Snak

Han startede på bænke sammn med Rrecoba, Sanchez og Renato Cesar - lidt trist at Nacional´s store chancer faldt til Ivan Alonso(Straffespark) og Vicente Sanchez ....havde det været Loco havde han høvlet dem ind....

Nacional (Uruguay) - Boca Juniors (Argentina) 0-1

0-1 Roman " El Último Número 10" Riquelme (Straffe) (43´)

Udv: Claudio " Chiqui " Pérez (Boca)

http://www.youtube.com/w…QCcwv4xyjuM


Arsenal de Sarandí (Argentina) - São Paulo (Brasilien 2-1

1-0 Jorge "Marciano Ortíz (66´) 1-1 Aloisio (72´) 2-0 Diego "Hacha" Braghieri (84´)

http://www.youtube.com/w…V9OTzTdcF1s


San José (Bolivia) - Millonaríos (Colombia) 2-0

1-0 Marcelo Gómes (13´) 2-0 CArlos Saucedo (47´)

http://www.youtube.com/w…gOL3VS3fpJM

Argentine democracy has a debt to San Lorenzo

Fan protests at the Pope´s club

15 March ~ Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as the next leader of the Catholic Church on Wednesday. The new Pope Francis hails from Buenos Aires and is a fan of San Lorenzo. The club was featured in WSC 303 (May 2012) as Joel Richards explained how fans mobilised to ask questions of the dictatorship that turned their stadium into a supermarket

Barely three hours after the Mothers of the Disappeared finished their march, San Lorenzo fans filled the Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires.

According to the organisers, there were 100,000 of them. Just like the Mothers, San Lorenzo were demanding justice for crimes committed during the 1976-83 dictatorship in Argentina. The Mothers made their first public appearance in 1977, defying the brutal military regime that was kidnapping those considered "subversive" from the streets. By the end of the dictatorship an estimated 30,000 had "disappeared". While the 1978 World Cup offered the opportunity to speak to foreign journalists and tell their dramatic story to the outside world, they made their first ever public appearance at a religious event held at San Lorenzo´s stadium, the Gasómetro, where they raised a banner in the crowd and demanded information.

The Mothers soon began to meet in front of the Casa Rosada, in Plaza de Mayo, every Thursday. The political panorama has changed dramatically in recent years but they continue to march to this day. The former generals no longer frequent cafes in expensive neighbourhoods; they now spend their time in the dock and behind bars. But as the scale of the dictatorship´s repression emerges, another aspect of the military rule is being debated, investigated, and challenged: the economic powers that supported the military and the profiteering that took place under the de facto government.

San Lorenzo mobilised their supporters in March and filled Plaza de Mayo with flares, flags, replica shirts and chants. They want to return to Boedo, the neighbourhood where the club was born. "Argentine democracy is in debt to San Lorenzo," says Adolfo Res, a historian and a member of the San Lorenzo supporters´ group. "Everyone knows what the dictatorship did."

In 1979 San Lorenzo were forced to sell the Gasómetro. Osvaldo Cacciatore, who was installed as the governor of Buenos Aires by the dictatorship, ordered that property owned by San Lorenzo, including the stadium, should be split up to open two important roads in the south of the city. There would be new housing built on the land and transport links would benefit as a result. When Cacciatore met with the San Lorenzo president, Moisés Annan, he dictated that the club would sell the stadium for £570,000. To ensure a smooth negotiation, Cacciatore placed his pistol on the desk and asked after Annan´s children. The threat was clear. Annan need only have looked to the Plaza de Mayo on Thursdays to see what Cacciatore was driving at.

The Gasómetro, so called because of the enormous gas containers nearby, opened in 1916 and reached its capacity of 75,000 by 1929, making it the national team´s home. It became known as the Wembley of Buenos Aires. It was not just a legendary stadium, famous for its wooden stalls, it was also a focal point for the community, with a strong accent on social work and activities for the local residents.

