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Goal.Commentary: Why Michael Ballack Should Join MLS
Jun 12, 2010 10:33:00 PM
By Alex Labidou
Michael Ballack was on vacation in the United States when he heard that he was being released from his club team, Chelsea FC. With the right sales pitch, the country could become a permanent home for the 33-year-old.
During the Euro 2008 competition, it was clear to see how beloved Michael Ballack is in America. Walking down the streets in New York, it wasn’t unusual to see people strutting around in German white and black jerseys with Ballack embroidered in the back. In a country that loves everything big and physically challenging, the rugged, tenacious style of play that the former Bayern Munich player is famous for resonates.
There will be no shortage of offers for the German international who has appeared for his country 98 times. However, is Michael Ballack still a starter for a top European side? Most close to the midfielder agree that among his goals he would like to gain 100 caps and win an international competition (possibly Euro 2012). If he is a marginal player on good team or a starter on a bad team, it very unlikely that he will be seriously considered for any future major competitions. Ballack’s best option might just be Major League Soccer.
A very comparable situation to Ballack is David Beckham’s final years in Europe. Constantly impaired by injuries, Beckham was never completely fit on Real Madrid. The team president Florentino Perez publicly criticized him and many believed that the player was washed up by the time he had made his decision to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy. Yet, the Englishman has excelled well enough to keep himself in the England national team picture (until his tendon tear at least) and earn two summer loan moves to AC Milan.
Ballack would come into the MLS with less of a diva persona than Beckham had and his hard work ethic should ignite any team looking to compete for a title. There is no reason why Ballack can’t prolong his career for at least another three seasons. Whereas top teams in Europe are going to be very hesitant in giving Ballack the financial security that he wants in a two year contract, MLS teams have proven willing to guarantee designated player contracts.
Unless a team like Real Madrid or A.C. Milan is knocking at the door, Ballack has the unique opportunity to not only expand his career but to add another achievement to his long list: continue the growth of U.S. soccer.
Here are five teams where Ballack would fit:
New York Red Bulls: Even if Thierry Henry arrives after the World Cup, that signing alone will not propel the Red Bulls past the Galaxy. The team desperately needs a scoring midfield option that can create opportunities for other players. Most believe that HSV’s 36-year old Brazilian playmaker Ze Roberto is the right choice, but how much does he have left in the tank? Ballack is too good of an opportunity to pass up, especially considering how poor ticket sales have been at the team’s new beautiful stadium Red Bull Arena. Plus, general director and sporting director Erik Soler has confirmed NY will attempt to add two designated players this summer.
Seattle Sounders FC: Head coach Sigi Schmid told Tribal Football that Ballack would have plenty of offers in the U.S. His team might be one of the best fits, especially with the MLS new option to buy a third designated player spot. Imagine how scary the Sounders would be with Steve Zakuani, Freddy Montero, Freddie Ljungberg and Ballack. It would help turn the team around from a very disappointing season. Not sure if he would want to trade foggy London for rainy Seattle though. That leads us to…
Los Angeles Galaxy: If Landon Donovan continues his stellar play throughout the World Cup, it might finally persuade a top European side to invest in the services of the 28 year old forward. The Los Angeles Galaxy is MLS’s biggest franchise and the league wants to continue having marquee players playing at the Home Depot Center. With the emergence of strikers Edson Buddle and 19-year old Tristan Bowen, it isn’t necessary for the team to use a DP spot for a forward. A possible tandem of Beckham and Ballack in the midfield would ensure that the Galaxy continue to score in bunches. It also doesn’t hurt that it never rains in southern California, at least according to popular 80’s R& B group Toni! Toni! Tone!
Philadelphia Union: An expansion franchise with a lot of exciting young players, Ballack could help steer the team in the right direction. It would take a lot to make this happen but with a brand new stadium and a passionate sports city, sometimes luck favors the brave. Just don’t bet the mortgage on it though.
D.C. United: Once the MLS’s vanguard franchise, D.C. United has been pitiful this season. Still struggling to gain support for a new stadium, local fans have lost interest in the team. Signing Ballack would show that the franchise is still dedicated to putting a quality product out on the pitch and possibly even gain momentum towards securing a new stadium.
