Monday Morning Centerback: Adu needs another fresh start

Nobody ever said things would be easy for Freddy Adu, but things are starting to get really tough for the young American playmaker.

Struggling badly for playing time for AS Monaco all season, Adu took the field late in a match Monaco was leading 3-2 against Bordeaux. A pair of Adu mistakes later, Monaco was dealt a painful 4-3 loss by Bordeaux and viewers in America watching on Setanta Sports were left wondering if, and when, things would start to turn around for Adu.

Here is a 19-year-old kid who has now gone a full calendar year without getting significant playing time on the club level, and may get even less than the scrapes he's been getting for Monaco after Sunday's disaster. The darling of so many American soccer fans who love his skills and seemingly boundless potential have to start wondering whether it is time to stop blaming coaches for not playing him and start accepting the possibility Adu isn't playing more because he isn't good enough.

This was the case at Benfica and is looking like the case at Monaco, which is why Adu needs to find a new club, someplace he will have the chance to play and develop into the player so many believe he an become.

It is unfair to expect a player his age to be the finished product, but what we can do is start to question whether Adu needs another move in order to start playing enough to really grow as a player. He has said in countless interviews that his time at Monaco is helping him grow as a player, but Adu's 15 minutes against Bordeaux showed us a player who didn't at all look ready for the pressure of a match against top-flight competition.

It is time for Adu to leave Monaco and find a club where he will play regularly. Such a move wouldn't be a case of a veteran giving up rather than fighting for his place, but rather a needed move by a young player who is still trying to find a good level to grow at. Fifteen minutes a month at Monaco isn't cutting it and Adu needs to accept that he would be better served plying his trade somewhere like the Spanish second division or Belgium, or perhaps with a smaller club in France.

You could argue that the battle for playing time Adu is going through at Monaco will only help him grow as a player. Yes, competing for a place can help a young player grow, but Adu just spent most of 2008 fighting a losing battle for playing time both at Benfica and Monaco and at some point his lack of playing time is going to hurt him far more than the competition for time will help him.

Has Adu really grown as a player in 2008? He certainly showed glimpses, whether in senior national team cameos, or with the U.S. Olympic team, but it can be argued that the glimpses he has shown are a testament to his natural talent rather than the benefits or results of the adversity he has endured on the club level. You could just as easily argue that his lack of playing time on the club level are the reason why we are still only seeing glimpses of greatness rather than real development and signs of Adu becoming a complete player.

Again, Adu is still just 19. That is easy to forget considering how long he has already been a pro and how long he has been dealing with the blinding glare of expectations and hype surrounding his career. It would be extremely premature to say Adu will never be good enough, or that he doesn't have the talent to succeed in Europe's top league. Special ability is there, but ability and potential aren't enough. They are not enough for the national team and they are not good enough for the European top flight.

This is why Adu needs to leave Monaco and find a smaller club or smaller league to play in. He is still just a teenager and there will be plenty of time to conquer Europe's top leagues in the future. Right nowAdu needs to go somewhere he will play and have a real chance to grow as a player.

What do you think about Adu's situation? Share your thoughts below.

Comments

[Dave Martinez]

You may be right. Our own pride in having Adu on a solid contender may not be whats best for his development. Maybe a loan out to Cardiff City with Eddie Johnson will liven him up some.

[Amit]

This is a case where I wouldn't mind seeing an American player go to Scandinavia. But, if he can go to Segunda Division in Spain or Ligue 2, I'd be for it. I just don't want Freddy to be Eddie Johnson 2.0

[dolan]

Freddy Adu = Most overrated U.S. prospect ever. I've never been a fan of his. He's good for a couple "oohs and aahs" but when it comes to cruch time, he just doesn't get the job done. He's been overhyped since he was 14. Too much pressure for a young kid like that.

[Steve]

the problem with adu is that i think he believes he is better than he actually is, even though he will never say it. Its almost as if he has a certain swagger about him, and in this case he cant back it up with his game.

I dont think he'll ever develop into the player we hoped he would. Hell. i dont think he'll ever develop into a full starter for the US National Team either. He isn't a complete player...and no matter how many tricks and no look passes you can do...if you cant get it done, you cant get it done.

[Chris]

I second the Spanish Second Division.

I was initially thinking Dutch league, but if he's having trouble with the defensive aspect of his game, the Dutch aren't really the best to work that out, are they? Is it his defense that needs work, or is it his all-around game?

[JK2]

so let me get this straight, Freddy turned down the opportunities to develop in established European clubs' youth development systems (I think ManU, Arsenal, Barcelona all have excellent track records with developing young talent) and instead deciding to turn pro in the MLS (where there are no reserve teams again, forget high level youth competitions). This decision is biting him in the foot.

I think this is an example, when faced with the enormous talent that Freddy possesses, the USA and MLS does not have the infrastructure to nurture this type of player. What is a 14yr old doing on a team of 20 and 30 yr olds? People that age need to be given the chance to play and practice against those near their own age, Freddy was/is a freak of nature and could handle it (sort of), now he's adrift while other slightly older lefties are considered the best in the world (Messi).

[Only1Keano]

I think Freddy might benefit from returning to America to play in MLS for a few years, then trying his luck overseas again when he is a little older. Sort of the same path Landon took. Freddy is still so young and has tons of potential. I am nowhere near ready to give up on him and I believe he still has the right tools to become a world class player. It's possible that trying to make the first team at Benfica and now Monaco, combined with learning new languages, adjusting to European life, being away from friends and family, etc. might have been a little too much to handle. I can't imagine that it's an easy task.

Come back to the US, hone your game in the MLS, and give Europe another shot when you're more developed as a player and as a person.

[Aljarov]

I think Freddy's decision to turn pro at 14 looks bad now, but let's face it there are plenty of 'can't miss' prospects that never make the grade.

