no, but unfortunately not enough money right now to keep him ( MLS, not Seattle, Seattle has plenty of money )
Agreed beto, well said
I am confused. Usually there is complaining that MLS clubs still retain the rights of players long after they have left. Is there any other qualifier than national team player? Not trying to be snarky, just hoping someone can succinctly explain the MLS rules about rights to a player.
if they collect a fee then he would have to go through a lottery if he ever returned to MLS.. and would likely be allocated to idk say Portland
if they hold on to him for x years and let him go on free transfer, like most teams do, Seattle holds his MLS rights indefinitely.
Finish the year and go to Roma for sure. Question is will he play at RB or RW? He is not polished as a defender just yet.
I think he’s still most valuable as a right back. It seemed like he learned a lot in his time in camp and the WC, and he looked like a much better defender in the lead up games and against Belgium than he had in Seattle. He’s not an overall great attacking player, and I don’t think he’s technical enough to do it at the highest level. I think a few years of coaching and experience in Italy (or where ever he ends up) can take him to the next level defensively.
+2
Make the jump now.
Its MLS’ fault for running their season thru the primary transfer window and deals offered now might not be offered in January. Don’t let a half season of MLS stop you!
Now is the point in the cycle to make risky transfers. 12 month before the Gold Cup, 24 before the Copa and 30 or so before the hex… Take a gamble. Worst case it takes 2-6 months to earn a spot or transfer out. Don’t wait until later in the cycle to make a risky transfer bc of MLS’ schedule!
totally agree. now’s the time for him to do it. i was watching the games in Germany, and the German announcers are rarely positive toward any US player, but they liked Yedlin. It’d be nice to see him make the jump and go for it. He’s young enough to come back if it doesn’t work after a couple years. that said, his mentality should be to go and push a guy like Maicon aside.
When did picking on Maicon become so popular?
Once he got eviscerated by Gareth Bale.
+1,000
A bit harsh. Lots of good players gen eviscerated by Bale just like lots of goalies gets scored on by Messi. It doesn’t mean they suck.
True, but it does seem that Maicon was at the pinnacle of his career (club and international), widely considered the best RB in the world, and after that CL series his status seems to have suffered.
Agreed
Go now because it will be harder to fight for a spot if you join a team half way through the season. Now is preseason and you have a fair chance to convince the new team of your ability rather than once the lineup is set.
have you ever looked out of the window in winter in most of the USA?
It’s cognitive dissonance. We know the weather in the northern, midwestern, and eastern US is brutal in the winter… but we want to be like Europe sooo bad!
Even attending RBNY matches this year in March was miserable. Suggesting you could play in January/February is a joke. I haven’t missed a RBNY home match since 2011 but I would not be attending games in 20 degree weather, that’s for sure.
Congrats to him; he should move to top league in Italy (or England or Spain or Germany) when he can battle for a starting position. Looks like this will happen sooner rather than later.
I’d say go now, right time after his big splash to cash in, right time in the cycle for a risk. You don’t want to get hurt waiting for a winter move.
However, after Gooch/ Lalas/ Bradley I’d say Roma might be a stretch. High percentage chance he would sit the bench waiting to play, and I think PT is massive. If he makes the right move he launches. Makes the wrong one and he’ll be fighting with Chandler and others for his spot in two years.
There is a big ol’ spectrum of choices between Seattle and Roma and I’d suggest he looks at them. I’m sure Seattle would grin at Roma money but I don’t think that’s his best transfer spot.
It is true that move to Roma has risk in terms of playing time, but it might be a risk worth taking. Italian league is a great league for a defender to go to and develop – teams are very good tactically and Yedlin can learn a thing or two about positional discipline and the coaches will work with him on his technique (which needs improvement). I actually think that Bradley’s move to Roma was very successful – he improved as a player quite a bit while in Italy – and one could clearly see that he regressed a little bit after his big money MLS move. As for Gooch analogy, it was a different situation – Gooch went to a bigger club than Roma and suffered a crippling injury with the national team, which pretty much derailed his career.
“He regressed a little bit after his big money MLS move”
Don’t like to feed the trolls, but that is bs and I’m guessing you’ve never played at a high level.
