Gulati: Subotic to Serbia report "untrue"

In the wake of a report out of Serbia claiming that Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic has chosen to play for the Serbian national team, U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati has stepped forward to shoot down the report.

We have spoken to Neven's representative and can confirm the story is untrue," Gulati said on Saturday.

Subotic has yet to choose a national team to play for and can play for either the United States or Serbia. The 19-year-old defender scored two goals in Borussia Dortmund's 4-0 win against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.

Sources with knowledge of Subotic's process have stated for a long time that he would not make a decision until after the current club season was over, which appears to still be the case.

What do you think of this news? Breathing a little easier? Do you see a tug-of-war between Serbia and the USA?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

[Chuck]

Despite this story being "untrue" I still say that there's about a 75% chance he chooses Serbia over the US. Also, Neven obviously is a great talent, but which CB would you move to the bench to make room for him. Gooch or Boca? I really don't think any of the 3 are well suited to play outside back eventhough I know Boca has had some time at LB.

[Steve B]

This is really good news. I wish we could hear something from Subotic or one of his representatives, just to confirm it.

[Ben]

Until Neven wears one NT jersey or the other, I am taking a wait and see approach. I hope he chooses the U.S., but he will be an "along for the ride" guy for us in 2010. Boca and Gooch are locks unless Boca slides outside and Neven fits in beside Gooch. What remains to be seen: is Subotic truly a better player than Marshall? Both stocks are rising quickly, and the more the merrier. Furthermore, I am also eager to see where Spector's future lies; honestly, the best I have seen him is as a CB. Then there is Orozco, who seems to be a decent prospect as well, though not at the level of those other three, IMO.

[Jonathan]

He'll pick Serbia.

To those claiming that Subotic is no better than the rest of US defenders, how come they aren't key players at a club like Dortmund or playing regularly at a league like the German one?

[zach]

I'm just not sure what to think of him. I like the Boco Gooch tandem, especially with all the experience of working together they bring. Also both of them score on headers very often. However, I hear Nevin is very good....Boco is getting older. I wonder if Nevin would choose U.S. even if he didn't start in the 2010 world cup, but would takeover center mid afterwards....or would he choose serbia to start in the world cup? Do you think Big Bradley would offer him Gooch's or Boco's starting spot immediately if Nevin came to U.S?

[zach]

not center mid, center mid defender!

[BlueWhiteLion]

I would just like to see him play. I have yet to see a game with him in it. It still would not surprise me to see him play with Serbia. I would of course like to see him play here. I agree, Boca is getting older, and with what sounds like an all around quality player of Neven, he could play several positions. his regular play at Bochum speaks for something!

Serbia wishful thinking, perhaps.

[CSD]

Borussia Dortmund has another Serbian player who chose Serbia over other options. Right-back Antonio Rukavina was thought to have the option to play for Croatia, but placed his allegiance firmly with Serbia. (The articles are in Croatian and Serbian, so I am trusting Wikipedia here.) I wonder what influence Rukavina has on Subotic and his decision-making.

Isn't Bocanegra playing left-back for Rennes, one of the best defenses in Ligue 1 now?

[fsubotic]

hey jonathan,

go check up on gooch and bocanegras lines for this season and then declare that neither of them are having a significant impact. im not arguing that subotic wouldnt be a great talent to have, but im tired of this prima-donnas act, he was uncovered by american soccer, yet because he was snubbed for a youth international tournament he is using us as a last resort. wahhh, f subotic

[rj]

backline at next WC

dolo----gooch----subotic----boca

idk about you guys but that sounds better than what we got now, and hes only 19! starting at a huge club in germany, and scoring goals left and right.I pray he chooses the U.S.

[Andrew]

I think we are deluding ourselves if we think Subotic will choose the US. But that decision would be a pleasant surprise. While I wouldn't go as far as calling him a prima donna, he probably could have handled the Rongen situation more maturely.

Either way, it's not like Subotic is the missing piece that will propel us to the top. He is a great player that we would like to have but not the difference maker.

That would have been Rossi.