By turning pro at 14 during the height of his hype, he pickedup over $1m in salary from MLS, plus countless endorsement deals. The kid was a multi-millionaire by 15. Not all bad. It only takes one bad tackle and a 14-19 year old (or any age) could be out of the game for good. He did well to get money in the bank in a vocation that is extremely short, even for those that 'make it'.

That all said, I think he needs to go to a smaller club and start, France is fine, as is Spain or Holland....just somewhere he can start. Leaving Benfica for MOnaco made little sense, he needed to drop down for minutes, not move sideways and find himself in the same boat.

Plenty of time left Freddy, but it's time to start making it count...

[Nick]

Couldn't agree more, but instead of playing in Belgium or a lower division in a bigger country, why not come back to MLS for a few seasons? Maybe he needs to be back home where he is comfortable, play 2 or 3 seasons in MLS and then head back to Europe. By that time he'll be 22 at the oldest, it'll be like he just graduated college, with the exception that he will have played for 7 or 8 seasons of pro soccer. Just a thought.

[JoeW]

Ives, I agree with you. I saw Adu play a lot in MLS. It was funny to read the Adu-apologists who argued that Nowak was holding Adu back. That Nowak was jealous, that Nowak resented him, that Nowak didn't trust youth, that Nowak only played guys who ran hard and defended (Jaime Moreno and Christian Gomez--yep, the archetypes of Eastern European footballers). Nowak is probably the closest to a European club coach that Adu ever played for before actually going to Europe. And Adu was supposed to flourish under his former U-17 coach (Ellinger). Or Schmid with the U23's. Or Rongen. Or once he got to Europe when he'd be surrounded by players worthy of his passes who weren't pedestrian or jealous of his talent.

I think we've found out several things about Adu:

1. He has some major holes in his game. He doesn't defend or tackle well. Positioning, showing for the ball--weak most of the time. He also disappears for big chunks of time in almost every game he plays 90 minutes--a terrible habit to have for an A-mid.

2. Some of his physical limitations mean there are some positions (like outside mid) that he's a terrible fit for.

So positionally and tactically, there are very few positions on the field he can play (realistically, A-mid and withdrawn forward). Those are also two of the toughest positions to win PT with for a good club in a good league (let alone a strong club in a very good league).

I think Adu can still turn into a incredible soccer player. But I actually think he might have to go to something lower than Spanish-2. It's not enough for him to play regularly, he needs to be in a position of responsibility--where his team looks at him to run the attack and he's probably one of the 2-4 best players on the field for his team (not "most skilled" but "best players"). Frankly, I'm not sure even MLS would qualify--most teams in MLS wouldn't pencil him in as an automatic starter at A-mid or withdrawn forward (or they could find a better contributor for the amount of money they'd be paying him).

Or his other option is to fill in the holes in his game so he has more positions and roles he can play--be more of a 2-way attacking mid, be able to play holding mid or outside mid. Then he's not competing for PT at only 1-2 positions on a strong team but at 5 positions on a strong team.

[WTF]

Adu / Edu, who gives a sh*t!

Americans have to start realizing they are up to par on the euro/world stage.

[Ed]

Move to Belgium!

[WTF]

^ whoops... arent***

[SonicDeathMonkey]

I wonder if MLS would consider bringing back Adu on loan, similar to what they did with Donovan years ago. Adu would get some solid playing time and a chance to get refocused, while the league would have a big name American to promote, if for just a season. You can't tell me there wouldn't be at least a half dozen teams in MLS that wouldn't take him in a second.

[BrianK]

Couple of thoughts:

1. Maybe Fred should return to MLS. It isn't working out for him in Europe and he needs first team PT. He should return to MLS and lock down a place in the first eleven for an MLS team and try to establish himself as an international player.

2. Can't help it but the thought that he is older than he (and or his mom) claims to be is beginning to creep into the picture again. Maybe he is really 22-23 and now that he is a man playing against men,...he just isn't that good. [See Barry Swift]

[Jk3]

As an RSL fan I was glad to see Adu leave. In his short stint with Salt Lake he produced very little if anything. I was blown away when Benfica picked him up....and I guess they were blown away by how overhyped he is. Did they even scout the kid? I am not surprised by his lack of playing time; he didn't deserve it while he was at RSL, why would he think he'd get any in Europe?

[Geoff]

Great piece Ives,

I've been thinking about this for a while now as well and my personal conclusion can be based on two things: Firstly, why does Freddy think he should go to a big club when it's pretty obvious he's not going to start every game? Sure the boy has talent, no doubting that, however he should as you suggested to to a smaller club in France, Portugal, Spain, Germany or wherever. That way he should get more playing time and develop more, especially with the world cup 18 months away. He's still 19 so time is on his side.

Secondly, what is his natural position? He's not a winger, not an out and out striker so you could say maybe he can play either in the centre of midfield or the second striker being the link from midfield to up front? That's up for debate but my point here is that is party the reason what is holding him back because he has so much natural ability he is used in a number of positions.

[brett]

either a move to spain or holland.... it could be division 2 in spain.... but he needs to go to a league that seems to be more free flowing, constant attacking...

and we as fans need to realize that he's young and not going to be an instant starter...

i will not object the idea of staying at monaco merely to continue to fight and grow... i think constantly moving will do more harm in the long run...

[Micah]

Freddy to Liege!! Defour and Witsel and Jovanovic and Mbokani and De Camargo are all rumored to be leaving to bigger clubs. I think Adu would fit in to that counter-attacking style of play really well.

[Tribe Rules.]