Not only did that vanish, but after San Lorenzo sold the Gasómetro, no houses were built and no roads were opened. In 1983, the zoning regulations were changed. The construction of supermarkets had not been permitted in the area, but Cacciatore enabled the sale of the land to the French company Carrefour. The land was sold for eight times the price he paid Annan, giving him a considerable personal profit on the deal. To this day the supermarket occupies the grounds on Avenida de la Plata in Boedo.

San Lorenzo were relegated in the year Carrefour bought the land, becoming the first of the five grandes to drop down a division. "Whether the board at the time were good directors is an entirely separate matter," says Res, "but now we want to go back to Boedo." With no ground, San Lorenzo moved from one stadium to the next, even playing home games at local rivals Huracán. Opposition fans still taunt them with "de que barrio sos San Lorenzo?" Since the 1990s, they have been in Bajo Flores, an area described by fans as "complicated".

The supporters´ group lobbied the city government to pass the "historic reparation" law. After making headway, they are optimistic a decision could come by the end of the year. Along with the decree that would return the land to San Lorenzo, there will be a stadium, as well as a cultural and social centre, with space for private businesses. The complex will take the name of one of the club´s founders, the priest who first offered the group of workers kicking a ball about in the street a field to play on: Father Lorenzo Massa.

Scout Report: Zaine Pierre

Zaine Pierre is no ordinary St Lucian footballer. No. He is something special. And at just 18 years of age, who knows what the future holds…

Pierre was born in Dennery, in the small Caribbean island of St Lucia which has a population of just under 200,000 people. Compare that to Birmingham in England, for instance, which is nearly five times the size of St Lucia.

He began his footballing venture with Vieux Fort, a comprehensive secondary school which has a reputation of churning out some of the island’s biggest sports stars. In 2010, after developing well at Vieux, he made the switch to Trinidad & Tobago outfit W Connection.

However, if we skip backwards just a little earlier within that month – Pierre was actually on trials with various top level European clubs. He was trialling for Premier League side Stoke City, and has previously had trial spells with Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City.

Plus, it was reported in the St Lucian press that several Spanish teams were tracking Pierre’s progress. So, not bad then?

Within two years of playing with W Connection, who lost the CFU Club Championship to Caledonia AIA just short of a few weeks ago, the midfielder made a huge move.

In August 2011, he went on yet another trial. This time with Italian side Genoa, and a year later, in April of 2012, he made the deal permanent. This was, understandably, massive news for St Lucian football.

He became the first ever St Lucia player to sign for a major, top level Italian club. And through this deal, Zaine could become the most expensive transfer ever for a teenager from the Caribbean, depending on future achievements and accolades.

And throw his new Puma contract into the equation, then you can clearly see what all the hype is about. W Connection have also been praised, for their impressive youth system as they keep on producing talented youngsters who are going onto bigger and better things.

Infact, Connection could really benefit from Pierre’s move and their developing youth infrastructure as Genoa are likely to come back for more. The Trinidad club will be looking to earn a considerable financial boost.

It’s a big next few years for Pierre. He’s done so well, and now he’s based at a large, expanding European club he won’t, certainly won’t, be wanting to make any sort of mistake. He has the ability, and many are sure he will be a worthy recruit. Including myself.

In terms of the international scene, at 18 he has five caps to his name. He’s tasted World Cup qualifying, following his debut in 2010, and is becoming a key player for his country.

Haiti’s ‘Golden Age’

A look back at Haiti’s ‘Golden Era’ between the 1960s, and 70s when they were considered one of the major forces of Caribbean football…

The Golden Era

A mere five decades ago, Haiti were considered one of the major teams in CONCACAF and Caribbean football. In this time period, it was the golden age of Haitian football. They were up there with the likes of Mexico and Costa Rica, teams that were also major at the time.

By the year 1965, players such as Henri Francillion, Philippe Vorbe and Guy St-Vil were featuring for the national side. Greater things were to come, under the leadership of coach Antione Tessy.

The team continued to expand, and it rapidly developed in time to reach the final round of the 1970 World Cup qualifiers. Over a two-legged tie, Haiti suffered heartbreak as their opponents El Salvador ran out overall winners to snatch a qualification spot.

