Photo by ISIphotos.com
BY DYLAN BUTLER
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As news of Oguchi Onyewu's move to AC Milan on a free transfer reached the U.S. National Team here, Charlie Davies couldn't help but be excited. Yes, he's thrilled for his Confederations Cup teammate, but seeing an American player go to one of the world's biggest clubs he thinks can hopefully break down barriers for others.
"Gooch signing with AC Milan opens a lot of doors for Americans and makes a lot of clubs realize that Americans can play," he said after the U.S. training session Tuesday morning at RFK Stadium. "Hopefully now younger guys coming up can have a dream that they can play at Madrid, they can play at Milan because now Gooch has been able to break the barrier."
After a breakout performance in the Confederations Cup, Davies' stock is on the rise, as well. The Hammarby striker has drawn interest from Ligue 1 sides Rennes, St. Etienne and Sochaux.
"For me it's definitely exciting to hear all these clubs talking about me and wanting me for my services," Davies said. "At the moment, I'm just focusing on the national team and continuing to have success with this team. Hopefully everything will sort itself out soon."
Onyewu will become the first U.S. national team player to play in Serie A since Alexi Lalas played for Padova in 1994-95.
"It's a fantastic move for Gooch,its great for American soccer players," Steve Cherundolo said. "We wish Gooch all the best. He certainly deserves it. He had an excellent tournament in South Africa and has played solidly the past few years. I just want to congratulate him."
Onyewu, who played at Standard Liege for five seasons, also drew interest from Ajax, Real Madrid and Fenerbahce.
"It's very exciting," Bob Bradley said. "It's one of the great clubs in the world. Certainly, the experience that he'll get there will really be important as we move forward with our national team."
What do you think of the move? Will it open doors for other Americans. Who would be the next likely candidate to go to a European giant? Share your thoughts.
I don’t even know how to define world class. But clearly Onyewu is a very good player who has the chance to shine at AC Milan and be even better. And I will also choose to believe the judgment of a Champions League team instead of an anonymous person who only comments negatively on USA stories
Other random comments:
There’s a lot of bitching about the Mexican national team in general, and a bit less bitching about how their players that have gone abroad *lately* have sucked it up. And then there was the racism.
Some of the comments on Mexican message boards are very interesting — Gooch’s move to Milan has generated quite a response.
The responses break down roughly equally among:
– Ok he’s strong and tall but he lacks technique.
– Onyewu’s strong but he’s a class below Marquez — it’s a shame Rafa doesn’t show his quality for the national side
– Onyewu sucks
– If Onyewu were Mexican we would be saying he was the best in the world.
– This is just more evidence that the US is the power in concacaf; what will happen in Azteca?
No, he’s a troll who writes in (apparently American) English very well for someone who does not identify as an American. Castillo’s move probably looks pretty good right now for some of our American El Tri supporters. Unfortunately, fandom attaches with your first cap.
Christian,
AC MILAN thinks he’s good enough to sign for three years. I’ll take their judgment over your pathetic analysis anyday. That’s my point ahole. One of the biggest and best clubs in the world want Gooch. Nuff said.
Christian is an insecure little man.
Posted by: bob | July 07, 2009 at 08:24 PM
+1
the world class debate is dumb, if he starts and plays well for Milan than he is world class, if not he isn’t period. no point in speculating now, obviously Milan thinks he has potential to be world class, only time will tell
Christian is an insecure little man.
great for Gooch and USMNT to be signed by such a top side. Time will tell how much impact he’ll have, but I’m looking forward to seeing him contribute on a big stage.
people compared Alex and Gooch and said Gooch was better? i’m a Chelsea and USMNT supporter, so i’m on both sides of this discussion. i really don’t rate Alex that highly due to him being inconsistent and not being as dominate in the air as he should be for his size. plus i want to see Ivanovic getting more of the minutes that Alex was getting last season. but to say that Gooch is better than Alex is just wrong in my opinion. i guarantee all things being equal, Milan would take Alex over Gooch in a heartbeat, as would just about any other club.
but it’s all opinions i guess, so no one is truly right.