Putting aside the argument of his development, can someone please explain the mistakes he made yesterday? From Biogsoccer (and it is not exactly clear)he went for a shot and then the other team went 90 yards to score. The second goal was off a corner kick after he kicked it out of bounds (perhaps needlessly). Those don't sound like signs of the apocalypse. Did the coach come out and say very negative things?

[green]

At 19, the BOY has many years ahead of him.

One bad game (er, 15 minutes), where he wasn't even on the field when his team gave up the first two goals of their lead, isn't the end of his career. If someone wants to pin that loss on him, they're being naive.

That team has struggled all season, without FA being in the line-up much at all.

Keep at it Freddy. Nobody has an easy ride in Europe. It'll only make you better.

[paul lorinczi]

It's not that we are not up to par with the world. It's we have to understand that there is a process and path to development being used elsewhere that is more refined than what we have here.

Part of the problem here is the "snowflake" syndrome. It is the term used on Fark.com of how parents see their kids as snowflakes. If a kid has one ounce of talent here, we anoint them as a "great" player. Yet, people forget the 10,000 hour rule. Does not matter if you are a musician, an athlete, or a writer. It takes 10,000 hours to become master of your art, sport, etc.

See, the snowflake syndrome ignores this fact. "My kid is good, can't you see?" So, politics and positioning and money are what determine which talent is given the recognition, or not.

In Freddy's case, we treated him like a snowflake forgetting that he was indeed just 14. He now sees himself as a snowflake because as someone pointed out, he does not see the holes in his game.

So, our collective snowflake, Freddy Adu needs to get himself in a situation where he is playing regularly, he has a mentor and a plan to make himself a complete player. He has about 3 years to make it happen. Otherwise, he is another great youth player that feel through the cracks.

Look at the Belletti kid at Inter. they are letting him develop, aren't they?

[Modibo]

I second Tribe Rules - what were his errors?

I also think that criticism of his decision to not go into a Euro academy when he was 14 is a bit off the mark. A 14 year old kid is just a kid. Yeah, he pulled down more greenbacks in a year than he would at a Euro academy (and more than I've made in my whole pathetic life), but US players have not to date had loads of success in Euro youth systems.

The reason I don't think he's going to make a downward move is that he likes the sweet talk he gets. He is FREDDY ADU and was in a commercial with frickin' Pele! So he tends to believe that he should and will have a place on a Benfica or a Monaco, and it doesn't seem like he thinks very skeptically about the prospects of that happening - which is another huge weakness as a player and arguably is his biggest because it prevents him growing. Of course, this is mere speculation on my part...

[BJR]

Nice read, Ives.

[Jason]

What mistakes did Freddy make? Did you guys watch the game? He gave up a needless corner kick that led to the equalizer, then he took an ill-advised shot when they needed to hold on for the tie and Bordeaux came right down and scored. Now I don't think the second goal was all his fault but it wasn't a smart decision by him.

I bet he doesn't get any more minutes for Monaco. Time for him to head to Belgium or Denmark.

[BoRiUaNo616]

when we speak of freddy adu dosent the line.. "dont blv. the hype" come into play?.. seriusly. jozy is better

[Chase]

Too all those condemning Freddy for choosing to go to MLS rather than overseas: HE WAS 14!!!!

What would you have done at 14?!?!? Would you have enjoyed the prospect of living abroad, in a place you have never been, in a culture that would be completely new to you? Do not condemn a 19 year old, who was forced into such a ludicrous decision at 14!!!!! And it was likely his mother that made the decision anyway.

[William]

*cough*...Steve Snow...*cough*

[noname]

Freddy still has skills but if you can't get more than 15 minutes on a team missing six starters due to injury and suspension, then chances are you will not get a whole lot of minutes when those guys are back. Time to move on. Holland is a good place for him. We don't need him to develop into another defensive mid. We have plenty of those. He needs to work with coaches, systems and players that will make him run on and off the ball (he just doesn't look very fit) for 90 minutes and learn from more creative tacticians that will help him find his game. Holland has always been a good school for that. Maybe he can spend some time with Earnie Stewart.

[WiscFan]

I believe he should make the move to the Dutch Eredivisie. I thought they known for grooming players.

[Michael Vann]

He can't just up and leave Monaco. It doesn't work like that. He is loaned out and subsequently under contract to Benfica. I wish he could up and pack his bags but the reality is he can't. He by himself, screw the agents, just needs to sit down and have a heart to heart with all the parties involved, Benfica and Monaco. They all need to determine the problem and find a course of action. Bouncing from club to club isn't going to do him any favors. Adu's been a victim of circumstances, some his fault, some not. The bottom line is he needs to play. He needs to do whatever it takes to get on the pitch. In that's return to Benfica, fight it out at Monaco, or lobby for another loan so be it. I feel for him. I feel for for the National team. There's no doubt Adu has a great deal of pressure unfairly placed on him. But the ball's in his court. He has to deal with it; just tune it out and focus. Adu has talent, I don't think he's overrated per se but i do think he's not a world class talent. That's ok 90% of professional players aren't either.

[HIncha Tim]

I think there have been unreasonable expectations from the beginning with Adu. Annointing a 14 year old the next great thing is naive. Just because a kid has precocious talent at that age does not translate into success long term. People always point out Messi or Maradona as an example of kids identified very young and delivering on their promise. But they and their ilk are the exeption and not the rule. For every Messi or Maradona in Argentina or Spain there are 50-60 kids who have unbelievable talent who don't end up making it. You just don't hear about them. The real "problem" will be "solved" when the U.S. produces hundreds of 14 year old Freddy Adu's. Then one or two of them will turn out to be the real deal and the Freddy Adu will be not have as much expectations hyped on him (and if he fails, not so unexpected). I'm not saying that Freddy can't make it still, but only that his early talent is by no means an indicator that he WILL make it.

[Dave Clark]

Ummm, since he was only loaned back in July, could he even be transfered/loaned again?