[huricano]

Subotic would be a great card for the U.S.'s hand going forward. However, its only natural for him to mull over where he will play for the rest of the year. Serbia has a better soccer culture, and playing in Euro 2012 would be a great chance for any player. The Euros v. the Gold Cup? Which would you pick? The U.S. would mean long plane flights, and games in places like Honduras and El Salvador. However, potentially playing for America would give him a bigger stage to develop on, especially financially. Moreover, the U.S. can offer almost guaranteed appearances at the World Cup, and possibly the Confederations Cup. So, I guess we'll just have to wait and see until summer.

[michael]

I could care less if the guy suited up for the US. I would rather have 11 scrubs who loved my country playing for the flag than I would have 11 class players with dual citizenship choosing the US because they are out of options.

Whatever happened to wearing the shirt for the love of one's country?

[doc soccer]

boac and gooch or locks. youre tellin me theyre locks over the guy rvdv said was the player of the bundesliga so far. he is americas most talented player have you not watched this guy.

[Chase]

Ben,

I really respect Chad Marshall, but really is there a comparison between playing for the Columbus Crew and Borussia Dortmund?

Subotic is playing for one of the biggest clubs in Europe that plays in the 4th strongest league in world. Additionally, he is also only 19, Marshall is 24. I think Subotic has a lot more upside. That's not saying that Marshall could be a solid contributor for the USMNT, just don't think that he has the potential to be a world class CB.

[sean]

chase, I beg to differ. Chad Marshall is a top class defender. Watch the man play, easily the best in the MLS. He should move abroad ASAP and test himself, which I'm sure already would have happened if it weren't for injuries.

[zach]

i guess it would be great to have him. i just hope he would fit in well and get on well with the other players. The most important thing for the U.S. is that team feeling. Sometimes one player with the wrong attitude can upset the whole group. If his attitude is as good as his skill, lets hope he gets on board! I guess boco, heath, subotic, gooch, gibbs, cherundolo, bornstein, and spector is a lot of talent to choose from. If subotic comes, then califf will probably never wear U.S.A. again.

[Richard, UK]

Chase, Marshall will quite possibly head to Europe next year (January or Summer) and probably move to a decent team. Does that instantly make him a better player overnight? No, you can't compare a player based on what side he plays for.

[Isaac]

alot of people are so annoyed with Subotic for delaying his decision. I say he's got his head on right. It's his career and his decision. should he choose Serbia I'll be sad but I'll sure as hell tune into every Serbia match if I can.

[Ryan]

Still

don't care don't care don't care don't care don't care don't care don't care don't care.

[Tim]

Knew it. Look back to my comments on the first story, and you'll see me asking Ives about the reliabilty of the report.

Ives thanks for giving us a heart attack.

[Tim]

Ives- This is what happens when you use an article from foxsoccer.com as your primary source.

[JB]

If anything breaking through Vidic, Krstajic and Dragutinovic for a starting spot is even harder than Bocanegra and Onyewu. At least with the U.S. he would have a legitimate chance to be a World Cup starter in 2010. With Serbia's defense he might not get off the bench until 2011.

[Tom From Syracuse]

Tim

Great work of journalism, you showed us your supreme ability to be suspect of an actual journalist's sources. Sources you most likely know nothing about. So now that you've got your "told you so" in, please get over yourself.

Thanks for the great site and article Ive's!

[Skinn]

boring

[Tim]

Tom of Syracuse it doesn't take a genius to point out the unlikely hood of a random newspaper from Serbia was lying. Also as Ives says, Subotic as said repeatly he is going to decide after the season,

If you know soccer, then you would know that there are hundreds of reports like this out from various newspapers about possible transfers and etc. The vast majority of which turn out to be false. So I know you dont really have the brain to analyze the information and the news organizations that you get your knowledge of the world from.

And finally, Subotic would be perfect in the USMNT right now. Get rid of Heath Pearce. Slide boca to left back which is the position he is playing for Rennes. And pair up Gooch and Subotic.

[Johnny]

Maybe we should get all the facts before we post things?

[Tim]

Tom of Syracuse- You realize that Ives was using one source, which was the Serbian newspaper. And i probably know as much about the Serbian newspaper as Ives, so do me a favor get your facts right and stop blindly defending stuff. You make yourself look like a fool.

[Robert]

Agreed Johnny.