John- You are actually correct in thinking Inter wanted Gooch because they did. Luciano D’Onofrio, who serves as the vice-president of Standard Liege stated that Inter were a club that was interested in Gooch along with Birmingham, and Monchengladbach. If Inter considered Gooch then that means The Special One rates him. That says a lot to me about how good Gooch is.
Funny how some people here want to dawg our Gooch!lol
Here is the deal for those who are not familiar with Milan’s strategy! Milan has a similar tactic that the USNMT has. They are built on “DEFENDING”!!!! This is where CB Gooch comes in for them. This will be the perfect place and skeem for Mr.Gooch and his talents. He knows the ropes and style that Milan brings defensively because it is similar to what he plays in the USNMT.
He was a champion in Standard,champion in concacaf,sub champions in confederations. And to top it off, he has been involved in important games in the qualifying stages and in the W.C… He has the experience to play in a big clubs, no doubt… Is not like every S.A player in Europe comes in with great experience from conembol leagues!;) I will be buying a gooch jersey without carrying who gets the profits!lol
VIVA USA CABRONES!!!!
Great! Another American has achieved bench warming status on a great club.
On the topic of Donovan, there is no way he is going back to Germany, he is 0-3 there, and has already said that he wants to go to Spain or England. With all the moves going on, I would actually like to see Donovan going to Lyon. They have lost there top striker and I think France is where Donovan would make it. He would get euro play and a good chance to win a euro league. Other wise he will be going to a mid-table club in England or Spain.
As for Jozy I am hoping that he will be given a shot with Villarreal this year, and see him make a break through. Unless a bigger team gives and offer I think Davies should go to Rennes and with Bocanegra there it would make his move easier and maybe help him have a better season.
I just hope to see our players going to bigger and better clubs, and start seeing Americans on Champions League winning teams.
Gooch is Slow? Hmmm funny what this link shows…(Yes, i do know it only shows TOP speed but still…)
Make sure you click on the TS area 2x so it shows fastest to slowest and you might be suprised…
http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/statistics/players/distanceandspeed.html
Dolan.
Keep drinking the kool-aid my friend.
That way when your boys don’t meet your expectations, you’ll be the one crying under a rock.
I got nothing against the US or their players.
I just wanted to know what Gooch had done to be called a world class defender.
And guess what Dolan? Nobody has answered the question.
Does it hurt your feelings that the only people who think Gooch is world class are you and your delusional buddies?
Sh*t man, I just said he was a phenomenal player but not world class by any means. Seems like you have a hard time being objective when it comes to analyzing your players.
Sucks for you.
Ooooooops, meant AC. My credibility is damaged. Period.
Inter wants him, that means Gooch is a great defender. Period.
Hopefully LD will move to Europe, but he’s expensive and has baggage. Great player but problematic. Period.
@Nicole: If Donovan’s grandfather is/was an Irish national then LD should be eligible for Irish citizenship.
Donovan’s price is too high, knocking out all mid to small clubs or the mid to small clubs wont spend because he doesnt lift a whole team or able to carry them.
He is good, but far from a man on the field. Start thinking about what he cant give you and you will find your answers to major clubs not wanting him.
Besides, dont you think word got out after his first two tries in Germany to the rest of the EU. Something is being said and its not good. He walked away, blame him being a kid all you want. Kids do that move all the time and make it or least stick around.
Rossi is NOT an American. He is an Italian. He made that known when he turned his back on the U.S.
He is NOT an American. End of story.
@Christian
You clearly dislike American fans and the USMNT. Don’t even post a response to this fact. AC Milan have shown interest in an American player and this obviously bothers you for some reason. Go crawl back under the rock you came from. More Americans are getting noticed because they deserve it. Please get over it.