Skip forward four years, to 1974, and the World Cup is here yet again. Another opportunity for Haiti to have a crack at qualifying. And this time, they made no hash of getting the job done. They topped the group, and therefore reached their first ever World Cup.

A very competitive group

So, Haiti entered the tournament with a fairly low reputation and weren’t expected to manufacture much of a serious threat. If their group consisted of teams a little easier to beat, then the story could have been so different. However, they were placed in a very tough group instead.

Poland, Argentina and Italy. First up would be a match against the Italians, in which Haiti starlet Emmanuel Sanon scored the opening goal to give his nation some hope before Italy roared back with a trio of fine goals. A 7-0 defeat by Poland, and 4-1 loss to Argentina followed.

And since that competition, Haiti have never reached another World Cup since. The island’s rich footballing status took a steep turn. Now, the team is currently enduring a transition period. It’s rebuilding, restructuring under the guidance of manager Carlo Marcelin. It’s starting to rise again, and it’ll be fascinating to see how well the team does at the upcoming Caribbean Cup, which is being held in Antigua & Barbuda.

The Sanon goal that sent Haitian fans into delirium

http://www.youtube.com/w…er_embedded

The first, second and final round are scheduled for August and September, October and December respectively. And the event will determine the four national sides that will qualify for the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup. It’s important that Haiti bounce back from their 2014 World Cup qualifying disappointment, as they finished in second in Group F of Round 2.

Of late, the country has suffered a lot economically and of course the earthquake that struck the small nation back in 2010 rocked the whole island and since the football has took a slight backwards step. Two years on from the tragedy, and the mood in Haiti is still one of gloom. It’s about time the nation had a taste of joy.

After all, football offers an escape route from problems back home. The island is in need of another dose of excitement and something to cheer about, and the national team could well provide that escape if they can emulate the kind of success produced in the ‘Golden Age’ of the 1960s/70s.

Scout Report: Nigel Neita

In this Scout Report, Arsenal’s young and upcoming forward Nigel Neita is profiled.

PROMISING…Neita has every chance of developing into a mature, top level striker while based at Arsenal

Nigel Neita. Who? I hear you cry. Not many have heard of him, and why would they unless they have a ridiculous amount of knowledge about the Arsenal youth team. He’s an 18-year-old striker, who shows plenty of promise and could be Jamaica’s next big thing.

Neita was born in London, but is of Jamaican descent. In March 2012, he recieved his first international call-up following another impressive season with the Gunners youth team, and despite not making it onto the pitch against Costa Rica – the experience he must have got from working around the players and coaches will only benefit him for the future.

Having joined Arsenal on a scholar in 2010, he has really settled into life with the Gunners. When not playing upfront, Neita can drop deep and be deployed as a playmaker or also feature on the flanks due to his pace and imagination.

If he can remain under the assured guidance of the Arsenal youth coaches, then he will only continue to develop and learn from the very best. You never know, we could have a new Thierry Henry on our hands.

Dream draw: Warriors pull Honduras, Haiti and El Salvador

Fortune might have smiled on the Trinidad and Tobago national senior team in Chicago today as the “Soca Warriors” arguably received its best draw ever at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which has also become remarkably generous to its participants in the 2013 edition.

There are 12 nations in the Gold Cup finals, which kicks off on 7 July 2013 at the Rose Bowl. But only three will be eliminated in the first round while nine teams will progress to the quarterfinal stage.

In short, it is harder to be eliminated from the Gold Cup than it is to progress.

And, best of all, the Trinidad and Tobago team , the Caribbean Cup runner-up, has somehow ended up with three nations, Honduras, El Salvador and Haiti, that it has enjoyed favourable results against in the recent past.


Photo: Trinidad and Tobago defender Seon Power (second from left) sprints in to join the celebration during the 2012 Caribbean Cup finals in Antigua.
(Courtesy Allan V. Crane/ Wired868)

In contrast, Group C pits host nation the United States against Central American champion, Costa Rica and Caribbean conqueror, Cuba, as well as Belize. Defending Gold Cup champion, Mexico, heads Group A which also includes Panama, Canada and Martinique.