[green]

So should all the young Americans who aren't playing much with their first half a season with a new team jump ship also?

It's ridiculous to think that after 1/2 of a season, he should move again. I agree it probably wasn't the best decision to go to Monaco. That being said, you just can't expect an unestablished player to move into a new team and click. It takes time people. Oh wait this is the instant gratification crowd isn't it?

[allegre]

My question in Freddys returning is...... would he come as a DP?

[Mike_D]

He has had the opportunity because the coach did not want him. Ricardo admitted this to a Portuguese newspaper- he said De Bontin wanted Adu to attract American investors. Adu is not his style of player and he has been reluctant to give him more than a few minutes here or there. Ricardo's style is a horrible fit for him- it's Coca Cola league route 1- hit it long to the target forward.

He had bad luck with Benfica going through managers faster than rolls of toilet paper, then his agent got him a horrible loan move to a club that doesn't fit his style or want him. So far in his European career he's had a manager that actually brought him to the club for about 5 games at Benfica. Camacho seemed to like him too but then he got fired.

Also, maybe he shouldn't have given up that corner, but he wasn't solely or even primarily responsible for blowing a 3 goal lead. If they had defended the corner better, no one would be talking about Adu's clearance.

That said, I agree he needs to take a step down and find a manager that wants him and wants to play him!!!

[Mike_D]

Oops, that last post should start "He hasn't had the opportunity"

[Dave Clark]

allegre, I he was one of the non-DPs due to grandfathering before, so I doubt the league would make him one if he returned.

But his cap effect would be similar to a DP, basically he wouldn't take a slot.

[Adam]

Denmark or the Netherlands.

[Eugene]

With all due respect, please point out to me how the last two Bordeaux goals were Adu's direct fault. The first one was off a set piece. Should we expect pretty short Adu to be the guy to mark out a player on corner kicks? On the second goal, Adu didn't look that close. Perhaps that's fault in and of itself. Please explain.

I don't think jumping around from club to club is going to help Adu and I don't think moving down a division or league is going to help him psychologically. He needs to stay and fight and not give up. Success is often the result of not giving up, especially in situations where most rationale people would just throw in the towel.

Adu is getting playing time. He just got to Monaco less than half a season ago. The coach believes in him enough to give him some minutes and with some perseverance Adu will break through. Clearly Adu is doing enough in practice to get those minutes. Look, after 19 games, Monaco has a less than 0.500 record and is 14th in the table. The whole team is under pressure to succeed and needs to come together to fight. No one is having tremendous success there. Adu is first off the bench there with more substitute appearances than any other player, that's not exactly terrible.

[srfinger]

Very hard to say that playing well in the Olympics shows that he is improving.

In the past he dominated at the youth level and struggled against full professionals.

Still the same song.

[Zachy T]

I'd see how the coach and team react from yesterday first. If they blame Adu, then he should move. If they keep giving him chances, he should stay. Look at Clint Dempsey now if you think working hard and not getting much action for a year cannot pay off. Adu may need to just keep plugging away. He hasn't spent a full year with Monaco. I think everyone, including Ives, needs to practice some more patience.

[CO_Soccer_FAN]

I agree with the reader comments that recommend bringing Adu back to the MLS and let his game mature here instead of overseas.

I'll pay to watch him play again for the MLS.

[fubar]

How about the Mexican League?

[Joe B.]

I don't think a quarter of these guys confirming Freddy as an overhyped failure (at 19) really know what they're writing about. Look at Junior Bradley for instance, he ain't exactly lighting it up at Monchengladbach (Gesundheit!), or even Onyewu when he was at Newcastle. I didn't know that someone, a kid at that was who has only sparse time to play is supposed to be harshly judged for having a rough game. What about Feilhaber at Hamburg—his game changing mistakes and then he couldn't get a game at Derby—Or Donovan at Leverkusen, playing against Liverpool or Bocanegra's time at Fulham? He's made some misplays too. Leave the Kid alone! The only thing I regret was that he left Benfica. It wasn't so much him as it was that goofball coach of his who can barely stay on a team himself!

And another thing! Instead of talking about him leaving he needs to dig his heels in and stay where he is, and learn from his mistakes, instead of bouncing from club to club thinking if he's not playing it's because he's being persecuted. Moving should something for him to focus on when he's 21.

Go Ajax!

[NONAME]

nope:

Adu is a joke and all hype. He loafs around the field when he doesn't have the ball. He can't keep it when he does because he isn't strong enough.

Adu is a joke. Give up already.

[To' Azeredo]

Adu needs to play, pure and simple. He actually played very well for Benfica in those few chances he was given. His goals/minute ration was outrageous there. The loan to Monaco, given the style they play, never made any sense at all. An internal move within Portugal, to a side that would have set him as a starter, and let him play AGAINST the top clubs such as Porto, Benfica, Sporting, etc..., would have been more beneficial.
In the end, any promising young player has a higher chance of realizing his potential by [a] playing games, and [b] playing games against the top flight.
Training sessions are fine, but direct competition against the best is the best stimulus to growth.
Adu's advisors are failing this young man, badly.

[soxfan]

Freddy Adu is just like soccer in America. Full of potential short on realization of said potential.

Maybe we just have to face it, the kid is not that good. He barely played in the MLS. He complains about the position he plays. Why can't we focus on the guys around his age who are good and get PT? Jozy, Bradely, Cooper, Edu.....

[docsoccer]

This is all JOJO's fault. if she would hav never broken up with him their would never be this mess. If we can just get them together somehow... like ill tell freddy to meet me at the ritz in monte carlo and jojo's just happens to be their...

[kebzach]

You mean that (gasp) the player might have to be accountable for their own lack of career development? NO WAY!