I never played at a higher level than college, but I can say from my experience through, that while you don’t necessarily loose you skills if you keep playing, your skills do get rusty inf you don’t use them to them same degree. For example decision making speed because it is a slower game or tactical analysis if you are playing against players who are not as tactically astute or refined. To be blunt, you get rusty is you once played in that environment then move to an easier environment.
I love MLS, but to say it is not a tactically less advanced, with less skillful players is just lying to oneself. It is. While Bradley will not loose his on the ball skills, the speed and accuracy of those decisions will get worse. However, you won’t see it in 6 months (his bad world cup came from playing out of position), but if you had a strawman bradley and and MLS Bradley, you would definitely see the difference against elite competition is about 4 years.
That being said, it’s a moot point if he wasn’t playing at Roma, which is what I saw.
***CORRECTED VERSION – stupid mobile phone***
I never played at a higher level than college, but I can say from my experience through that point, that while you don’t necessarily loose you skills, your skills do get rusty if you don’t play against better competition. For example decision making speed will become slower because the competition is slower to react/anticipate moves. Tactical analysis will be worse or slower if you are playing against players who are not as tactically astute or refined. To be blunt, you get rusty if you move to an easier environment.
I love MLS, but to say it is not a tactically less advanced league, with less skillful players is just lying to oneself. It is. While Bradley will not loose his “on the ball” skills, however, the speed and accuracy of those skills/decisions will get worse. You won’t see it in 6 months (his bad World Cup came from playing out of position), but if you had a strawman Bradley and and MLS Bradley, you would definitely see the difference against elite competition in about 4 years.
That being said, it’s a moot point if he wasn’t playing at Roma, which is what I saw for this season. On top of that, I cannot fault a man for moving for more money and to be closer to his family.
***We need an edit option on this site*****
Exactly. Couldn’t have said it better myself.
how can MLS prepare Beckerman to play great while not prepping MB too?
Bradley struggled because Jurgen thrust him onto a role he was not suited nor prepared to play, and did it just a couple of months before the World Cup started.
had nothing to do with MLS
I think you missed the whole point of the discussion. Did you actually read it? Every player has potential. However, the best competition and coaching will help players reach closer to that potential. I know this from personal experience. Beckerman is good, but if he had better coaching and competition, he would have better than he is now.
To your other point, if you read my post, I did say MB was bad mainly due to playing out of position.
beachbum,
Beckerman proved himself to be an exceptional case, an outlier.
His success does not prove that staying in MLS is the way to go for everyone.
After all he got the the World Cup at 32. And he never would have gotten there if JK had not been around. Certainly no one on this site believed in him.
Maybe he gets there earlier if he moves to Europe as a younger player. We’ll never know.
My experience was the people who played progressed and the people who sat regressed, regardless of the level of their destination. The d1 people who played, got great. The d2/3 people who played surpassed the d1 people who sat. Some people have the drive to work hard and improve while sitting, but you will find that the schedule is set for people who are playing, and for example, if you sit, you are off game day (watching), the day after (resting). You don’t get game fit. You don’t get the same reps. You are less of an education focal point.
All due respect but Gooch was climbing the ladder while in Belgium and France, then made the England and Italy moves and his career never recovered. He did get hurt on our dime but I think that underlines the marginal status of Americans at Italian clubs. Like Bradley, they decide to bring in someone else and you’re surplus. Dog eat dog. He is a little bit raw of a player and I worry like an EJ or Gooch he will get chewed up and spat out of a top league. I think he’d be better in Holland or Scandinavia, go someplace and play, make a little more money, get more exposure.
I agree with about 90% of what you said. The D1/D2/D3 example is spot on. If you play at all levels, the D1 player will generally develop into a better player. However, if you are riding pine, then you are better served going to a very good D2 team where you play a lot. The key is to find the highest level where you can play and be a constant contributor.
When Gooch jumped to Milan, I thought that it might have been too much for him. We will never know because he blew out his knee on national team duty and he has never been the same.However, he has played well at a level below, Lisbon, Championship side Southampton etc. That being said Besler, Cameron, and Omar are better players at CB in my mind. However, Gooch has a much hotter wife 🙂
I would avoid Scandinavia because I think the level is on par with the US. Netherlands is a step up and he could do well there. Whatever it is, he should jump and hopefully he lands in the right place. People talk like they don’t understand what the life of an athlete is like. He has the next 10 -13 years to improve as a player and make as much money to set himself up for life WHILE avoid major career ending injury. Unless, MLS ponies up 7 figures or at least high 6, jump. You can always come back (and you will be more valuable).