Trinidad and Tobago has a superior head to head record against El Salvador and Haiti over the last 10 years while the tiny two-island republic is undefeated after two Gold Cup meetings with Honduras in the CONCACAF showcase tournament.

“It’s a good group,” Trinidad and Tobago joint head coach Hutson “Barber” Charles told the TTFF Media. “These are opponents we have competed well against in the past. And I feel that once we prepare well and have our best team possible on the pitch then we can definitely fancy our chances of getting positive results and progressing beyond the group stage…

“We have a program to follow with the build-up in terms of our line-up of international friendlies and the players we are looking at and we intend to stay focused and work hard towards ensuring we stick to our plans.”

Trinidad and Tobago has played in seven Gold Cup tournaments but only ever advanced to the knock-out stage in the 2000 competition when coach Bertille St Clair led to the team to the semi-finals. Since the remaining two nations were guests from other confederations, Trinidad and Tobago effectively finished second among the CONCACAF nations.

St Clair was immediately fired from his post by then special advisor Jack Warner and replaced by now deceased Scotsman Ian Porterfield.

Charles was present at today’s Gold Cup draw in Chicago along with team manager William Wallace and Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) president Raymond Tim Kee.

Road Warriors: Belize friendly moved to Central America

Trinidad and Tobago’s football fans will not get the chance to see the “Soca Warriors” in action on home soil before the July 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) announced today that next Friday’s friendly international against Belize will be held away in Central America rather than at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva. Wired868 understands that the TTFF is trying to arrange for an internet feed of the fixture.

The decision to move the game is believed to have been provoked by Belize’s inability to meet the cost of trip to Trinidad although the TTFF described it as “logistical challenges.”

However, it means that the senior Trinidad and Tobago team will play its next four friendly internationals away and is unlikely to play at home before August unless a game is scheduled for outside the FIFA calendar.

TTFF president Raymond Tim Kee said he was disappointed that the game will now be played abroad but was happy to have saved the fixture so the Warriors can continue their rehearsals for the Gold Cup.

“We are continuing our efforts to ensure that our national teams are afforded every opportunity to prepare adequately for the international stage,” Tim Kee told the TTFF Media, “and that our development programmes are properly streamlined with the right support and resources.

“The Under-17 team will continue their preparations with another upcoming training camp before heading to Panama City for the Under-17 World Cup qualifiers. And for the first time since 2006, our senior men’s team will play in Europe against two European countries as Romania and Estonia have agreed to host us.

“Despite our challenges, we are trying to ensure that the business of football relating to the country’s representation in the international arena moves ahead with some degree of progress.”

The Warriors play away to Belize on March 22 and Peru on March 26 before travelling to Romania on June 4 and Estonia on June 7.

Romania is ranked 31st in the world by FIFA while Estonia is 82nd. Trinidad and Tobago is ranked 69th at present.

The Warriors should begin training for the Belize fixture on Monday at the Ato Boldon Stadium.


Photo: This football fan is among hundreds of supporters who will not be seeing the “Soca Warriors” play live anytime soon.
(Courtesy Wired868)

The Warriors have only played at home twice in the past 16 months due to a combination of the TTFF’s financial woes and the insufficient support from the Sport Ministry. Unfortunately, it now appears that Trinidad and Tobago football fans would have to go without seeing their team for several months more.

(Trinidad and Tobago senior team)

Goalkeepers: Marvin Phillip (Central FC), Cleon John (North East Stars);

Defenders: Curtis Gonzales (Defence Force), Daneil Cyrus (DIRECTV W Connection), Carlyle Mitchell (FC Edmonton—Canada), Aubrey David (Neal & Massy Caledonia AIA);

Midfielders: Chris Birchall (Port Vale—England), Densill Theobald, Keyon Edwards, Ataullah Guerra (all Neal & Massy Caledonia AIA), Keon Daniel (Philadelphia Union—US), Joevin Jones (DIRECTV W Connection);

Wingers: Kevon Carter (Defence Force), Darren Mitchell (Central FC), Marcus Joseph (Point Fortin Civic Centre);

Forwards: Kenwyne Jones (Stoke City—England), Devorn Jorsling (Defence Force), Cornell Glen (North East Stars).

