Re: [nas] [R] Fulham News (Yank related)

Chris Allen wrote:
> So, what kind of teams SHOULD our Yanks be playing for?
>
> Discuss.
>   
One size doesn't fit all. Some guys benefit a lot from being the center 
of attention occasionally, even if it is because you scored the only 
goal for a crappy team. I suspect Clint fits in this category. He gets 
more exposure from scoring in a terrible match in England than he would 
if he scored 4 in an MLS Cup. He gets to live in a place where the 
culture shock is fairly low and he plays against some really good 
players every week. Everytime he is on Match of the Day his confidence 
goes up and that is good for Clint.

Other players benefit from being in a tougher situation. So far I think 
Adu is going to make it at Benfica. I've lived abroad a number of times 
and I know how difficult it can be. The difference between living in 
England and on the Continent is huge. The culture and language in 
Portugal can really be stressful for a Yank. Couple that with insanely 
high expectations at Benfica and that is a recipe for failure for many 
players. Not everyone could tough that out. Could Clint? I'm not sure.

MLS is not a bad situation for a lot of players either. If the choice is 
between the bench at a European club or playing everyday in MLS most 
players would be better off staying here.

My best case scenario is that every US player hold down a spot where 
they are getting games in the toughest and most stressful situation that 
they can handle. Having said that there is no shame in a career in MLS 
if you don't have the personality to make it abroad (note that for our 
Nats-caliber players it has little to do with talent IMHO).

Paul Navarre
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