Freddy Adu made a promising debut for the Philadelphia Union, and while his first match for his new club didn't bring any fireworks from the U.S. national team midfielder, it was still a good start to what has the makings of a great fit.
Here is my Fox Soccer column on Adu's debut for his new club and his take on his return to MLS. Union manager Peter Nowak is confident that Adu will do well, though he's careful to not put too much pressure on his new signing. Adu doesn't seem too bothered by expectations. if anything, he seems motivated by the challenge of showing Union fans, and American soccer fans in general, that he's a much better player now than when he left MLS in 2007, and a player ready to make an impact.
Give the column a read and give us your take on Adu's return to MLS.
What did you think of Adu's debut? Can you see him helping lead the Union deep in the playoffs? Still not sold on him being a big difference maker?
Share your thoughts below.
Guy is only 22. He’d be a rookie in the NFL at that age.
Fishtown? Nah, we live in South Philly.
@Dancy – Fantastic and much appreciated. I’m intrigued to see what he’ll do w/Philly. He was pretty poor all first half last weekend, but he was better in the second half. Thanks again.
I hope Philly fans are patient with him. It sounds like he’s grown and matured personally and filled in some of the holes in his game somewhat. That said, the guy hasn’t played competitively in a while. It’s not just about being in game-shape but being sharp. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Union struggle a bit initially as they integrate Adu and he gets up to speed. But next year I would expect big things–very big things.
Nice article. Hope Adu can finally reach his potential. His return to the USA was even written about in one of Germany’s biggest newspapers (probably because Klinsmann is now USMNT coach) under the headline:
Freddy Adu und sein amerikanischer Albtraum (Freddy Adu and his American Nightmre)
http://www.welt.de/sport/fussball/article13548225/Freddy-Adu-und-sein-amerikanischer-Albtraum.html
As for his debut, he looked slow and over his head in the first half, but came out stronger in the second. It was obvious he needs more time training with the rest of the team, but he did show some brilliant flashes of vision and creativity. I only hope Nowak isn’t going to keep playing him out left and moves him to a AM role where he isn’t as responsible defensively and his lack of speed isn’t as much of a problem.
’11 goals in europe not crap for a young guy with limited minutes.’
11 goals in 4 years is crap, and the total number of games is crappier.
He is dangerous with the ball at his feet and capable to make something out of nothing, both by dribbling and passing. He has good touch on his passes, an ability to get out of tight spaces/beat multiple players, and a solid first touch. He also does well on set pieces, though not so much as a threat to score.
Basically he has the skills, thought not always the technique and judgement, to be a good attacking center midfielder. In fact he started to show this in his first stay in MLS. DC United picked up Christian Gomez in 2004 and went on to win MLS Cup after getting hot at the right time and he was largely credited with turning the team around. The hot streak actually started a few games before Christian’s arrival with Adu being moved to an attacking center mid. He played arguably his best games for United right before being immediately replaced at his preferred position. It was the right decision, but it is reasonable to wonder how much this hindered his growth as a player.
Freddy is all hype and not worth the money paid. I am glad its not my investment.
I’m just happy to see Freddy smiling. He’s been thru a lot and he deserves this chance to play
It’s official: Ives is buying a chain wallet, moving to Fishtown, and joining the Sons of Ben. Welcome home.
Well, Adu did well in his time at Benfica, Aris, and Rizespor. 5 goals in 20 games for Benfica, 2 in 11 (plus a few assists) for Aris, 4 in 11 for Rizespor. He created opportunities as well.
AS Monaco and Belenenses stops were BS. I do believe Adu had an attitude problem that kept him off the field. But when he was given some true minutes he was showing things.
11 goals in europe not crap for a young guy with limited minutes.
Diskeruud has 13 goals in 79 appearances (of which contained a lot more minutes)
Adu had 11 goals in 57 appearances (some scrap minutes at the very end of games with AS Monaco)
I don’t understand how he could be ‘doing well’ in Europe without playing. He also could not be the ‘most talented’ USA player and not be playing somewhere. In most sporting competitions talent is based on game performances. Lets hope he reaches a good level of play here at the Union.
Why bother to comment on someone that responded to someone who can’t be bothered?
I can’t be bothered with your justification…
=)
@Dancy – I’m a Union fan but haven’t seen much of Adu. What are his “huge strengths” that you mention? Just wondering…
Were you expecting a response? He can’t be bothered to read your question.
Best short summary of Adu’s situation I have ever read!
+1
Bizarre that so few people have commented on a Freddy Adu story
why bother commenting?
I can’t be bothered to read the column.
He is not a player with unlimited potential that never seems to put it all together. He is a guy with huge strengths and numerous flaws that never found a way to cultivate the former while compensating for the latter. What held him back was being very deficient at movement, decision making, defending, positioning, finishing, and possessing.
Most people assume that he never improved these enough because of a bad attitude, work ethic, and a refusal to acknowledge/address his weakness. Many people assume that he needed more time on the field to learn and improve. A few people thought that he just wasn’t that good or had too many flaws. We may soon see which of these is the case.
I’ve always said Adu was the most talented offensive player in our pool, regardless if he was playing or not. He manage to do well un Europe, his problem was getting on the pitch to continue to do well.
I’m glad he’s back in the states for a bit!
“Adu doesn’t seem too bothered by expectations. if anything, he seems motivated by the challenge of showing Union fans, and American soccer fans in general, that he’s a much better player now than when he left MLS in 2007”
Adu isn’t the 2nd-coming but we’ve always known he’s had talent. The problem holding him back appeared to have been attitude & motivation.
No longer, apparently…
This is going to be a story that will be extremely entertaining to watch, when most people assumed the book was closed.