Comments on: Much Adu about nothing?

By: Izms

Izms — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 20:27:11 +0000

Freddy will do great at Benfica. Olay, son of Africa, Olay!!!

By: Jason

Jason — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 19:07:04 +0000

It’s a good move for Adu. The creativity and buildup present in the Iberian leagues is more suited to Adu’s style of play than the hard-running, direct play present in the English league (which actually is pretty much what you find in the US due to how many British coaches come over here, although that’s starting to change as we get more Latin coaches).
As to the question “What does this say about the US league?” well I don’t know. What it does say about the Argentine and Brazilian leagues that their best young players go to Europe?

By: Bezzo

Bezzo — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 18:46:51 +0000

Jay
The point I was trying to make is that the author of this article was merely suggesting that Adu hasn’t lived up to all the hype from when he was 14 (not his fault at all – the media are to blame for this). Back then he was deemed to be a superstar in the making and the fact that he is now playing for Benfica does not a superstar make. Everyone has gone crazy saying that this is the worst post ever but they are missing the point. I don’t care if Benfica are playing in the 6th best league – Adu should be playing in the best if he was as good as he was first portrayed as a youngster. As the author suggested – maybe he would have done better for himself if he’d have played in Europe rather than the MLS? Anyway – he’s in Europe now and I wish him the best of luck – cream always rises to the top as they say so I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of him soon.

By: Sartre

Sartre — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 18:35:04 +0000

It’s so funny that so many people got upset by this post. I didn’t even know that so many people even watch MLS or know who Adu is until now.. And how about we do a poll on which league is the best? Let’s see where MLS ranks LOL

By: Albert Hall

Albert Hall — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 18:07:43 +0000

Silly commentary. Considering that he registered a point every three games (69 out of 98 games as a starter) as a 14-17 year old in a physical MLS, I’d say he did pretty well. Hopefully, he’ll be given the chance to create and score those pretty goals we’ve seen him get so far.

By: Jay

Jay — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 17:31:00 +0000

Bezzo:
The fact that Celtic did not want him does not mean much. It could be for a question of style/weight mismatch.
I am not a defender of Adu or Benfica for that matter, but I think that he needs playing time in a good competitive European league to see if he turns out to be a top player or not.
I actually, think Benfica is not the best team for him, not because of the lack of competitivity of the portuguese league (it is clearly more competititive than the two teams Scottish league, I would rank it below the german but maybe above the french) but because of the competition he will face in the portuguese squad and the quality of the coaching staff.

By: Bezzo

Bezzo — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:40:40 +0000

Easy now. Hereâ€™s an opinion from someone who isnâ€™t Portuguese or Americanâ€¦
If Benfica are a bigger and better club than Celtic then why didn’t Celtic want him? Surely if Celtic are so poor they would jump at a player of Adu’s quality?
I will probably be shot for saying this but – maybe he’s not as good as originally thought (donâ€™t believe the hype), the MLS has been compared to the English Championship by many a pundit. Maybe Benfica isn’t about to win the Champions league this coming season? This lad needs to be playing for one of the big teams in Europe to really prove himself and if he was good enough â€“ he would be!

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:09:30 +0000

Adu was always playing out of position in the MLS. He thrived in the U-20 World Cup this year in the attacking mid role, and thus won him out of crap league and onto a team that will help him mature.

By: devil

devil — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 14:28:21 +0000

I agree totally, the story should have read:
America’s answer to Pele, Freddy Adu, has clinched a dream move for a massive Â£1m to European giants, Benfica, where he will play in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
Adu leaves the now rejuvenated MLS after three glorious seasons of success. He snubbed a move to Manchester United for Benfica to ensure he lives up to his early promise as one of the game’s brightest future stars.

By: GeorgeWashington

GeorgeWashington — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 14:11:26 +0000

Wow, this is one of the most flawed posts I have ever read, ever.
“And, what does it say about the MLS if its brightest young talent thinks he can improve more in one of Europe’s lower leagues?”
Adu didn’t even start for his team in MLS and never did, he is nowhere near one of MLS’ brightest talents, not even close.
“Does this mean that US soccer no longer has a future or will he come good eventually?”
As for what it says about the future of US Soccer, he is one player out of dozens of promising young professionals that are coming up through MLS and leagues throughout Europe. As far as I’m cocnerned having an 18 year old on a team that features in the champions league every year is pretty good.
“lack of interest from Celtic”
Also to act as though Benfica is at a lower level than Celtic is ridiculous. Benfica is consistently in the Champions League and unlike celtic is consistently good in the champions league. Celtic is the best team in an awful league and has had no impact on Europe in 40 years.
Honestly, do a bit of research before you post.