Alex Labidou, a Goal.com contributor, is based in New York. Follow him on Twitter @SportsLab.
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
During the Euro 2008 competition, it was clear to see how beloved Michael Ballack is in America. Walking down the streets in New York, it wasn’t unusual to see people strutting around in German white and black jerseys with Ballack embroidered in the back. In a country that loves everything big and physically challenging, the rugged, tenacious style of play that the former Bayern Munich player is famous for resonates.
There will be no shortage of offers for the German international who has appeared for his country 98 times. However, is Michael Ballack still a starter for a top European side? Most close to the midfielder agree that among his goals he would like to gain 100 caps and win an international competition (possibly Euro 2012). If he is a marginal player on good team or a starter on a bad team, it very unlikely that he will be seriously considered for any future major competitions. Ballack’s best option might just be Major League Soccer.
A very comparable situation to Ballack is David Beckham’s final years in Europe. Constantly impaired by injuries, Beckham was never completely fit on Real Madrid. The team president Florentino Perez publicly criticized him and many believed that the player was washed up by the time he had made his decision to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy. Yet, the Englishman has excelled well enough to keep himself in the England national team picture (until his tendon tear at least) and earn two summer loan moves to AC Milan.
Ballack would come into the MLS with less of a diva persona than Beckham had and his hard work ethic should ignite any team looking to compete for a title. There is no reason why Ballack can’t prolong his career for at least another three seasons. Whereas top teams in Europe are going to be very hesitant in giving Ballack the financial security that he wants in a two year contract, MLS teams have proven willing to guarantee designated player contracts.
Unless a team like Real Madrid or A.C. Milan is knocking at the door, Ballack has the unique opportunity to not only expand his career but to add another achievement to his long list: continue the growth of U.S. soccer.
Here are five teams where Ballack would fit:
New York Red Bulls: Even if Thierry Henry arrives after the World Cup, that signing alone will not propel the Red Bulls past the Galaxy. The team desperately needs a scoring midfield option that can create opportunities for other players. Most believe that HSV’s 36-year old Brazilian playmaker Ze Roberto is the right choice, but how much does he have left in the tank? Ballack is too good of an opportunity to pass up, especially considering how poor ticket sales have been at the team’s new beautiful stadium Red Bull Arena. Plus, general director and sporting director Erik Soler has confirmed NY will attempt to add two designated players this summer.
Seattle Sounders FC: Head coach Sigi Schmid told Tribal Football that Ballack would have plenty of offers in the U.S. His team might be one of the best fits, especially with the MLS new option to buy a third designated player spot. Imagine how scary the Sounders would be with Steve Zakuani, Freddy Montero, Freddie Ljungberg and Ballack. It would help turn the team around from a very disappointing season. Not sure if he would want to trade foggy London for rainy Seattle though. That leads us to…
Los Angeles Galaxy: If Landon Donovan continues his stellar play throughout the World Cup, it might finally persuade a top European side to invest in the services of the 28 year old forward. The Los Angeles Galaxy is MLS’s biggest franchise and the league wants to continue having marquee players playing at the Home Depot Center. With the emergence of strikers Edson Buddle and 19-year old Tristan Bowen, it isn’t necessary for the team to use a DP spot for a forward. A possible tandem of Beckham and Ballack in the midfield would ensure that the Galaxy continue to score in bunches. It also doesn’t hurt that it never rains in southern California, at least according to popular 80’s R& B group Toni! Toni! Tone!
Philadelphia Union: An expansion franchise with a lot of exciting young players, Ballack could help steer the team in the right direction. It would take a lot to make this happen but with a brand new stadium and a passionate sports city, sometimes luck favors the brave. Just don’t bet the mortgage on it though.
D.C. United: Once the MLS’s vanguard franchise, D.C. United has been pitiful this season. Still struggling to gain support for a new stadium, local fans have lost interest in the team. Signing Ballack would show that the franchise is still dedicated to putting a quality product out on the pitch and possibly even gain momentum towards securing a new stadium.
Alex Labidou, a Goal.com contributor, is based in New York. Follow him on Twitter @SportsLab.
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
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