Matias Fernandez – The struggle for success

Ever since moving to Europe in the summer of 2006, Matias Fernandez has struggled to make the same impact he did in Chile as a youngster. His €8.7million move to Villarreal, which came on the back of winning the South American Player of the year at Colo Colo, failed to live up to the hype – which even included having a €50million release clause inserted into his contract. After three years, 90 appearances and just seven goals Fernandez made a €3.5million move to Sporting Lisbon where his fortunes improved significantly.

In the subsequent three years, from 2009 to 2012, Matigol made 110 appearances and scored 21 goals along the way, many of them playing an integral role in Sporting’s relative success during this time. Highlights included a top three finish in the Portuguese league, behind Porto and Benfica, reaching the semi-finals in the domestic cup and reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Fernandez’ time at Sporting came to a head at the same time his year of 2012 sparked into life. The Leões made it to the final of the Portuguese Cup on 20th May and had a chance to win their first silverware for verging on five years. Fernandez played a key role in Sporting reaching the final, his assists and attacking play allowing eventual top scorer Ricky Van Wolfswinkel to blast his team to within one match of a trophy.

However, the day didn’t go to plan and Sporting were beaten by an early Académica goal and Fernandez’ hopes of winning his first trophy in Europe were quickly over.

Even so, 2012 quickly became an even better year for Fernanadez, personally. His performances in Portugal alerted Italian giants Fiorentina who parted with €4million to secure his services in the summer. Since then it’s all gone very well, with Fernandez appearing in 14 out of Fiorentina’s 18 Serie A matches and playing a pivotal role in their new and improved brand of fluid attacking football. Fiorentina now lie in third place going into their Christmas break and are only a very surmountable nine points behind leaders Juventus.

As for Fernandez on the international stage, 2012 proved to be a mixed year for the Chilean national team. In June, La Roja continued their fantastic 2011 World Cup qualifying form by beating Bolivia and then Venezuela in the space of a week, and make it five wins in a row in competitive matches. Since then it’s all been downhill. The side have now lost five in a row, three of those coming in World Cup qualifying matches and have seen Claudio Borghi finally relieved of his duties as manager. During this time, however, Fernandez’ performances have never dropped, establishing himself as the team’s best and most influential player, scoring three goals – one of them the vital late break through away to Venezuela.

Now, in 2013, Fernandez will be hoping to take his fine individual international form into Serie A and prove to everybody, and himself, that he can live up the hype that surrounded his arrival in Europe nearly seven years ago.

nu har vi tidligere været inde på Ramon Aguirre Suarez....så...

La Bombonera Massacre 1969

Blood poured from Nestor Combin’s broken nose onto his once white A.C Milan shirt. His eyes rendered nearly useless – a result from his shattered cheekbone. The Milan doctor knelt at his crumpled body. Through blurred vision and the deafening clamor Combin focused on a man dressed all in black. The referee leant down to speak over the din. He wanted the battered and bloodied striker back on the pitch so the game could resume. Combin’s body went limp as he lost consciousness. The next thing he would be aware of would be his arrest whilst laid out on a stretcher.

Throughout the early 60s the Intercontinental cup had captured the world’s attention. Helped in no small means by Santos’ 2-in-a-row victory headed by Pele the competition had one fans by being both glamorous and providing competitive, exciting football.

However, the withdrawal of Brazilian teams in the later years of the decade – due to among other things a lack of financial incentive – led to a reduction in the perceived prestige the competition enjoyed in the Latin continent. With Brazil’s teams abstaining Argentina’s domestic sides seized the opportunity to have their impact on the world stage.

The Argentines saw fit to perpetuate the reputation they had gained during the 1966 World cup for excessive physicality on the pitch. Perhaps encouraged and enraged in equal measure by Alf Ramsey’s comments that they were “Animals” first blood was drawn in 1967. The ‘Battle of Montevideo’ saw Celtic, Racing Club of Argentina and riot police take the field as six players were dismissed.

