Freddie Adu proving he was worth the hype
July 7, 2007 by William K. Wolfrum
It is nearly impossible to describe the pleasure of watching a U.S. team beat a Brazilian team, at virtually any level. That’s because it just doesn’t happen very often – the last time being in a 1989 U-17 tourney. So it was with a profound sense of joy I saw the U.S. team advance in the Under-20 World Cup with style by beating Brazil, 2-1. By all means it was the type of game that could have gone either way, but this time, those breaks went in favor of the Americans.
Possibly even more important than the victory was the play of Freddie Adu. After years of hearing of his ability while seeing just glimpses, the 18-year-old Adu is starting to show the ability that has long had American soccer fans salivating.
Adu’s performance against Brazil – coming off a three-goal effort against Poland – was truly the difference in the game, and he was a constant threat up front, and hustled back on defense whenever necessary. And he did it all with a style normally not associated with an American player. Against Brazil, Adu looked downright Brazilian.
There is a lot yet to be written for young Adu, but thus far, his time in the MLS appears to have been extremely well spent He is a mature player, who seems confident in his abilities and even has the necessary mean streak that can make a good player a great one.
While David Beckham will grab non-soccer fans interest for a while, it will be Adu who can truly change the game in the U.S. He’ll draw sports fans into watching soccer. Because greatness must be seen, even on the soccer pitch. And Adu has a real chance to be the best the U.S. has ever seen.
–WKW
Don’t forget about Altidore! He scored the brace against Brazil and is another young phenom growing up fast in MLS.
Oh definitely not. I’d already take him ahead of Eddie “Every once in a while I score three in a meaningless game” Johnson.
I watched Johnson in Copa America and literally 90% of the time he touched the ball, he passed or moved backward. That’s just not right.
But the whole of the U-20 team does not look like your typical group of Americans. And Adu has a vision of game that belongs in Europe’s top flight. I know a few from that team already are with overseas teams, but I’d expect to see lots of them in England, and hopefully they can breakthrough in Spain and Italy some day.
–WKW