[Travis]

Its a shame that we had to hype him up so much and we didnt even notice Ibisevic(top scorer of the Bundesliga.)

Still, give him time. The last thing he needs is to move.

[BoRiUaNo616]

listen all jokes aside.. everyone who is knockin freddy adu sorry but you are an idiot.. how many 19 year olds (thats like sayin a senior in highschool kid) can even practice on the same field as freddy isi playin against...freddy is still gettin stronger its not like he at his best..he is goin to get better but just need more time on field...u cant knock him jus for having one bad game here an there everyone has a slow time right now its prob his.. he will get better..watch in like 5 years these same guys that are like freddy aint nothing are gonna be like ..:" i always knew it" lol liars!!!....support usa players!!!!!!

[Travis in Miami]

I hope Freddy is handling his bad game better than most of the people posting on this site are....sheeesh...

[Thomas]

Freddy-
I could get you a try out with my new club in Vietnam if you're interested in a little playing time.
-Lee Nguyen

[doug]

People who continue to diss Freddy, I have 1 question for you. Who in the picture for the USMNT brings the same skill set as Adu? I dont see anyone in the midfield who can break down a defence by dribbling when they pack it in. I dont see anyone who can take freekicks like him. I dont see anyone who has his attacking IQ. I dont see anyone who can deliver a defense splitting pass like him. Granted his defensive game leaves you wanting more, but if your looking to Freddy Adu to provide defense in the first place you obviously havent been following him. He's never going to be a defensive machine or maybe even half good at defending. But thats why you pair him with a defensive MF like Bradley, Clark, or Mastroeni. Yes, maybe he should move but someone actually has to want to pay for him. You guys all gave LD crap when he came back tail between his legs after his stint in Germany saying he shouldve stuck it out, you gotta have heart, and any other cliche you can think of. Now Freddy is in the doldrums, and the first thing out of people mouths is "he should come back home". Give me a break. Ill venture that Freddy is learning more in training sessions, video sessions, and becoming part of a team at Monaco than he could ever learn coming back to MLS. If anything, his agent should explore a move to Spain. More technical league where his talents could be better used. Im not gonna give up on Freddy because come the qualifiers and 2010 WC he is going to play a huge part for the USMNT

[doug]

oh yeah, smart move by the coach to insert an attacking player to shore up a 3-2 advantage. An error so egregious they should look into possible match fixing

[aristotle]

It looks like the tide is finally turning. I have been beaten up many times on this blog for suggesting Adu was just never that good in the first place, and never would be that good. I can honestly picture us all still having this same conversation many years from now.

"Freddy is still young."

"He just needs to be with the right team."

"His coach is holding him back."

"He is still developing."

"He has a ton of talent."

Year after year after year.

I think the best thing that could happen to Freddy Adu would be for him to be written off. You guys have played a major part in exaggerating how good he is. Instead of calling him what he is, you keep making excuses for him. You keep saying he needs to be on the U.S. National Team. When he doesn't play well on the U.S. National Team you say he was wasted by being played in the wrong formation, or that he needed to be in the game from the start. When he has a few good touches or gets an assist or goal in an otherwise mediocre performance, you say he had a fantastic game, etc., etc.

Let's just face reality. Adu is WAY overrated. His biggest contribution to the game now may be that he becomes a perfect case study on how NOT to develop young talent. I don't know who is more delusional, Freddy or his fans.

All talk about playing for top teams should be stopped immediately. All hype should stop. From a coaching standpoint, Freddy needs to be brought back down to Earth. He needs to be told that at this point he is NOT really anything special and his focus should be on trying to salvage any kind of career where he can play regularly and make a significant contribution to his team on the field instead of being some petulant media darling who believes he will be great any day now, and everyone is just holding him back.

Freddy needs to be put in the best possible conditions for his game and in a place where he can play ALL THE TIME. Europe at any level is NOT a good idea except in the few places in Europe where you might be able to get away with the South American style of play. Spain or Portugal could be alright but he has to go low enough to play all the time. Any place that requires toughness on defense and stern discipline by all players, and has much better alternatives to a player who can't contribute now but thinks that someday he will be great, is NOT going to work. Even MLS could be a serious problem on many of the teams. If he gets over himself and comes back to MLS he needs to steer clear of coaches like Kreis, Schmid, Nowak, Hamill, Nicol, Preki, etc. Also, he needs to stay away from the big lights like New York and L.A. Somewhere like K.C. and Curt Onalfo might be a good choice. He HAS TO play wherever it is. Let's forget about him for a while. Who knows, maybe someday he will rise from the ashes.

[Ross]

Wow, did the site need a ratings boost or something? That seems to be the only reason to put out a Adu piece like this.

The reasoning I see for Adu not seeing a lot of playing time is that he plays a position that not a lot of coaches want to turn over to a 19 year-old. That's a lot of responsibility to put on a youngsters shoulders when a coach is trying to keep his job.

Adu will be just fine. I don't know what some people's expectations were, but unless you are comparing him to the world's best, then it's obvious that he has talent. He's good for serving up at least 3 or 4 quality chances a game while creating a few for himself in the process. Tell me what other US player does that.

The kid at 19 looked classier than most other US players when we played against some of the world's best.

[Andy in Atlanta]

FIRST OFF...while I get that most of you are soccer "fans"...most of you know know jack about the game. Freddy is a very talented player and still only 19 yrs old. He has been very unlucky and that fact that you guys are saying he needs to come back to MLS (no disresepect) or go to Denmark just shows how dumb you all are. Freddy is good enough to start for most teams in Ligue1 and most teams in the bottom of Spain...maybe not every match but he is still worth a lot of money.. .We are not talking about Steve Ralston, we are talking about a player that has most of the offensive tools that make the US Nats better (when played in the correct role) and will be a major part of our success as well.