I agree that Donovan is a better midfirlder than Reyna, but skills are only part of the equation. There has to be a certain “chemistry” between the player and the Europesan coach, and the player must make an effort to fit into the culture of the European team. Poor Jozy and Freddy were hired by team management, and never accepted by the coach. We see the sad result.
I have no special insight, but I feel that Landon might have a problem “fitting in”, both with European coaches and culture. He never liked playing in Germany when he younger. Let’s face it, he is somewhat of a quirky person. Perhaps its as simple as the fact that no one in Europe likes him, even though he has skills.
JIM P,
Don’t you dare try to insult an American captain as good as Claudio Reyna again. He had to leave the game with an MCL so he definitely wasn’t faking. The main reason Donovan hasn’t been offered Europe is because he was too timid in all three stints. Also, the games were in South Africa, very different from Europe.
I really do not understand why a major offer has not come for Donovan. This guy was the best player or at least the most valuable player to his team at the Conf. Cup. He has a field intelligence that passes C. Reyna (and doesn’t turn the ball over lay down on the field faking hurt while the winning goal is being scored at WC) Every situation for Donovan has been wrong. At Bayern Munich they put him on the same side as Ribery who likes to come back, get the ball, and attack with speed the same thing Donovan does. Donovan needs to find a team that will use him like the US Men’s Nat. Team. Let him come back and defend and lead the break-out, why every team does not need this kind of player is a mystery. Donovan does not have a special skill becaues he is an all-around player. He does everything well and can read the game and do what is needed whether defense, ball winning, pushing the play, slowing the play etc . .He needs to go to a big club that will use him as the key feature of the transition. Its no mystery that the bigger the game the bigger he plays, he belongs in the spotlight.
i dont usually post here but have posted twice already today and feel the need to do it again. christian you are right the world class debate is stupid, but you also started it. thanks for trying to finish it. what you dont seem to get is that the label world class is idiotic. if any definition should be used to describe world class, it should be the ability to consistently and effectively start and contribute for your national team on international duty. gooch? check…
now if we look at another definition- ability to start and play effectively for a team that competes against other top teams in europe, then gooch…check again. played liverpool tough, led his team to champions league again, always a starter.
if you consider world class to be one of the best 11 players in the world, then no he is not along with most of brazil, italy, the netherlands, and other country’s rosters. such a definition is pointless and doesnt really do anything to evaluate a player.
instead of grouping a player into a vague and arbitrary grouping, why don’t you compare his abilities with another similar position player and talk about why he is inferior or superior. this discussion is also stupid, but at least has some basis in logic and fact.
class, world class, international quality, whatever…gooch is it. he has proven he can hang with international stars on international and club level duties. he’s almost always starting and contributing. what else can we expect? if a team like ac milan loses its most respected defender probably ever…and its sole signing so far has been an international center back, why should we not assume he’ll play?
This isn’t about hating on Gooch. I have tons of love for his game and the rest of the USMNT. It’s about having realistic expectations for a player who is going to have to prove himself all over again in a new culture, new club and vastly better league than Belgium.
He isn’t a world-class center back. Period. Is he an above average player on the international and club level with plenty to contribute to AC Milan? Yes, no doubt. But don’t put him in the same conversation as an Alex, who is a free kick specialist from the CB spot, better distributor, just as imposing physically and has proven himself a valuable commodity in the EPL for Chelsea (twice the force an aging Milan squad is in a more competitive league).
Whoever tossed out the top 50 number to define world class…seriously? Top 50 equals world class? That is a ridiculous leap from someone desperate to prove a point. Pointing out his performance against Liverpool and in the Confederations Cup as proof? Pretty silly if you ask me. It’s called sample size, and he doesn’t have enough of it against top competition on a consistent basis.
