This week has been an exciting one for a lot of reasons. High-profile international friendlies, the upcoming EUROs, and some big changes in the world’s best leagues.
The Guardian was one of the first to report the move of Porto’s Hulk to Chelsea for £38m. Hulk has been a goalscoring beast in the Portugese top-flight, claiming 57 goals in 91 games. Some questioned the price, but I will be the first to say that it was an absolute bargain. Prediction: Hulk will be one of the top strikers in the EPL and will make people forget about Didier Drogba. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Brazilian international registers 15-20 in Year 1.
Speaking of Drogba, it looks like MLS’s loss is China’s gain. Drogba will become one of the world’s highest paid players when he signs with Shanghai Shenua. Many analysts thought he might be headed to the States, but not many American owners would be willing to pay the price tag of €300,000+ a week. Drogba would have been a star in MLS and was a big name that would put people in the seats. The league needs to find a way to bring better players to North America so that MLS can continue its progress. Preseason tours by the world’s best clubs are great, but we need to bring those players here permanently. Many criticize the NASL and the New York Cosmos, but they did something that no one has done since: make soccer a big draw in every market.
The U.S. win over Scotland was great, but a lot fo people saw the loss against Brazil as a disappointment. Again we need to be patient and understand that Brazil is probably the best team on the planet at the moment. Losing to them is not the end of the world; not getting to play them at all would have been. While we are talking about Brazil, I am going to say something downright shocking. Neymar is better than Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. What? If the Santos star ever leaves Brazil for the European big leagues, the world will say the same thing.
On the financial side of the game, Manchester United secured a five-year partnership with Chevrolet. It is a win-win for both organizations as Manchester United gets more exposure in the wealthy North American market, while Chevy gets more attention in places like China. The biggest winner might be the children served by the One World Futbol Project as 1.5 million virtually indestructible footballs will be sent to war-stricken zones, refugee camps, disaster areas, and other disadvantaged communities around the world as part of the agreement.
There is something truly special about an American icon like Chevrolet being assoicated with the world’s most valuable club, which just happens to be a soccer team.
The Crew introduced new signing Jairo Arrieta today at Crew Stadium. Arrieta will be counted on to improve the Columbus attack that has seen various combinations upfront this season. Arrieta appeared in 161 matches for Costa Rica’s Deportivo Saprissa, recording 45 goals and helping the team win five 1st division championships.
We are waiting to hear back from the folks at the Pittsburgh Steelers to see if a major friendly is headed for Heinz Field in August. This would be a great thing for soccer in the Midwest since we already have a World Cup qualifier coming to Crew Stadium in September and Stoke City also visiting Columbus in July.
Times are changing and things are getting better for the beautiful game.
