The Red Bulls are going to sign a third Designated Player at some point this summer.
But who is he?
The player's identity continues to remain a mystery as both Hans Backe and Sporting Director Erik Soler remain hush on their target, but signs are pointing to that player being Mexican national team star Rafael Marquez.
The Red Bulls already have two DP's in Juan Pablo Angel and the recently introduced Thierry Henry. The team needs an attacking midfielder that can help create goals for the two strikers, but it doesn't appear as if the third DP slot will be used for that specific role.
NYRB can also use a defensive minded midfielder who can help control the pace of the game. Backe likes playing a possession game and both of these roles are essential to this style. Marquez can fit that role.
While we still don't know for a fact who the third designated player will be, here are some things we do know:
The third DP will be a midfielder, but which need would this midfielder fill?
This was answered at Henry's press conference and it seems, for now, the attacking midfield role will be filled in house.
"It will be a central midfield player but not a typical number ten," said Backe.
"I think it will probably be for next season to try to find that player [attacking midfielder]. It is not realistic for the last five months here."
That means that the Red Bulls are targeting a defensive minded central midfielder. We do know that the target is already under contract with a club and will have to negotiate his release. The Red Bulls Sporting Director gave one more clue at Henry's press conference, ending the speculation that the third DP could be Freddie Ljungberg.
"The guy is not in the MLS at the moment, he can be anywhere else in the world," said Erik Soler.
These new clues may have eliminated Ljungberg, a rumored target over the past week, but still leaves two other gossiped names in Patrick Vieira and Rafael Marquez.
While Vieira has said he is interested in coming to the MLS, he just signed a one year extension with his current club, Manchester City. The deal was made official on June 9th, making it unlikely this is the summer Vieira comes stateside.
Marquez is the name most connected with the Red Bulls over the past few weeks. Hans Backe does have familiarity with Marquez while assisting Sven-Goran Eriksson in his short tenure as the Mexican National Team coach. Marquez is traditionally a defender, but has played a defensive midfield role for club and country. But, Marquez still has two more years on his contract with Barcelona and the Mexican international recently said that he doesn't know what the future holds for him yet.
While these two names could fit the needed role for RBNY, it doesn't mean that either are the mysterious midfielder. At this point the Red Bulls front office has done well keeping their target's identity unknown.
Last week team both Soler and Backe were optimistic that the third DP could make his Red Bull debut with Henry against Spurs. But the tone has changed a bit in the past five days.
"I still hope for Thursday the 22nd [for the third DP], but realistically it is the 25th," "But it's not much time and until a player signs it is not easy to be sure, you can't be sure in football."
But he added, "we are still going on in a good way" in the negotiations.
"I think that's a hard, maybe too hard of a goal [to have third DP by NY Football Challenge]," said Soler. "There still can be options, but maybe we have to look toward August."
While the player's name and debut date still remain unknown, one thing is for sure, the Red Bulls will add a third Designated Player this summer. And if the player fits well with the squad, it could turn NYRB into Eastern Conference favorites. What a difference a year makes.
Henry Playing Striker
The creative, attacking midfield role will not be filled by NYRB's newest addition either. Thierry Henry will play as a high striker according to Hans Backe.
"I can't see him in a way drop as a second striker or a number ten," said Backe.
This means the club could finish the remainder of the season without a true attacking midfielder, with the likes of Joel Lindpere, Tony Tchani, and Sinisa Ubiparipovic trying to provide creativity and service from the middle of the field.
Other DP's To MLS?
The perception of the MLS around the world is changing. The league is getting a better reputation thanks to the success of the US Men's National Team and of former MLS players contributing abroad. Thierry Henry says that some of his colleagues in Europe are anxious to join him in the MLS.
"I know a lot of guys who would like to come [to the MLS]," Henry said. "That means the guys are looking at the league to come and play and compete here."
"I think it could be a plus, if some other teams can get some of those players, it would be awesome."
—————————————————–
Who do you think NYRB's third DP is going to be? Do you think they should be after an attack midfielder rather than a defensive midfielder? Will this signing push New York to it's first MLS Cup?
Share your thoughts below.
Yah, what the French guy said.
IS PLAYING FOR LEVERKUSEN
Italy, Germany, Spain and England had a combined 6 players out of about 90 they sent to the World Cup that didn’t play in their domestic leagues(the 4 best leagues in Europe).
So your argument is that if those leagues further restricted their quality by not allowing in foreign players their domestic players playing against and with inferior quality players would be better?
Any word on a possible dp for the uuuuuuuuunion?? I’m worried red bull may finally have enough to get a cup.
If they’re calling Henry’s arrival the worst kept secret–Seedorf to RBNY would have to be the best. I’m sure you mean next year right?
as long as its not Ljungberg
I’d be shocked. When he was in DC this year, he said he would love to come to MLS. But he said he plans on staying in Milan for a few more years.
The FMF is sending Marquez over here to break the ankles of our rising American starlets. Book it.
Sounds like there is serious competition coming from Juve and Genoa for the services of Marquez.
Is anyone else worried that NY and LA seem to be in an arms race for international stars and that our professional leagues don’t need another NY/LA domination? Freddie Ljungberg. I know I know. But outside of him, how are successful international players going to go anywhere other than LA or NY? Now with Ronaldihno rumored to be coming to LA, it seems like the MLS is in danger of becoming a league of haves and have-nots.
You ready for a surprise. The next DP for the Red Bulls will be Clarence Seedorf. Mark my words.