Do I think Onyewu will hold is own? Definitely. He wouldn’t have signed had he thought he didn’t have a chance to play in a World Cup year. And to be honest, I like the move. It breaks down barriers and challenges Gooch at a time when he needs a new mountain to climb. He chose wisely based on his style of play and strengths.
Papi Grande nailed it.
This is a useless discussion because the only people who consider Gooch a “world class” defenders are American fans.
That said, I think he’s a phenomenal player that has earned the right to prove himself at a team like Milan.
Good luck to him and the USMNT.
It’s pretty lame to argue “World Class” anyways, since there’s no definitive qualifications that determine if a player is “World Class” or not.
I would say yes, Alex is world class. If you start for one of the biggest clubs in the world than you most likely are world class.
Uhhh….just because he was a free transfer, doesn’t mean they aren’t paying him. They signed him to a contract. He’s gonna make a nice salary all paid by Milan.
Jesus! Some of you are acting like he’s playing for free. Yes, he’s world class.
I’m sorry but two good games against Liverpool and two (out of five) good games at the Confederations Cup does not make a world class player.
It’s important to remember that when determining if a player is world class, you look at his whole career.
You don’t pick and choose his good games and use those as the base of your argument.
Now, once again, what has Gooch done (over the span of his professional carreer) to be considered a world class defender?
……….
Exactly my point.
just some random thoughts on onyewu’s move to ac milan…
first, i am very happen that his improvement as a player, shown both over the course of time with standard liege, and most recently at the confeds cup, have resulted in the move to milan. that said, those who categorize gooch as a world class defender are getting WAY ahead of themselves. i would be pleasantly surprised if gooch becomes a regular starter at milan. not because gooch is not a good defender, but because milan is a HUGE SUPER club that has the best players competing for spots on their roster, let alone a spot in the starting 11. remember this, gooch will not only be competing for a spot with defenders currently on the milan roster, but any defender in the world that milan rates highly…..and that is because they are one of the 10-14 teams in the world that can buy any player, regardless of price. if during the 2009/2010 serie A season, gooch comes away as a part-time starter (read: half the games) and gains a much stronger sense of defensive tactics (for which the serie A is known for) then the move will have been successful. if gooch struggles early, which is a strong possibility, milan will buy during the january 20010 transfer window, and gooch will sit the second half of the 2009/2010 season, and be rusty going into the world cup. that, i am sure we would all agree on, would make the move unsuccessful.
i wish gooch the best, i am sure we will all be watching closely.
I think all this “world class” defender debate is a waste of time. He’s a very good player and has earned to right to play on one of the world’s top stages. Either he will prove that he deserves to stay or he will not. My bet is that the experience ensures that he continues growing as a player and he ultimately proves that he belongs.
The REAL debate is whether anyone can stomach buying a Gooch AC MIlan jersey knowing that all the profit will be going to that scumbag Berlusconi.
“I would also like to ask you if you think Alex from Chelsea and Brazil is world class.”
This is SO subjective, that it’s not worth discussing.
If, by, “world class”, you mean in the world’s best 11, then no. Neither Gooch or Alex are world class. If you mean able to play regularly for most, if not all, teams in the world, and not look out of place… then, yes. I believe both are world class.
mike ruze has the right of it. This opens doors when Onyewu plays well week in and week out, especially if it’s in visible competitions (e.g., Champions League). It’s a good start, though, and I wish him all the success in the world. I believe he’s capable of excelling in that environment. Sorry he didn’t get to play with & learn from Maldini, but one door begets another…
Donovan will make it this year to a European Giant. I said it. I can see other players going to European teams, but I can’t see any others going to a Champions League team besides him. We’ll see!
Exciting news though. I can’t wait to see him on the field starting and playing in a Milan Jersey!
Rennes, St. Etienne, Sochaux and AC Milan.