Europeans still have a very large stigma on American players and it does not help that Freddy is slight of stature and not the type player the manager likes.

I think that Freddy could make a big splash @ a place like Almeria or Getafe who play very free flowing football.

Get off the kids back, he is still very talented.

[Bonji]

On the other end of the spectrum I think Freddy should fight and work hard to get playing time as opposed to simply saying his time at Monaco is done. Player's careers are never always shinning, just ask Beckham. What mistakes was he making at Man U at 19. He didn't pack it in and go somewhere else that would give him more playing time on name alone. Freddy needs to work and earn a starting place. If he is truly a gifted player he should be able to earn a spot at Monaco.

[Dominghosa]

I really, really don't mean -- and I mean REALLY -- to compare Freddy Adu with Lionel Messi.
But like Messi, Adu is short, slight in build and likes to be creative with the ball.
Both are small, slight, and creative on the ball. (Though, yes, yes, Messi is 100 times more creative and an absolute magician.)
But my point is, much of the knock on Adu is his work rate, his strength with holding the ball, and his defense.
Messi overcomes his size by putting in work in all of the above. Messi isn't just fun to watch with the ball but the kid is a maniac on the field. He can do it defensively and can mix it up in tight spaces.
And that is what Adu has to learn. He has to learn what Messi has already mastered. In terms of aspects on the field besides tricks and fancy footwork.
If Adu can learn to push himself in his work rate, defense and strength in holding the ball like Messi (or at least half as Messi does), he and we would be much better for it.
Now go download some Messi tapes, young man.

[ciaofornow]

What's wrong with y'all?

Per USSF, US Media and his fanboys, we were told:
ADU = American Pele

Now u y'all say he sucks!

[ciaofornow]

American Pele aka ADU in action vs. Bordeaux
http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/1887590

[Goalscorer24]

I think there are still possibilities for Adu. He just needs a mentor. Hell rememeber when Kobe joined the Lakers, you could see he had raw talent but he was a mess. Eventually he found his place. A move to a loewr level might be good for Adu.

[Tommy]

Freddy Adu is a great player....

see Olympic Performance and U-20 WC.

He needs to find a club where he will get significant playing time, play him as a CF/CAM, and where he is the main attacking threat.

[Chris]

I hear the red bulls could use a playmaker.....

[BoRiUaNo616]

ok u kno what the only way that i want freddy back in mls is if he comes to the red bulls lol.. if he goes to any other team i disagree!!!

[jacobi millionaire]

Freddy is too slow for his size. That, and he's actually 23.

[fenel]

Adu, Benny Feilhaber, Sal zizzo, lee nguyen, and any other talented american players struggling for playing time in europe should return or come to MLS. Look at robbie rogers, he turned out great this year.

[Magnus]

Maybe Adu should head over to the allsvenskan?

[Rudy]

"Adu, Benny Feilhaber, Sal zizzo, lee nguyen, and any other talented american players struggling for playing time in europe should return or come to MLS. Look at robbie rogers, he turned out great this year."

Absolutely! Also, they should all be allocated to the Galaxy...

[Dave Clark]

Bring 'em back home.

Seriously. If they aren't at least regular subs, bring 'em back home.

The league would instantly get better, and with more teams participating in SL/CCL there is more quality competition.

Players PLAY

[RSLinIDAHO]

Freddy should go to Holland or Russia.

Maybe MLS on loan.

[Nick]

I just watched the highlights of the goals, (though they were so short Freddy's apparent blunders were not shown), and it appears to me that there were some players in Monaco's defense who could equally be labeled as "goat" during the Bordeaux comeback.

[Jason]

We'll see how he responds.

The true test in not in being mistake free, but how one responds to mistakes.

Baeckham (Argentina red card in world cup), Gerrard (back pass results in goal vs. France), etc.

Not to compare Adu to either of those player, but even the best make mistakes.

[Bill]

"a pair of Adu mistakes" later seems like a unfair and piling on temark.

Never in the history of soccer has a dispossession 85 yards from goal been turned into the reason for a goal, until now.

The clearance across the end line clearly leaves his fingerprints on the corner goal but come on 85 yards away and he's some how responsible. Ives I love your work but you are the first actual professional who tried to pin that one on him, unfairly in my opinion. If he had taken a shot and the keeper cleared to the side, then they scored would that also be his fault?

He's having a tough enough time this year without us creating blame for normal run of play outcomes.

[Bill]

On second thought, the whole "last man to possess the ball" before the other team scores from on a full field possession reeks of negative bias. My first take was not strong enough to express how unfair that commentary was.

If an attacking player loosing the ball that far from goal is the "reason" for a score AS Monaco should just close up shop.

I guess it had the desired impact, its being repeated by the soccer elite on "bigsoccer"

Mission accomplished.

[Sean]

I'm not sold on the idea that Freddy is the Savior for American Football(tm) or anything, but the caveats listed above by Mike_D (who I hope is chillin' on the beaches down in Club Med) do pertain here.

Look back a year ago, and Adu is looking like a supersub for Benfica - several times coming off the bench to make an impact going forward. The fans liked him. But the coaching carousel there - and the complete farce that Benfica descended into in 07-08 - certainly left him feeling like a guy who needed to go elsewhere. And here's Monaco, offering good money, ready to deal - the French Rivera, what's not to like?

A coach who has no intention of playing you, that's what. Fred should ask some hard questions of his representation why they hammered through a deal to a team where the coach considered him a joke, a marketing ploy.

Now he's in the wilderness. Everyone's game depends upon confidence and timing, and he's got none of either wearing the Monaco kit right now. And the load to Monaco has transfer-tied him for the year, so he's gotta gut it out.

