Friday, December 1, 2006
Beckham in the United States seems like a match made in heaven. Here are some reasons why ...
He is still a world-class player despite his recent trials and tribulations with club and country. At 31-years-old, he is far from being over the hill. He has the charisma and personality to attract a whole new breed of supporters to the game, much like Pele did for the Cosmos in the 1970s. He has always been a trailblazer of sorts, especially as a fashion icon. The US is the biggest commercial market in the world and ripe for a soccer superstar. He still craves the limelight and being the most famous footballer in the US would certainly fill that billing. His wife Victoria wants to develop a media career. His academy project is located in Los Angeles at the Home Depot Centre.
However, there are a number of stumbling blocks which not only apply to Beckham but to other global superstars ... for example, ego.
Firstly, a move to the U.S. is practically an admission that your career is finished and that you no longer have what it takes to compete at the elite level. Could Beckham or Brazilian great Ronaldo cope with that perceived stigma?
Secondly, their wages currently are amongst the best and highest in the world. Even with additional funds being made available, it's hard to justify an MLS club spending more than their entire salary cap on one player. Which leads one to wonder how their new teammates would react when the majority of them are on far smaller contracts.
Thirdly, would the superstars travel to away matches in coach as MLS teams currently do? Doubtful, however give credit to Paco Palencia (the league's highest paid player) for sucking it up with the rest of his teammates when Chivas hit the road.
Fourthly, would world-class footballers enjoy playing with players of 'lesser' ability? After Becks sends in his sizzling cross with no one on the end of it, will he still be smiling? Would Ronaldo be content with scrappy, half-chances coming his way? Pele himself has stated that players of their calibre should not treat MLS as a retirement home and that they will have to show patience as they adjust to a different kind of football.
scored this goal at 10:55 PM
Beckham in the United States seems like a match made in heaven. Here are some reasons why ...