After a surprisingly riveting display in the Confederations Cup final from both Brazil and the United States, there is much to discuss concerning the direction of European football and the transfers that have occurred to date. Since my previous post, Michael Owen has signed for Manchester United. Yuri Zhirkov has signed for Chelsea. Thomas Vermaelen has signed for Arsenal. And what should be of great importance to American soccer fans, Oguchi Onyewu has been signed by AC Milan. While there are many other deals worth noting, there is something afoot in European football that is scarcely being recognized.
Beyond discussions of national quotas and salary caps, what is apparent in this summer's trasfer market is that the game truly is global. It has been said since soccer's inception that it is "the world's game." While I have always believed that to be true, many, especially those in the States, have had little reason to believe so, or care for that matter. The Premier League's high-profile signing of two marquee Russians in the past year marks a shift in the European conception of football, and whose fit to play. Of course, South Americans and Africans have long been an integral part of professional football in Europe, but together, they have become the predominate demographic in European football. It will not be long before many kids in Russia, Turkey, and Asia will break through the European ranks.
Onyewu's signing represents a similar trend. How is it that a formidable, yet clumsy center-back formerly of the Clemson Tigers is now of Rossoneri pedigree? While it may prove a waste of money, my bets are on Onyewu to continue to improve, learn the game from a different perspective, and eventually defeat any critics, much like Brian McBride in his stints with Fulham and Everton. That said, he's no Paolo Maldini, nor will he be. But, this marks a huge step for American players in that it proves that they can garner attention from top clubs and be given a chance to show their quality day in and day out on Europe's biggest stage, not just on relatively meaningless platforms such as the Confederations Cup.
Oh, and a quick note on Owen. Like everything else, the British media has sensationalized this move entirely too much. (Frankly, they're just excited to see a former great British player with even the slightest chance of being great once more. Very wishful thinking in my opinion). I wish him the best, though I can say as an avid Arsenal supporter, I hope he doesn't score too many goals for United (and I don't think he will). The fact is, while he does possess talent, he has a lack of confidence that he has yet to restore ever since he left Liverpool for Real Madrid. I doubt it will re-surface at United, though I am curious to see how it all pans out.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
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