[nothing]

eddie johnson aparrently played very well today
http://www.ccmb.co.uk/fudforum/index.php?t=msg&th=111348&start=0&rid=0&S=7960dfd8a6426e5c664052de3ba91d05

[DeLarge]

"To those claiming that Subotic is no better than the rest of US defenders, how come they aren't key players at a club like Dortmund or playing regularly at a league like the German one?"

Because he's an EU player.

[Isaac]

Why don't we put Subotic on the outside? He'd be a threat on setplays and the run of play. something like this.

----Pearce--Bocanegra---Onyewu--Subotic----

This might not happen for a while ,or ever for that matter, but I have every confidence that Subotic will choose USA. Of course if he didn't I wouldn't mind and maybe its better for us cause there is too much bickering.

[dave]

Hey would instantly be the best defender on the US team.
Aside from national pride issues, which for me are kinda dubious given that the kid was raised all over the place-there's really very little upside to choosing to play for serbia-UEFA is arguably the most difficult in the world to make international competitions and as someone mentioned-the USA plays in every world cup.
I hope this kid comes and plays for the US-I've watched a few of his games in Germany and he's straight class.

[Ives]

Tim, what is your problem, and more importantly, what is your point? My post clearly stated that it was one report from Serbia. Not sure what you think I did wrong. Subotic is a popular subject and a story emerged. All I did was put the story out there for readers to learn about. I specifically wrote "Report:" in the headline and included qualifiers such as "if true" because it wasn't totally confirmed. I then got Sunil Gulati to shoot it down. So what exactly did I do wrong?

For someone who I know frequents (or perhaps writes for) at least one extremely unreliable website, you sure have a lot to say about my journalistic decision to post that story Tim. Interesting.

[Modibo]

Good lord, this is worse than the Democratic primary.

[Chase]

You can't compare players based on the team they play for?? Why not? There is a clear difference of the class needed to play for an MLS team compared to a top level European one. Does playing for a major European club automatically make you a better player than someone in the MLS? No. But is it true in about 90% of cases, especially among those that are permanent fixtures of the starting XI? Yes.

As I said Marshall is a solid player and I'm not begrudging him at all. He took his goal well on Thursday night. But he does not have the same ceiling that Subotic has as a potential world class player. Especially seeing how Subotic plays for a better team (consistently and usually very well), in a better league, and is five years younger. He could flameout for all I know and Marshall could have a solid career with a Championship or a lower tier Premiership team. I'm just arguing that it is lunacy to argue that Chad Marshall has more potential...

[zach]

agreed issac, i like that backline. atleast to start with until he proves himself more, there are injuries, or there are retirees.

[zach]

nothing, cool find, three cheers for ej.

[Jay]

Well, this is a relief... for now I guess. Getting Subotic to play for the U.S. would be huge. Even if he doesn't surpass Gooch and Boca for 2010 he would provide great cover for the hex and WC so we wouldn't have to be as nervous about Gooch yellow card accumulation.

[Chrös]

Maybe it's just me, but I'd think his comfort level is going to be the ultimate deciding point for him. You can make cases for the U.S. and Serbia in terms of overall class, better opportunity to play and quality of tournaments, but really it seems like it will all come down to comfort.

For the sake of a comments section, here is my speculation. The guy has lived all over, and happened to get his start in the U.S. Things went OK there, but now he is in Germany and seems very comfortable there — comfortable enough to want to play for Germany. For a guy with his history, I would guess he identifies more with his parents ethnicity than his adopted country of a couple years. I just think for most Americans in Europe, they can take pride in "going home" to play in qualifiers etc., but for Subotic, it's not really home. Based on pure speculation, it would seem that he would identify with Serbia more than the U.S.

All that said, like the rest of you I'd hope he chooses the U.S., because he played here before and is obviously a great player. It's ridiculous to try to take away from his talent and ability, whether he comes here or not he is a great player. Whether he started in 2010 or waited until 2014, there is absolutely nothing bad about Subotic as a player choosing to play for the U.S. The only negative that Subotic could bring is if he really didn't want to be there and was a cancer among the players, but if he ends up choosing the U.S. over Serbia, you know he at least wants to be here more than Serbia.

Like in most of these cases, if he decides to come here, great, and if not, it's really no skin off our back. He barely lived in this country, so it's kind of a lot to hold it against him (like with Rossi). Really though, the USMNT has to be held accountable in the end, because he was part of the program and now is very detached from it.

