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Football / Re: Riquelme - one of a dying breed
« on: January 27, 2015, 11:46:48 AM »
"Brazil used to have players like Riquelme."
- Pelé
- Pelé
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Arsenal starlet Gedion Zelalem receives US citizenship, plans on committing to American cause
As United States national team fans found out Monday evening, sometimes the best Christmas presents come late.
According to a report from the Washington Post‘s Steve Goff, 17-year-old Arsenal starlet Gedion Zelalem, who spent his formative years in Maryland before making the move to the English Premier League giants, has gained US citizenship and is now eligible to represent the United States in international competition.
Zelalem is also eligible to represent Germany and Ethiopia, but Goff cited sources who said the teenager has told friends and U.S. officials that he plans on committing to the American cause. He moved to the US at age nine before jumping across the pond at 16 to join the Gunners.
Should Zelalem receive FIFA approval, he would become one of the brightest young prospects in the American talent pool, with an opportunity to represent the US at the 2016 Olympic Games on the horizon as well as a looming introduction to Jurgen Klinsmann’s senior team.
Though he’s mostly played for Arsenal’s youth teams to go along with first-team cameos in the FA Cup and Champions League, Zelalem’s managed to build a reputation as one of the brightest attacking talents in Europe despite the lack of a league appearance.
That honor will come according to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who signed Zelalem to his first professional contract in March and says what the midfielder currently lacks in frame, he makes up for in technical ability and awareness.
“He is a player with a good eye and good technique and is very agile,” Wenger told SI.com in July. “He has the ambition to find the ball on the field. So he's the kind of player who could be of use to the United States. He's in some ways the type of player the U.S. was missing in the World Cup.”
Of course, it remains to be seen whether Zelalem will realize that vast potential, but after months of speculation about his international future, it seems US fans can rest easy knowing the talented teenager is set to wear red, white and blue.
http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/12/30/report-arsenal-starlet-gedion-zelalem-receives-us-citizenship-plans-committi
You also need to go to the weight room and stiffen up for the blade runners in the MLS.
Spain too, even though they had a good 3 years, they done.
I will take 21 shots on goal against the US any day. (Not saying no work need to be done, but I can't discount what there).
while 190yo Alva Powell marshaled the defense...
Just noticed him tonight playing for Sampdoria -- could Fernando Tissone actually be a black Argentine baller?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fernando_Tissone
On another note was the keeper Baley of African descent?
But there is still an African presence in Argentina's DNA. Hector Baley, for example, reserve goalkeeper in the 1978 World Cup, is an afro-descendent.