04 czerwca 2009
A Thought About US v Costa Rica
Of the full squad for Costa Rica, fourteen play in their domestic league. There are a smattering of players that play in the US and Mexico, where they get plenty of playing time. Of the ones that play in Europe, they play in "second tier" leagues but I bet those guys are starters.
We, on the other hand, have a significant number of players who play for top flight European leagues, but who often get little playing time. We need to start asking if riding the pine, even if it is in a top league, is really good preparation for international play.
Hey, these players need to make their own decisions based on what they need from life. I know that. If a player can make many times more as a little used reservist in Portugal or England than being a regular starter for Columbus, it is hard to complain about the decision. But, the national team doesn't have to play them. We seem to grant garanteed starting spots for these guys because of the resume. Maybe making these guys compete for a spot with a guy who plays and gets knocked around week after week would make them hungrier.
Hasta la proxima. Do zobaczenia.
We, on the other hand, have a significant number of players who play for top flight European leagues, but who often get little playing time. We need to start asking if riding the pine, even if it is in a top league, is really good preparation for international play.
Hey, these players need to make their own decisions based on what they need from life. I know that. If a player can make many times more as a little used reservist in Portugal or England than being a regular starter for Columbus, it is hard to complain about the decision. But, the national team doesn't have to play them. We seem to grant garanteed starting spots for these guys because of the resume. Maybe making these guys compete for a spot with a guy who plays and gets knocked around week after week would make them hungrier.
Hasta la proxima. Do zobaczenia.