[Tim]

Ives- I reread your post and i'm wrong. But you probably should've made it more clear that it is far from official and indeed probably wrong. My Fault im sorry.

btw- i dont write for the unreliable site you mentioned. I do visit it often though because it is interesting and it does get some stuff right. It is a rumor site that does not claim that its stories are right thus understandablely i don't expect much of it to be truthful.

I am curious how you know i visit this site and why you think that i possibly write for it. Is it because i asked why you censor its name in your comments? It is a reasonable question. If the government forces me to do something, then i want to know why.

Love the site and since you know my website activity you would know that i visit the site upwards 5 times a day and i will continue to for awhile.

[Tim]

Dont put Subotic in RB, because then you sacrifice dolo and keep pearce who is clearly the weakest link in the defence.

[metrostar 4 life]

Thank goodness.

[Cyrus]

I think something's up given how fast Gulati responded to this "news"

[Paul]

Hope the guy chooses the US. Regardless of who is better b/t current defenders and Subotic...more competition in the back will only help out the US team in the long run. Plus he's young and will hopefully keep on improving.

[Tony in Quakeland]

I remember some college coach saying that if he had signed the four best quarterback prospects in the country, he'd still want to sign the fifth. In part, it's because he just doesn't want anyone he'd have to play to have the guy.

That's how I feel about Subotic. Maybe he wouldn't replace Gooch or Bocca. Maybe Marshall will eventually be better. But damn, why let Serbia have him?

[Mike Caramba]

Hoping for the best, but expecting the worst

[Dominghosa]

And now those who didn't quite care for Subotic earlier are praying for his commitment to the U.S.
And I'll be hoping upon hope as well.

[Sam]

Subotic isn't even going to be a starter for Serbia. He isn't a lock to start for the USA either. He might be better than Boca or Gooch individually but they have a great relationship going now. Who wants to break they partnership up right now? Maybe last year or the year before when people were hating one or both of them, but not now. The only way Subotic starts for the USA is if Boca is moved to left back, which might not be too bad at all.

Anyway, Subotic is just a defender. If he was a player of Rossi's offensive caliber I would be mad if he chose someone else.

[Travis]

Thank God

[cbr]

time to send Bradley Sr. and Jr. to go talk to him...dolo can come along for the ride as well

[TimN]

It's hard to imagine why he would pick Serbia over the U.S. I think the U.S. program offers much more opportunity for him to advance his game. While I don't see the U.S. winning a WC anytime soon, I do think we have a much better chance at someday winning one than does Serbia.

[Milan]

dadada we got neven subotiCCCC , all u americans need to F off hes playn for his country

[Justin O]

Posted by: DeLarge
"Because he's an EU player."

How do you figure? Serbia? Bosnia?

[matt]

lol at you deluded turds acting like subotic isnt going to be miles better than gooch or boca...or like hes not close to be being better than both already. the little frat boy back biting retardation that most of you show when crap like this comes up is why people and why players fail to choose or believe in us soccer...cause of petty crap like this. face it us soccer is a failure because of petty mentalities like this.

[Serbia]

Subotic would not be a bench warmer in Serbian NT. He would be a starter alongside Vidic:
Ivanovic-Vidic-Subotic- Obradovic/Lukovic
Also i think your handicap is that Radomir Antic is our coach. Had it been someone else i do not think that Subotic would have considered playing for Serbia.
Antic has said that Subotic is close to play for Serbia, but he has asked to be left out of the team for the friendly against Bulgaria ( to work on his fitness).
But i can not understand, if he has chosen us, why is he acting like a superstar wanting to skip a friendly match?Maybe he is waiting until they find a loophole which will allow him to play for Germany(if such a loophole exists).Without any doubt Neven is an excellent player, top talent, and comparing him with Boca, Oneyuwe(whatever) is a complete nonsense.Also i know that his idol is Nemanja Vidic so maybe that can prevail on our side. Only 4 months ago i did not think we needed him, but now things have changed, and maybe he is better than Slobodan Rajkovic, Chelsea player, who is one of the most talented defenders in the world.

[Serbia]

Talking about sources Tim, the source is from the most reliable and most respected Serbian newspaper " Vecernje novosti" and also from Antics mouth. He said(at a press conference): I have talked to Subotic a couple of times and he is close to play for Serbia. Antic is not someone who would lie.