I know that everyone's looking for a reason to doubt Freddy. Thing is, there's no new ones here. He just isn't playing, and not playing (really) for months can do that to you.

[Chris]

Somehow this could all be construed as Rongen's fault....

[RK]

Did anyone actually watch this game? Ives? From what I'm reading, he gave up a ball on Bordeaux's 15, meaning they had to go 85 yards to score. Surely you can't blame him completely for that one.

I've got the question putting Freddy in with a one-goal lead, anyway, if they need to play defensively. Ricardo doesn't seem to know what he is doing with Adu.

[Bill]

I've read every French account of the game from google and while I may have missed one, I have found no references to the play in question. 2 Recent accounts mock his clearance leading to the corner but the other situation is an exclusive to the American press.

[Travis in Miami]

Bill, nice reporting. I nominate you for the SBI French reporter.

[Bob]

"Struggling badly for playing time for AS Monaco all season, Adu took the field late in a match Monaco was leading 3-2 against Bordeaux. A pair of Adu mistakes later, Monaco was dealt a painful 4-3 loss by Bordeaux and viewers in America watching on Setanta Sports were left wondering if, and when, things would start to turn around for Adu."

The article in general is right that Adu would be better served at another club, but the above quote is, IMO, an unfair description of Adu's game. It makes it sound as though he were directly at fault for both goals. For one, Adu lost the ball in the opposition box and Bordeaux scored on the next possession. For the other, Adu conceded a corner by clearing a ball that most players, including high class ones, would have cleared. Perhaps his concession of a corner was a bad play, but even that is being harsh.

To describe his performance as Galarcep does is unfair and misleading.

[Eternal]

*"A pair of Adu mistakes later Monaco was dealt a painful 4-3 loss"* does make it sound like he actually caused the two goals doesn't it?

I mean reading that you would almost be surprised not see the own goal and penalty in the box he committed when reviewing the PBP

[TimN]

He needs to stick it out at AS Monaco. There's something to be said for "finishing what you start." The easy road is to run to a lesser league for more PT, which will not help him. He needs to mature, and part of that is realizing one's shortcomings and working on them to be a better person, and in this case a better player.

[worldfootballbook]

Bottom line: if Freddie Adu went to a European training academy at 14, he more than likely would be playing for Ghana as his national team, like the other young talents who touched down in America only to play for their countries of origin. That being said, he's only 19 and about 4 years removed from being termed a cautionary tale for the next generation of US soccer talents who didn't take their development as seriously as they should have. If I was advising him, he needs to find himself a new team a level down where he can play every day: you don't get any better watching. He absolutely should not ever return to MLS until he's extinguished Europe entirely - Ligue 1 was such a terrible decision to begin with, because the nature of the defences and Americans have really never played there with any degree of success (Bocanegra notwithstanding). His game at this point seems so suited to Spain, even if its Segunda Division, where attacking players seem to get more space to operate, but that was also the reason why he went to Benfica.

[LJ]

How can anyone say they have the answer? Certain he's a failure- of certain he's just gotten the short end of the stick?

I would love to see him on loan to a MLS side that was in Champions Leauge (DC?)

[Brett]

Leaving MLS was a bad move. A lot of people felt this way when he went and those people are being vindicated.

Not playing has hurt his confidence. A player who isn't confident cant succeed.

When Adu wears the MNT shirt, he plays with boundless confidence. What he did in the U-20 cup was amazing. What he did with the Olympic team was fantastic. What he has done with the senior team has been very impressive (great game against Spain comes to mind).

For Adu, I think what holds him back at this point is almost 90% mental. Get him in a comfortable situation where he fits in and he will blossom.

[Matt L]

The sooner I stop reading about Adu the better. He has decent ball skills, but is not a complete footballer. Physically, other players his age have passed him by in terms of speed and strength.

He was good at 14, but not 19. There are plenty of talented youngsters who do not pan out, and plenty of late bloomers who do.

Time to move on.

Matt L

[LJ]

Oh I get it, Adu gets crap for not being able to crack a team missing 11 top players.

But when that team blows donkey b----, it's his fault, not the fact the team was missing 11 top players.

I did watch the game, how can you blame his for not doing a good job of holding up the ball, that is not what he is used for! The coach should be shot if that's what he was subbed on for. And Monaco was way on it's heels and let 2 fly before he even got on the field. Give me a break.

[Gene_SF]

I've only seen him play a few times. But it seems like getting muscled off the ball is a problem. Isn't this something that can be remedied to a degree with an offseason devoted to conditioning?

I think people are too impatient with him. I also think that he is somewhat a victim of unrealistic expectation. Yes, he has some speed and dribbling ability. But is he a talent on the level of top European and South American or African talent? I am not so sure, though I think he still has time to prove that he is.

[JC]

"Europeans still have a very large stigma on American players..."

Ah, I was waiting for this one. The old "the coach hates Americans" excuse. I heard that one when Donovan bombed at Leverkusen. Heard it when Dempsey wasn't getting playing time at Fulham. So it's no surprise that it's being said again now that Freddy has failed to nail a starting spot on his second Euro team.

Listen, coaches don't give a crap where their players are from as long as they can play ball. Do you think a coach would put his job on the line benching a game changing player simply because of his nationality? The thought of that is laughable. There is no conspiracy against American players. Every time he's played with Monaco, he's simply been nothing special. So far two teams haven't had enough faith in him to plug him into the starting line up. That has to say something about him as a player.

I agree that Freddy right now is "saying" all the right things, but whether he actually believes his own words is another matter.

[Ck]

go to Holland! I understand moving to Monaco as that was a good step, but see about a new loan to a Dutch team.

[anon_e_moose]

Players like Adu are a dime a dozen in the footballing world. Adu is not the only player dealing with high expectations and unfulfilled potential.