The following year Manchester United and Estudiantes fought out a brutal edition. The tactical violence and intimidation leading Matt Bubsy to call for Argentina’s teams to be “banned from all competitions”. But it was the 1969 final, between A.C Milan and a returning Estudiantes that would shock the world and draw serious doubt over the competitions future.

The Milan team that qualified for the global trophy was coached by Nereo Rocco. A pioneer of the Catenaccio tactical system in Italy it had served his side well. The air tight defence supplemented with the young attacking duo of Gianni Rivera and José Altafini made light work of Ajax in the European cup final and now expected to add another trophy to the prestigious Milan cabinet.

Rocco’s opposite number was Osvaldo Zubeldía, a man who was pinnacle in shaping Estudiantes’ into a domestic success. He took the graduates of the youth team (‘La Tercera que Mata’ or ‘the juvenile killers’) and molded them into a team which would be the first to break the ‘Big 5’ monopoly of Argentinian football.

The two-legged nature of the final saw Milan on home soil at the San Siro on 8th October. i Rossoneri in all white barely broke stride as they cruised in to the lead after just eight minutes, Sormani heading in unmarked at the back post. The lead was doubled when Combin jinxed past defence, goalkeeper et al. to finish. Estudiantes rallied briefly in the second half, but their forwards (including Juan Verón father of the Lazio and Chelsea midfielder) could not unlock Milan’s Catenaccio defence. Sormani seemingly put the first-leg beyond doubt midway in the second half. A breathtaking display of control and possession by the Milan side who saw nothing from their opponents to suggest anything other than a trophy celebration in Buenos Aries.

Fourteen days later as the Milan players entered ‘The chocolate box’ pitch it was clear the second leg was a different beast to its cousin. As they warmed up footballs and were fired towards them by their opponents. The police in the stadium did nothing to dissuade fans throwing missiles towards Milan’s players and staff. Nor did they put a stop to hot coffee being poured down onto the Italians as they left the tunnel, a South American incarnation of hot oil poured from medieval castle turrets.

It became abundantly clear from the kick off what kind of ‘game’ Milan would expect. Possession of the football and a Milan shirt seemingly a crime punishable by a barrage of kicking, punching and elbows. Also abundantly clear was the Chilean referee’s blatant ignoring of Estudiantes’ indiscretions.

All Milan players received their ‘fair’ share of fouls and physicality. But 15 minutes in gave the first indication to those watching that there was brutality to the home sides actions when Pierino Prati was felled on the half way line which resulted in concussion. Milan captain Gianni Riviera was punched repeatedly to the ground by goalkeeper Alberto Poletti, a reward perhaps for scoring the opener to give Milan a 4-0 aggregate score line.

The Argentines pulled two back in quick succession before half time, but in truth the score line was now an irrelevancy to the Estudiantes players and staff. More important was the physical retributions they could inflict on their opponents. And singled out for the most brutal treatment was Néstor Combin, the argentine born striker who had been singled out as a ‘traitor’ by both players and the thousands of braying los porteños for representing France rather than the land of his birth.

The receiver of a devastating elbow from Ramón Aguirre Suárez resulted in Combin’s need for medical attention. Though things took a turn from the violent to the surreal as he was being stretchered away. Argentine police handcuffed the semi-conscious striker whilst still lying in his now blood red Milan kit. The charge: Draft-dodging.

The final whistle went and Milan were crowned champions. Whilst celebrations were a mix of euphoria and relief (at having come through relatively unscathed). The joy soon turned to disbelief upon learning that Combin was escorted out of the stadium and now in the local jail. Manager Rocco, perhaps swayed by what he saw both from the home team and fans made a decision. We leave. To his mind this was now a legal and diplomatic issue. The best he could do for his team was to get them out of the country as soon as possible.

The levels of media outcry after the game almost matched the violence on it. The Gazetto dello sport called it a “Ninety minute man-hunt”. Even the Argentinian press, citing the Estudiantes players as a national embarrassment called for recriminations.

