I was happy for the 16 year old when I heard the news. But as far as his development is concerned, not so much.
On the one hand, I did not want to see him continue as an amateur in the “Development” Academy with the occasional NT camps or games. So, it’s certainly a step up as far as improved, consistent, and challenging training. But …
As I’ve stated in several articles here, here, and here, I think he has the potential to be the best American to get through our system. Perhaps enough to become “world class” and play on a top European side. Now I fear that will no longer happen. In my opinion, MLS will ruin him just as it did Freddy Adu. Yes he will be good, play World Cups, make a European squad some day … but he’ll be just like our current NT guys – nothing truly special.
I wish he could’ve stayed either in the Arsenal farm, gone to a Spanish academy, or made the trip to Argentina like Funes Mori. That’s where his potential could have been nurtured. You see, Gil has the latino style of play in him – a smart, playmaking, creative, possession-oriented game. These are the qualities the US lacks and is incapable of developing. Instead it resorts to vertical play and a reliance on athleticism in hopes that something good will happen. This is precisely the type of environment where a player like Gil can’t shine.
His good showing at the U-17 World Cup was in large part thanks to Cabrera emphasizing better, more cerebral soccer. Surely, this was due to his Colombian heritage. Luis will now lose that environment. He will find himself trying to play an unintelligent aerial and physical game. That is if he get’s playing time at all since these are not his strengths.
Admittedly, I probably only saw a dozen MLS matches last season. Enough to know what I assert above, but not enough to identify if there’s that one coach who has a clue and the inclination to adopt something different. I was pleasantly impressed by Sigi Schmid’s Sounders when they played Barcelona … they strung passes together and attempted a structured buildup. Likewise, I’m cautiously optimistic about Nowak’s draft selections as an indication he might know a thing or two. However, it’s highly unlikely Seattle or the Union will get Luis – today’s lottery placed him in the hands of Kansas City.
All in all I’m in wait and see mode, but no longer optimistic with the kid.
Update: He has been traded to Real Salt Lack.
Thoughts?
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree with you. The Sounders are attempting to play a more intelligent brand of soccer but the league as stands won’t allow it. It is a thug/goon league and 80% of the officials hired by the USSF/MLS are incapable of controlling a match so that soccer can actually be played as it is supposed to be played, i.e. with skilled footwork and smart running off/on the ball. A player of his build will not last physically in this league and wont be able to out muscle other stronger players. Interesting when Barcelona played Seattle, the petite Messi showed how dominant a skilled smaller player can be.
p.s. As far as I know, Sigi was directed/instructed to play a positive, attacking, creative brand of soccer from the beginning of the franchise.
Hi Jose. Do you know who gave that mandate? I’d be interested if you had a link …
Gary,
Ownership has stated that they wanted attacking soccer from day one.
I think Seattle is one of the best places he could end up… but it’s unfortunate because Seattle doesn’t really have anything to give up. I think Sigi is one of the few coaches that could help him become a better player and move on to Europe at some point (and do well not just mediocre). Where he is now will almost definitely turn him into another Freddy Adu. I like you have no faith in the Wizards coaching staff to develop him I hope he decides to be traded… but I hope that he ends up somewhere that can develop him unlike a majority of the teams in the teams in MLS
Thanks for that majora. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see if he get’s traded, and what he looks like on the field in the next 2 years.
I love how you bring up Adu. Nice.
Just avoid the many that have gone on to great Euro careers, which you seem to prize so much.
Or maybe, what is his name, oh yeah, Landon something or another. ( did you honestly think people wouldn’t think of him )
Was he ruined by MLS ?
It is good to have opinions, and you have to write your columns but stay unbiased in your arguements. Does your arguement look better when you ignore obvious contradictions or worse ? Worse.
Hi Charles. Thanks for your comment!
I think you need to look at the thesis of the article again. That is, the proposition of “world class”.
The US has never churned out a world class player. In that context, bringing up any American that is in Europe is just silly. The reason for highlighting Adu is the age similarity and the enormous potential. From 16 – 18, a player is still in the malleable formative years. Again the main reason for the comparison.
As for Landon, he did not enter the league at this age. It looks like he was at Leverkusen from 17 – 19. Interesting huh? In addition, he is a good player and is doing well overseas (finally), but he does not fit into any world class discussion.