Two examples, Fabio Paim was labeled the Portuguese Ronaldinho at the age of 18, since then he has been loaned out to 5 teams within 2 years, Chelsea being one of those teams. He has barely played and has yet to earn playing time. Why? because he is not a pure winger neither does he track back on defence.

Celsinho, another player compared to Ronaldinho, played 4 games in Russia and 1 for Sporting, he is now loaned out to Estrela Amadora and not doing much there. He has the same flaws as Paim and Adu.

In Portugal, there are two formations commonly played. 433/451, where there is a CF with two winger/forwards and behind them there are 3 central mids, one holding and the other two switch responsibility between defending and attacking. Many Adu apologists and objective observers say he is not a winger and that he doesnt track back. So, where is he going to play in that formation? Where do guys like Celsinho or Paim play in that formation? The answer is that they dont. A guy like DiMaria plays ahead of Adu because he can play the wing.

The other formation, some call a diamond 442 or losango style. Plays more like a 4132. The three mids behind the striker ahead of the trinco(holding mid) are not 2 wingers, one a-mid. they are seen as three attackers that are interchangeable. For Sporting, they go with Moutinho, Rochemback and Romagnoli only one of them is a pure winger, one of them is super slow and the other is a box-to-box mid, but despite their labels they have the versatility to make it work. DiMaria played more than Adu because he knew how to play and could play with Rui Costa. Adu couldnt or didnt know how to play with Costa and he was not going to get the same freedom as Costa, neither was he going to play in Costa's position. Adu was seen as a sparkplug off the bench, not as a full 90 player at Benfica.

By the time a player is 20 they are what they are in terms of skill. The improvements made are in consistency, intelligence and fitness.

The only way Adu makes those improvements is if he goes somewhere where he is given the freedom to be what he is. Adu may be like Guevara in that sense. When TFC played a 451 and Guevara was given the freedom to be an offensive weapon he played great for TFC. But, when TFC went to a flat 442 and Guevara was asked to play more box-to-box he struggled to make an impact on the game.

Adu needs to play on a team where they will accept his flaws because what he does best is more important to them. Thats probably in the MLS.

[Andy in Atlanta]

TO JC...Being someone that has actally played in Europe... I can promise you that there is a "stigma". It is not as bad as it was 10-15 years ago but it does still exist. Read a Fulham messageboard and get an idea of what over half the posters think about American players...

You mentioned Donovan...while loads of us get annoyed with him, we all know is a high calibur player and only now will he get a serious chance to play...why? Because of Jurgen (who likes America and removed himself from the bias long enough to give American players a look).

Another great example on the Adu situation is Pato for AC Milan...he gets sold for a gazillion dollars and gets instant chances to start @ AC even thuough anyone (like me) who watched every U20 WC game knows that Freddy and Jozy were much better in the tournament...why is that... Because Pato has a Brazilian passport which carries precendence...

I realize we lack coaching here (one if the reasons I personally went to England @ 16) but in regards to athleticism and technical ability...we are not nearly as far off as you might think... we lack in tactical knowledge and still have to try and catch up in that area.

I can promise if given the chance guys like Boca, Gooch, Dempsey, Adu, Altidore, Donovan, Klejstan, Davies and others can perform at near the highest level. Hopefully Landon will set the Bundesliga alight and even old Becks will play well to show the bias Europeans that we can play this game if given all the resources that their youngsters get.

off my soapbox now... as for Eddie Johnson... the kid just does not know where to be on the field and how to get open without running way offside... Brian McBride really should have mentored him better in that area because his whole problem @ Cardiff is he is so clueless tactically and he is also lazy when that is the exact opposite thing he needs to be (since he has no clue where to run when they have the ball).

[Matt Johnston]

It is time for Freddy Adu to leave Monaco and Benfica and get a place in the Eredivisie.

The Dutch system and style of play will suit a player like Adu much more than Portugal and France. The Dutch focus on tactics and attacking football, much more than the French. Added to that fact is that the Dutch are much more successful at developing young talent like Adu. He doesn't have to go to Ajax, but even a mid table team would be good.

But here is another thought. Freddy is asked to be and wants to be a playmaker and play that role. But such skill, knowledge, vision and tactical acumen takes time to develop. Thus, he has to get playing time in order to make that happen.

[JC]

Andy, you're correct in saying that Pato had a an average to below average U-20 tournament and that Altidore and Adu played better, but Pato had the better track record and has definitely outperformed Adu at the club level. He's already scored 15 goals for Milan since joining the team in 2007 in what is the most defensive league in the world.

Adu had a good tournament, but what had he done at club level before then? At the time of the tournament he was struggling while he was at Real Salt Lake.

Also, I don't know when you played in Europe, and I don't doubt that there are people that are going to look down on American players, but I find it hard to believe that a coach would bench a player simply because he's American despite of his skill-set. I don't think any coach on earth would do that. That excuse just comes from insecurity that a lot of Americans still carry when it comes to soccer. We like having that chip on our shoulder. The truth is, we haven't earned the soccer world's respect yet. Our goalkeepers have, but not our field players. We have to prove it first. Maybe Donovan will be that player, though I won't hold my breath.

[milo]

I suggest a club that plays in the Coca cola championship, the dutch league, the irsih or scottish leagues or even going back to the MLS.

[Brett]

It astounds me how US fans are ready to give up on Adu.

He plays with creativity and vision, and possesses skills to simply take players out of the play. Am I the only one who saw him create a goal out of NOTHING in the U-20 cup against Brazil (when he was 2 on 1 in the corner and he flicked the ball back and split them before putting in a driven ball that was put in by Jozy)?

Or his set up pass to Sacha against the Dutch U-23s in the Olympics?

He may not be cut out to be a consistent starter for the MNT for quite a while, but he's got bags of quality.