A recent delegation of English footballing experts associated with PASS traveled to the U.S. to judge the state of the American game. It was one of several trips to the States, including stops in MLS cities Dallas and Los Angeles.
Former Newcastle and Bristol winger Kevin Gall headed the delegation and attended the New England Revolution v. LA Galaxy match with former Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell.
Gall, Campbell, and Marcus McCabe represented ISN at the match, offering a unique perspective on the American game, from fans and environment to foreign stars.
Gall was able to share his thoughts in the Q&A below:
What influence have international players made on the Galaxy?
Everybody looks up to them. David Beckham is arguably one of the best technical players that has ever been around. His influence on the game brings the standard of the other U.S. players up. Robbie Keane and David Beckham are so far ahead thinking wise. The higher you go, the more you have to engage on their level. It makes you raise your standard quite a lot.
I think that is why MLS is looking for more players of that caliber to bring more quality and experience to the league.
What did you think of the tactics employed by Revolution Head Coach Jay Heaps?
I thought it was clever. They set out a gameplan to try and cut off the experienced players and expose the weaknesses of the Galaxy. To be honest, the whole of the Revolution team was very good. They applied themselves very well. They had some nice technical players, but I think they had quite a few hard-working players. That is what put the Galaxy on their back foot; they didn’t give the Galaxy a moments rest.
What did you think of Bruce Arena’s decision to sub out David Beckham at halftime?
For any manager to have David Beckham on their team, whether he is having a good game or a bad game, his influence alone speaks for itself. I understand that no footballer is guaranteed to play or is invincible. Even if he is not having a good day, you have to persist with someone like that. His experience and quality will always shine through.
It probably was a wrong move and they really paid for it in the end.
What did you think of the Home Depot Center?
The facility was beautiful. The stand of the pitch was second to none. The pitch was incredible. It was a very friendly place. We were very welcomed by people there. It is one of the “sleeping giants” in MLS.
Should the rest of the league follow the example of the Galaxy in bringing in high profile internationals?
If they had an influence from other players from other countries at a younger age, that would certainly help. The American college system, brings players out at 21 or 22 years old. In England, they have already played 100 or 200 league games. That is where the standard bearer differentiates between the U.S. and Europe.
What did you think of the media coverage?
It was totally opposite of what it is like in the UK. Even Kevin Baxter (Los Angeles Times) has only being doing soccer for a year. He is usually doing baseball.
In England, it is so much further advanced in the sport. That is where the big gap lies in the coverage of U.S. soccer.
