Oh, I know a few out there believe the big news from Beckham was that he's coming to MLS, what with all the hints that Mr. Lalas has put out there. But no, he is giving up the captain's armband for the Three Lions. Well, I believe that is a good thing, but especially for him.
He goes out gracefully being their leader, and it saves the tawdry scandal when the new coach would've taken it from him (as the coach has hinted strongly at). Now the question is should he be on the team? If you go by this World Cup, hell yes.
At least he did something with his latest performance at the most pressure packed event. He showed up as much as any of the others on the team did and maybe even more. Two goals and an assist, involved in at least 50% of the english goals - I believe that is an impact.
Compare him to the rest as it's all about what happens on the field. Don't judge him by his off the field antics - he showed and performed. If it was any other player during England's World Cup, would there be a question? If Rooney got 2 goals and an assist, what would people be saying about him right now?
Becks, I'd rather pay to see a 50 year old Zidane or Clint Dempsey play before this kindler, gentler and older version of Beckham.
Cobi sir, in 2002 who was the surprise in-form player in the USA squad for you and did anyone take a lesser role for the benefit of the teams' success?
Its kind of ironic that the team the USA jumped all over in Suwon is in the semi-finals this time around. In fact 2 of the other 3 teams were unceremoniously bounced from 2002's cup.
I ask because i think Becks knew his limitations going into this tournament and with Lampards horrible form he needed, as the captain to help his team by making some changes, but perhaps his ego wouldn't let him as all along it was going to be Sven's & Becks cup or nothing at all.
Where did Rossi come from when Italy won their world cup ... where was Lennon in the rankings of England players just two months ago?
I think Beckham added to the rigidity of the side in that he wasn't able to move positionally to allow for Lennon to come into the team for more minutes and that as a Captain, he had to find a way for this to happen even if he sat himself or had the gaffer bench Lampard so he could play in the middle. If you limit your team and excel in the process, you come out looking quite good individually by scoring goals and pin-point assists but haven't you achieved this at the cost of something greater?
Actually this comment is about the thoughts you and Bobby McMahon expressed this night regarding the best way for the US to develop its soccer talent.Basically I agree with the tenor of your argument, there is no one way for the US to develop our young football talent, however, that doesn't mean we cant do a better job then we are doing now.
For some youth college will continue to be the best way to develop their talents. However history indicates that this is a limited source of top flight talent and that due to a number of factors including unique substitution rules, a short season and a general lack of commitment by the NCAA this won't be changing soon.
Project 40 was a great idea 5 to 10 years ago. It has developed a few players who have gone on to national team and MLS success. But having 40 players training in Florida will never provide the quantity of players we need for an expanding MLS nor will it provide the competitive environment that youth experience when they are learning in a club based environment where there are no gurantees of playing time from week to week.
What we need to do is to provide a new option, that would radically expand the number of american youngsters who could "grow up" in a youth system similar to the one at Ajax or Manchester United (of course it would be modified to meet the needs of American culture).
In MLS I believe that only DC United and the Red Bulls have fully functioning youth systems (does the Galaxy have a youth player development system?). Every MLS team should be required to have a youth system.
First, let me say that as a fellow Westlake Warrior and Conejo Valley United player, keep up the good work. And slap Wynalda for the rest of us.
Second, I agree: Beckham is being maligned unfairly. He makes a difference, whether you think he's over-hyped or not. But fitness seemed to be his biggest problem, whether the puking incident was due more to heat or age/conditioning. And the injury...well, he seems to pull up lame alot. I think it's time to move more towards the middle, maybe something he'll be able to do more of with Zidane moving on.
Beckham in the U.S.? Not for at least 3 years, enough to see if he has a shot at making the 2010 squad for England.
