Howard and Donovan's Everton team.
Dempsey, Howard and Donovan are all playing at a high level for solid Premiership teams. That's a good sign for America. |
America has been obsessed with the idea of improving the MLS, when really their main focus should be sending more players overseas to improve their skills by getting used to the European game. This match should have a monumental effect on the American game, even if very few Americans watched it. The mere fact that the US' top three players were even game planned for should be an accomplishment. But to watch Donovan assume the role as Everton's offensive spark plug in a game with major implications is unbelievable. The respect America, or at least our best three players, gained from the English, and whoever else was watching, should do wonders for the next wave of European-bound US soccer players. Though these three are on the latter stages of their prime, they are wedging their foot in the Premiership door.
If you think I'm overemphasizing the importance of the game, that's probably because your American. Most Americans aren't heavily interested enough in soccer for any non-US Soccer game to matter. I understand that and I'm not sitting here and saying I watch the premiership religiously. But, I root and follow consistently the actions and players associated with the US Men's National Team. This match's value is not in the satisfaction we get from watching LD command a Premiership offense, but more the fulfillment the Everton fans got out of Donovan and Howard's stellar performances. Next time Fulham and Everton fans are watching the USMNT play they're going to say "Damn, that Donovan guy is actually pretty good," or "Howard is top-tier" and with the way Dempsey has carried Fulham offensively they'll say the same for him. Simply put, it's a respect issue.
We want the world to respect United States soccer right? Well we need to go out there and prove it on a club level, and show that we have the individuals that can compete with the big boys. Once we can successfully say that, as we are beginning too, the team aspect will fall in line.
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