[Serbia]

Tim N : The only thing i have to say is: Hahahahahahhahhahahahhhah!

[Ernie]

People, at least those of you with GolTV, do yourselves a favor and tune in the next time Borussia Dortmund is on the tube.

This kid is a complete defender -- fantastic marking and tackling ability, quick feet for someone of his size, and phenomenal in the air.

Last weekend, he hit the crossbar from about 30 yards out, and then yesterday he nets a brace to become his team's LEADING SCORER with 7 goals this season. They're in 5th place in the Bundesliga. Let that sink in for a minute.

If we're lucky enough that he picks us, plug him in next to Gooch, slide Boca over to the left, and then sit back and enjoy.

[Mark F.]

His parents' ethnicity? It is HIS ethnicity, just as Serbia is HIS country. Since everybody is so big about birth place around here due to the Rossi issue, Subotic was born in Serbia. And Subotic himself has stated that the stay in the US was only ever temporary because he had wanted to return to Germany all along (that's actually the reason why he played with the US U-17, to get some exposure so that he could transfer to a German club). The US was practically a hotel to him.

[Mark F.]

TimN - Serbia has some great players individually. Are you a believer in Project 2010?

[worldfootballbook]

Anyway, Subotic is just a defender. If he was a player of Rossi's offensive caliber I would be mad if he chose someone else.

Posted by: Sam | November 15, 2008 at 08:19 PM

Not to pick on somebody in particular, but if you ask any number of national team coaches these days they are all wondering where the top notch defensive talent has gone. Subotic is a tremendous prospect and reminds me of a young Alessandro Nesta with his quickness and ability to read the attack very quickly. He can also score and leads the big European league defenders with five goals. If he decides to go with Serbia, more power to him - the US stopped indentured service in the 1800's; and the fact that his family made it out of that genocidal hellhole to see this day is a wonderful thing. Good for him and good for the US for giving his family a way out. There'll be other talents who come our way over their own countries once MLS gets its act together and our national team finds success on the world stage.

[worldfootballbook]

Last weekend, he hit the crossbar from about 30 yards out, and then yesterday he nets a brace to become his team's LEADING SCORER with 7 goals this season. They're in 5th place in the Bundesliga. Let that sink in for a minute.

Posted by: Ernie | November 16, 2008 at 12:59 PM

What should sink in a minute is that you're wrong about the goals he's scored so far -- it's five. Quit doing your scouting on GolTV. He has a chance to be real good, but he's only 19. Some players are great with their clubs and can't play a lick on their national teams. This is not an exact science by any means, and I'm not really sure if he'd get the right coaching on the USMNT. I would be more excited about Bradley finally getting on track against Bayern Munich.

[rick]

If he decides to play for the USA he has a greater chance on being on a team that makes it to a World Cup. I would be shocked if the USA failed to qualify for a WC again. Serbia has to qualify in Europe-No easy task.

[Henry]

Idea.
Bob Bradley calls Preki.
Preki calls Neven and his dad and makes the pitch for the US.
Maybe it already has happened?

[Bryan]

Well Boca has been playing on the outside for Rennes, so I don't think it would be a problem to move him to the outside and have Subotic and Onyewu in the middle. I would love to have Subotic, Boca, and Onyewu all available for free kicks and corners. Can you imagine?!?! I bet they score as many goals as the strikers (unless Alitdore and Davies are playing)!!! I like Marshall, but lets not kid ourselves that he should get the start over Subotic. I can't wait for Spector to start playing again because he is so promising. The question is who is the 4th guy? Orozco, Califf, DeMerit, Pearce, Spector, Lichaj? We actually have a lot of options.

[celeste fan]

He will probably end up playing for Serbia. Even though he lived in Germany and the US most of his life he was brought up in a Serbian household. I spent my my whole childhood (5-18) living in Argentina and Uruguay and I will always consider myself American because my parents are American and raised me that way.

[James]

The kid is 19 and yet we're talking about the 2010 WC? You guys talking about Gooch and Boca sound like bozos. This is about 2014, 2018 and 2022, not 2010 you clowns.

[Neven]

I want to play for the U.S. I hate Serbia and that is why I left it. They kill lots of people.