MLS vs Europe: Young American Players' Choice

For some of the young American soccer talent, the choice of playing in the MLS or trying their luck overseas presents itself at an early stage in their careers. Should they start out in the U.S. in a league of lower caliber but with a higher likely hood of logging valuable playing time? Or, should they take their chance at playing for a larger, more competitive club in Europe while they have the opportunity?

While results have varied for Americans going abroad, I believe that for the majority of U.S. players, gaining valuable experience in MLS is essential to success in Europe. Some of the more successful instances of Americans moving overseas have come from players who started in MLS. Some examples are Demarcus Beasley (Chicago to PSV Eindhoven, Rangers), Brian McBride (Columbus to Preston North End, Fulham), Carlos Bocanegra (Chicago to Fulham), Clint Dempsey (New England to Fulham) and Tim Howard (New York to Man U, Everton). Time has yet to tell but Freddy Adu's (DC, RSL to Benfica) recent substitute form at Benfica is promising for the young player as well.

That is not to say that there aren't Americans who have gone straight to Europe without starting out in the MLS and have had success. Some of the best examples that come to mind are Claudio Reyna (Leverkusen, Wolfsburg, Rangers, Sunderland, Man City), Kasey Keller and Brad Friedel (Liverpool and Blackburn). Some younger guys like Michael Bradley (Heerenveen) and Jonathan Spector (Man U, Charlton, West Ham) have also impressed as of late. There have also been those that have tried to make the transition to playing in Europe and just haven't been able to make it work. Whether it is the level of play, the culture difference or a mixture of both, players such as Landon Donovan and Clint Mathis (now trying his luck with Greek side Ergotelis) had to make there way back across the Atlantic to try there luck in MLS (Benny Feilhaber might be headed back this way as well).

So for a young American coming out of high school or college, what is the best choice? Overall I guess it is hard to generalize but I would say that gaining valuable minutes playing in the MLS can lead to a successful stint overseas. Especially with an expanding league (Seattle in 2009 and more to come) there will be more roster spots opening meaning a good likelihood that a talented young player will get minutes against improving competition. This combined with an influx of talented foreign players can lead to a learning and development experience that was not available for young American players in the U.S. just several years ago.

It seems like this very dilemma is presenting itself to former DC United reserve player Bryan Arguez who is reportedly ready to sign with Hertha Berlin. He played one year for the DC reserve team but never made any MLS appearances. It wil be interesting to see how he does in Germany. If you would like to see just how many Americans are playing abroad, check out Yanks-Abroad.