They were swift in coming. Military dictator Juan Carlos Ongania intervened, demanding the harshest punishment be meted out to the culprits. The Argentinian FA played ball in sentencing, the harshest of which reserved for Ramón Suárez and Eduardo Manero to bans of up to 30 games. The severest of punishments was saved for goalkeeper Poletti who was banned for life and along with Manero actually sentenced to a month in prison.

The damage done to the Intercontinental Cup was almost irreparable. The subsequent ten years saw the majority of European teams boycott the competition. It was only after car company Toyota lobbied for the format to be moved to a one off game in Japan that the inter-continental cup regained some of its 1960s prestige.

Combin was released after two days in custody and soon rejoined his teammates back in Milan. Battered but not broken. A survivor of the La Bombonera Massacre.

The MLS: A hotbed for talent?

When you think of the MLS, what comes into your head? Most probably the big named stars such as Henry, Donovan and Keane that have come to define the league in recent seasons. However, if you put aside the ridiculous team names on the glitzy atmosphere’s and coverage and you scratch beneath the surface you will discover a large hotbed of big talent that has in the past been largely overlooked.

In fact it has only been in recent seasons that the talent pool of the MLS has been well and truly delved into by Premier League clubs- but since they have there has been a significant influx of players from stateside. Just this January has seen beastly forward Kei Kamara and silky midfielder Roger Espinoza join Norwich and Wigan respectively from Sporting Kansas City and mercurial winger Brek Shea join Stoke from FC Dallas.

Of course, the way has been paved for many of these new recruits by success stories such as Carlos Bocanegra, Ryan Nelsen, DaMarcus Beasley, Jozy Altidore and in particular Clint Dempsey, all of whom migrated from the MLS to ply their trade in some of Europe’s top leagues with success, however it is hard to deny that there has been a particular increase in the activity between America and the rest of Europe.

This certainly seems to suggest two things: One that the MLS as a division as a whole is currently enjoying a rapid increase in reputation and two, that the standard of talent within the division itself is on the increase. Whichever way that you look at it, there seems to be a correlation.

In truth, you needn’t look far to find a whole host of players that could make some sort of impact either here or at home. Colombian international striker Fredy Montero and speed merchant Steve Zakuani of Seattle Sounders, classy midfielder Chris Pontius and athletic goalkeeper Bill Hamid of DC United, goal machine Chris Wondolowski of San Jose Earthquakes, beastly centre half AJ DeLaGarza of L.A. Galaxy…the list seems to go on forever. And it’s no fluke that MLS players do have a habit of making success stories out of themselves in the Premier League.

Over the summer whilst on holiday in Canada, I was lucky enough to spectate an MLS match, between Toronto FC and Portland Timbers, and having gone expecting a drab affair I must admits I was impressed with the standard of football being played, comparatively to the Premier League football I am used to watching. After witnessing a pulsating 2-2 draw, I was left completely re-evaluting the standard of play in the division. There are undeniable swathes of talent coming through at most clubs- due to the league’s active youth recruitment system and though not all of it could cut it in the big time- there are some real hidden gems out there for top clubs to find.

Of course there is no way that even the most die hard MLS supporter could argue that the class and standard in the league is near that of the Premier League- however the style of play is physical, pacy and end-to-end, identical to the blood and thunder style of the Premier League. Players can adjust quickly, to the culture and the style of play that we have over here, and play in a relatively familiar environment, allowing them to show their talent in an effective manor.

Obviously I am not arguing that there have not been some MLS flops in the past (Eddie Johnson for £2million anyone?) and I am not necessarily arguing that the MLS is the new “go-to” place for undiscovered world-class prospects, but there has undeniably been an increase in the skill of the players being brought over from stateside. With the correct scouting and the correct expertise, there are some incredibly useful players for European clubs to poach on the cheap- its a big talent, little cost formula that is always successful.

Granted, there are probably no world-beaters in the MLS. There probably wont be for a while. But nevertheless America is an increasing “hotbed of talent” that European clubs should start making better use of. This is a league on the rise, and subsequently so is the talent within the league- with useful players popping up here there and everywhere.

Surely it is time for the prospects over in the USA to be exploited?