Should Freddy Adu Return To The MLS?
Should Freddy Adu Return To The MLS?
Do you still remember Freddy Adu? The American footballer who became professional at the age of 14, who was seen as a future football legend with the potential and skill to become one of the best. Unfortunately, his career is not following the direction it was expected to take.
Freddy Adu left his country in 2007 at the age of 18 to play for Benfica. He had barely established himself in the MLS before being presented to the Benfica fans as a football phenomenon. Adu played one season for the Portuguese giants where he totalled 20 appearances scoring 5 goals, on most occasions he came on as a substitute. However, the midfielder was not awarded sufficient opportunuties to shine and show his true talent, but when he played he failed to make an impact on the pitch.
After his first season, Adu failed to make a name for himself and few believed he would become the player he was rumoured to be. The future in Europe did not look bright for the young ambitious American. Adu spent the next two seasons under highly disappointing and unsuccessful loan spells with AS Monaco, Belenenses and Aris. The 21 year old rarely played for the teams and slowly transformed into a forgotten name in world football.
Freddy Adu is currently sitting in an uncomfortable and unfamiliar situation for a young promising footballer. Aris decided to cancel his 12 month loan deal and FC Sion did not sign him after his recent trial with the Swiss club. Adu still has a contract with Benfica but the Portuguese champions aren’t interested in his services, the question which must be troubling the American player’s head is: “WHAT DO I DO NOW?”
21 years of age is extremely young for a footballer, they still have many prolific seasons ahead of them and their development as a player never ends. However, it’s not easy living a long distance from home in another country with a different culture and approach to football. Adu is not yet prepared for European football; it’s extremely intense, physical, tactical and demanding for him. This is why he’s been unable to adapt. Personally, Adu turned professional too young, the pressure was too high and he should have stayed longer playing in the MLS.
A return to the MLS is the ideal solution, it will allow him to futher develop psychologically and physically on and off the field. He’ll be closer to family and friends which is essential for his support and happiness. The league may be played at a lower level to Europe, but what a kid like Adu needs is playing regular football which will improve him and raise his confidence levels.
Freddy Adu’s career has not ended, a player never stops developing and if he manages to play his football in the MLS, he could move back to Europe in the near future with the correct mentality and stature. He certainly doesn’t lack ambition or motivation, these two factors have been crucial in his career and will continue to do so.
Do you think Freddy Adu should return home?