Mr. Voice
The essence of athletic competition is that competing against better players makes you a better player.
The US talent pool will remain below standard if the majority of our players play it safe. Many, in fact the majority,will probably fail but the US only needs to hit on a handful.
So if Yedlin goes to Europe and fails fine, there will be others. And he is young enough to hit the reset button. And the failure will be a valuable lesson to him.
Gooch is to be commended for his attempt at Milan.
However, you really underestimate the effect of that knee injury. It happened almost literally as soon as he was signed so he never got to play and make an impression. Then as he was getting better he goes to WC 2010 in South Africa and sets himself back even further by playing when, with perfect 20/20 hindsight, maybe he should not have played at all.
So that knee injury effectively dogged him the entire time he was at Milan.
Would he have been cut by Milan even if he had been 100% healthy the whole time?
We’ll never know. As far as I’m concerned Gooch endangered his club career for the US. He definitely seriously set it back because of his desire to play for his country. So I’m a little tired of you always ragging on him for having the courage to test himself against the best. The man was unlucky with injury be he has guts.
The USMNT needs more players with guts like Gooch.
The Gooch did fine at ACM apologists tend to forget that he played 1 game for ACM by October before getting hurt with the Nats. He was sitting behind Nesta and there is an argument to be made that he might have been less fit and sharp than usual when he hurt himself. Yes, he got hurt early in his ACM career, but he got hurt a few months into a season where he was not playing much. He then obviously didn’t play for a long time. The second dry spell does not explain the first dry spell.
You are conflating signing with a team with playing there. A disused player is on a training schedule set up for the people who play, he is not the focus of the practice reps, and he may have confidence or motivational issues.
So a player signed by Roma but not played there does not get the actual Serie A or UCL competition experience — other than the atmosphere if they dress — they get some experience training with ACM players.
I think Yedlin can get both game and practice experience by simply modulating his ambitions slightly. I think the fanboys promoting Go Roma are more concerned with Freddy Adu-esque reputational concerns (“UCL football” “Serie A” “Europe is better”) that may be counter-productive in practice. This is a raw talent who could either sharpen with use or crystalize as a mess if he’s thrown in the deep end.
if liverpool is offering, take it. he’ll do good in either serie a or bpl, but id rather see him flying with lfc than playing in a slower italian game. I believe he can make it at lfc. i rate him higher than glen johnson already.
If Roma speculation is true…considering Roma’s current player pool…best case scenario would be for Roma to loan him to the Sounders for the remainder of the season, then in the January window loan him to a lower level team (either 1st or 2nd division) where he can potentially get some PT. After next years Gold Cup he can join up with Roma full time and understudy Micon for a year.
IMO this would be the best of both worlds for Yedlin & Roma.
I mean, remember he was backing up FJ (until the injury) and think about the implications for him fighting for that spot if he’s riding the bench in club.
He showed that he can come in for a RW or RB late in the match and terrorize the opponent’s left flank. That versatility could see Yedlin getting reasonable playing time early on in his career, even if not starting.
+1
Except all due respect but playing time like a starter (in club) may be necessary to achieve even backup success at the national level. If he’s bench or worse, he won’t show up for the Nats fit and sharp. Part of his versatility is based on regular playing time which makes him a fit, athletic option.
Imperative: I don’t necessarily disagree. I would say this, however:
a) his USMNT career should be second in his mind after his pro career.
b) I meant that he could very well be a frequent sub for a professional team—maybe playing 1-2 out of every 3 games. Not just a sub for the USMNT.
PS. Regarding the USMNT, Yedlin needs to make the push for playing both him and FabJo on the right at the same time.
Yeah, I don’t understand why everybody necessarily has him locked in as a right back.
He looked good as a right wing – honestly, a lot better than Zusi. If we increasingly shift to a 4-3-3 look – which is what Klinsmann really wants – I could also see him at right forward. Truthfully, I think the shape of the USA’s talent pool probably favors a 4-3-3 over the long term…I could see Bradley/Bedoya/Zusi as our midfielders, with Green/Altidore/Yedlin up top.