One of these things is not like the others …
Damn whats wrong with fans these days, people can’t enjoy a happy moment for 1 minute with out criticizing and insulting the player….I’m happy Gooch is gonna get his moment cause he deserves it. Now I’m waiting to see what happens to Demerit, is he still at Watford?
luis, christian has also failed to mention the games vs costa rica and el savdor. I’m not saying we lost because of him. I’m just saying that we have to look at the whole season. I would also like to ask you if you think Alex from Chelsea and Brazil is world class.
I will be very surprised if Onyewu becomes a regular starter for Milan.
Christian…while there was not tansfer fee…and I am aware of this fact…sorry for the wording error…they are in fact paying him a healthy weekly salary you can bet since that is the only thing all the clubs were competeing on…(PERSONAL TERMS)
I am not some USMNT fan boy and I have been quite critical of the Gooch in the past but he has improved every year and this year he showed that he is top 50 CB in the world right now and certainly worhty of being a 3rd CB for AC Milan…
Japan…I think Gooch is better than Alex…but Alex is close to be world class too… Not sure what you people consider world class…to me it is they can be on a world squad of the best players and not look out of place…Gooch showed Spain and Italy he was not out of place…
Actually, Christian, you need to keep up to date. The biggest two improvements Onyewu has made is in not fouling (as much) when he bodies up an attacker, and in distributing with passes out of the back. Next to Spector, he’s our best passer (of the defenders)
As to whether or not he’s world class? I don’t think he is yet, but he has all the tools to be. He has size, he has learned positioning, he has learned to distribute. He hasn’t played enough against small, quick forwards, but when he gets that experience, he’ll be a much more complete defender. And yes, maybe world class.
As an Interista I am a bit dissapointed but as a USMNT fan I couldn’t be happier for Gooch. I hope he gets some run at the San Siro and is conviniently suspended for yellow card accumilation for il derby de la Madonina!
christian,
i believe andy already explained why he is close or if not already a world class defender..
“People keep talking about the Confed Cup and while it helped a bit…the real deal was the fact that he shut down Liverpool for 89 mins and his little ole Belgian team nearly took them out along with a few other EPL teams in UEFA….”
plus, if i remember correctly, Gooch said he was going to wait till after the Confederations Cup to make a decision about his future..many people criticized him by saying “his only going to hurt his transfer because his going against top national teams” and what does Gooch do? He comes out and IMO, played the best games of his career. That goes to tell you that he has the right mentality to play against Top teams in the world..thus making him a world class defender
Great for Gooch. I still love the image of him staring down Borgetti in a WC qualifier.
Andy in Atlanta, do you think Alex from Chelsea and Brazil is world class?
Andy
The only idiot is you.
Milan didn’t buy Onyewu. They got him a on free transfer.
Besides the fact that he’s not good with the ball at his feet, what has Onyewu done to be considered world class?
Please, take off your USMNT fanboy glasses and answer the question.
Actually, Milan signing Donovan wouldn’t be total nonsense. Cheap forward, scores plenty of goals for club and country, just off advancing to a major FIFA Final….and scoring. I don’t see why not.
Wow the idiots are out today… First off, Gooch is very close to world class if he is not considered it already…. People keep talking about the Confed Cup and while it helped a bit…the real deal was the fact that he shut down Liverpool for 89 mins and his little ole Belgian team nearly took them out along with a few other EPL teams in UEFA….
Onyewu will be startet @ AC Milan for over half the season if not more judging by the way Nest and Kaladze get injured…. AC Milan did not buy Gooch to sell shirts…they bought him to head away free kicks and keep clean sheets… also….spare me about the “he is slow and gets beat by quicker players crap”….that stuff is old news retards…
As for Donovan…sure it would help a ton if he had an EU passport but MLS will end up selling him…likely for about 8-10 million US…. Guys in the EPL are going for like 4-5 millon sterling right now and they could not hold Landon’s jock… I just hope he ends up in Spain or Germany where there is more open space…. Maybe England in the right set up… (i.e. a good countering side like Arsenal, Villa or Fulham)