I don’t agree. These foreign players make the league better. There is currently a limit on foreign players, and I think the balance is just about right. Some teams in MLS do start more than 6 US nationals, others not. Houston has been the most consistent team in MLS over the last few years, and they’ve done it with mostly US nationals. For US players to get better, they need to play against better competition.
A better solution is to raise the salary cap. That would improve the foreign talent in the league and hopefully keep more young Americans playing in MLS…
LAURENT ROBERT
that would be bananas
How much money can Red bull throw down a hole?
Is there also a limit of how many foreigners can start a game?
Ok thanks.
I wish they would add something limiting the foreigners you could start a game with. For example, you need at least 6 out of 11 players from your starting 11 to be Americans.
Bad example you’re giving: Germany, Holland, and Spain. Take a look at the top clubs in those countries, and you’ll see they play a lot of nationals.
On the other hand, take Italy and England. Their top clubs barely field young locals anymore. In England’s case, the problem is older, which is why their national team hasn’t done anything noteworthy in a while. For Italy, the problem is new (I’d say it really became an issue over the past 3-4 years), but it’s already staring to affect their national team.
The truth is that if you don’t have a domestic league allowing for young locals to express their skills and develop, then your national team suffers greatly.
“Just like in the picture I would be touched if Rafa Marquez joined me on the Red Bulls.”
Is that 8 total per squad or 8 in the starting 11?
In the words of the Eagles … “Get Over It”
Don’t think he re-upped. He’s just thinking of staying on board for his final yr. He knows he’s all but finished there. That club is moving in a different direction and he may be surplus just as he was when Pep took over in Barca.
Yah, because the foreign players playing in Germany, Holland and Spain really made their national teams weak this World Cup.
i saw that too
Pretty sure Ronaldinho just re-upped with AC Milan.
Like him or not, Rafa Marquez would be one of the best ever to play in MLS. DO you guys want the MlS to improve the play or not? I say sign Real Madrid´s GUTI, he is a talented player.
+1
+1
There already are limits on foreign players.
They have a limit on 8 foriegn players per team I believe.
Eh, I’m not sure the MLS needs many more aging (and lazy) stars that have given up on their international careers and would just be coming to make some money.
A Marquez signing would give most American MLS fans a reason to bitterly hate the Red Bulls. Unlike some, I do hold grudges…Marquez is a dirty player. Just ask Tim Howard.
I’m about a big a fan of Rafa as I am of Nigel De Jong. Def do not want to see him in MLS, unless he’s working cleaning the boots of my team.
Definitely +1
There is a limit on foreigners in MLS. However, many foreign-born players get green cards and credentials so that they do not count against the limit.
Ludovic Guily
Riquelme would be a perfect fit for the NYRB !
Well, that rumor has been floating around for some time…kinda the way Henry to RBNY was for the past year. Hopefully it comes to fruition. This would be the turning point for MLS. Biggest year for American soccer ever.
Is it really necessary for an mls side to have a true destroyer like gattuso? I understand why you need that player against barca, arsenal, etc but I feel like most mls offenses sort of break down of their own accord.
I haven’t seen gattuso play since the euros, so maybe i’m not giving him enough credit for his ability on the ball. But i’d think a possession-oriented holding midfielder would be more valuable to an mls team.
Marquez would be a great fit at 31–plenty of years left for his posiiton. If Henry doesn’t manage to sell the rest of the home games and many road games out, then Marquez certainly would. Imagine the road games in CA and TX for example. Marquez will be just about as big as Cuau Blanco was when he arrived. Maybe not as many goals, but his presence is huge from his tenure with Mexico.
I’m the first to be happy with all these big names coming over, but I do wish there would be a limit of foreigners that could play on a MLS team.
I’m concerned that over time teams will field mostly non-US rosters, ultimately making our national team weaker, since young Americans won’t get a chance to play (same situation you see in England on a another level).
So, yes to better players, but let’s ensure MLS remains a league where US players can develop.
ESPN is reporting that Ronaldinho is possibly coming to the Galaxy (according to RSL owner), anyone on SBI heard that rumor ?
BALLACK
Please no marquez – i’m not a RBNY fan but I root for their success. If this pinche naco jodido joins their ranks I will despise them forever more.
New York is just stealing top players from all over the world.
Yet no other team can even touch a mid table player. Seems like a foreign coach is serving them well.
I’d love to see Marquez here.
Interesting choice. I like it though. Not sure how fit he is after his long injury layoff, but he’d fit the bill.
My money is on Marquez right now because it fills the void on the field as well as in the stands with the area’s massive mexican/hispanic population. Plus, he might not be as ferocious as Gattuso but I think he’s better on the ball and can start attacks well. He did a lot better than I thought he would settling into the defensive midfield role for the WC.
Why? Marquez does have a track record with the USMNT but he is a talented player. I personally don’t hold grudges against the Mexican national team and its players for longer than about a week after the game. I even route for them in the World Cup. I would love to see Marquez come to the league. I think he would be a massive success at defensive mid and really upgrade the squad of an already blossoming Red Bulls (I say this as a DC United fan).
Hate him you may, but he is a player. Also, he would be a hit at the ticket office too. And while NYRB’s attendance is up, we all would love to see that beautiful stadium of yours filled to capacity.
They may need a defensive midfielder, maybe not, BUT, without an attacking midfielder it would seem it many aspects that all of this money for Angel and Henry could be seen as wasted if there is no creativity in attck from the midfield. Go get a #10!!!
I’ll put my red bull season tix in the garbage.
Gattuso is a better fit.
they already have a defensive central midfielder: Carl Robinson.