Lotta ways to use speed like his.
Add Joe Gyau to this equation and you have some serious fire power on the right side
Bradley/Bedoya/Zusi is a poor combination. None of the three has the ability to hold the ball, beat a man on the dribble and carve open a defense with the insightful pass. After watching Bedoya and Zusi at the WC I came away hoping that this is the last time we see USMNT midfielders with that little ball skill on the international level. It was painful to watch them give away the ball whenever they faced pressure.
If you go with a 4-3-3 I would propose the following:
Green/Jozy/Aron
Fabian/Williams/Bradly
Chandler/Besler/Cameron/Yed
Subs:
Gyau/Boyd/Agudelo
Mixx/Stanko/Trapp
Klute/Brooks/Packwood/Ferrell
Strong in possession, speed, and attack. will be interesting what happens over the next 4 years.
He’s also young enough to be getting minutes with a youth squad or to be sent on loan after signing.
I expect the latter if he ends up at Roma.
If team A is going to loan you out that perhaps suggests the direct path to team B is the smarter choice anyway, and it doesn’t rule out a team A transfer later.
Just look at the odyssey of Agudelo, who was supposed to be a Stoke player, got loaned to Utrecht, still couldn’t earn his permit, and is now teamless.
Imperative, that’s a good cautionary note, but perhaps the larger takeaway is not “beware of loans,” but rather “beware of complicated loans put into effect only to delay bureaucratic red tape.” See, Stoke never had it within their power to play Agudelo. If Yedlin can avoid an add situation like that, I think it’s very different.
Finish the year
No, no, no… you got it all wrong. He and Neymar should exploit their fame and open a salon.
this makes complete sense
Well it certainly would pay more than an MLS salary.
OK homer! Play the rest of the year at Seattle for a whopping for $92,000 or cash in while his stock is sky high and make 10 to 15 times more?!?!?! I wonder what he’ll choose…
Or take the chance of injury in MLS and then get nothing.
or get injured on trial like Omar did in Germany.
take the money and run and work your ass off to make it on the first team, or ride the bench and wait for the big buck offer from MLS and then come home.
Strike while the iron is hot. Run, don’t walk. Set yourself up financially to live a comfortable life and live in a country that eats, drinks, sleeps soccer. It’s a no-brainer.
I agree, push yourself to be the best. If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out and you can always come back to MLS.
Don’t end up like guys like Albright, Mapp, and Quaranta who
had so much potential and didn’t get any better playing all their career in MLS. Albright was once a Bayern Munich prospect …
A Bayern Munich prospect ?
Wow, I had no idea, I am blown away.
CURSE YOU, US soccer leagues !!!!
Yeah. He’s 20. If you’re Matt Besler and 27 you have to choose with extreme care, but Yedlin can roll the dice and recover if it doesn’t work out for him.
He KNOWS he can cut it in MLS. Might as well take the chance now…worst that can happen is he rides the pine for a couple years, makes a few million, and then has “AS ROMA” or some such on his resume for the future…
Has he really shown he can cut it in MLS? I know everyone is blown away by offense that they ignore the other side, but the guy is supposed to be a defender, not a winger.
He has been abused on defense regularly by MLS players, why would that suddenly change in Europe. He was average at best when he did not have direct cover in the Belgium game in 1 v 1s, and his tracking back was really poor (watch the second Belgium goal, he’s JOGGING back), which everyone seems to conveniently omit.
I agree. He was great defensively his rookie season but has been caught up field and lured up field more this season by MLS forwards who have exploited his aggressiveness.
Well he actually made about 170K thus far. Your point stands though. The best idea I see, is allowing him to stay on loan in Seattle till the end of the year. That way he is playing consitently and possibly get some action or get loaned to a lower division from wherever he ends up.
I think he will be sold though. Rumors have it that there is some serious money for a somewhat unproven RB. I love that kid as a Sounders fan but he has to do whats best. If that means that he wont be loaned to Seattle for the rest of the way. So be it. We have Brad Evans who can play there
whatever you do don’t do MLS!