The NFL's Rooney Rule in English football? Not a simple matter of black and white

In the past few days, you may have noticed how a fair few football journalists in the UK have been compellingly banging the drum for the NFL’s ‘Rooney Rule’ to be introduced into English football. This comes fresh off the back of news that America civil rights lawyer, Cyrus Mehri, one of the men credited with playing a significant role in its development, has been meeting with various footballing organisations across the country, in order that something with be done about the distinct lack of black managers currently plying their trade in this country.
Before we go any further, allow me a moment to explain the basic history behind the Rooney Rule and what exactly it entails. Named after the Pittsburgh Steelers owner, Dan Rooney, chairman of the NFL’s diversity committee and one of the rule’s main advocates, the Rooney Rule was introduced to the league in 2003, in an effort to do something about the distinct lack of ethnic minorities in head coaching positions. Initially met with a fair amount of backlash and scepticism, the NFL soon warmed to the idea and, seven years on, despite continued doubt over its impact, many within league circles appear to be of the opinion that the rule’s introduction has been a success. The rule in no way forces any owner to hire a particular candidate, based on the colour of their skin, it merely stipulates that all National Football League teams must interview at least one minority candidate for head coaching and senior football operations positions, even if already have a clear idea in mind of who they wish to appoint. Many would label this as racial tokenism and a largely pointless procedure, with teams forced to interview individuals they have no intention of hiring, but the supporters of the rule see it in a different light. They argue that, even if the odds may well be stacked firmly against certain black candidates, the Rooney Rule at least gives them a chance to truly familiarize themselves with the interview process and get their name out there as potential future head coaches. Furthermore, dark horses often emerge during such processes and it’s not uncommon to see an outsider earn the job on the basic of a strong interview.
However, my personal gripe lies in the fact that the majority of football journalists who have tackled this subject recently appear to have come to the conclusion that the Rooney Rule’s introduction to British football would instantly result in a wave of fresh, young Black British managers entering the game; a widely flawed assessment, especially when the rules effectiveness in the NFL is still largely under question. Even one of the most successful and respected head coaches in league history, the now retired Tony Dungy, who became the first Black American head coach to win the Super Bowl when his Indianapolis Colts defeated the Chicago Bears in 2007, believes that the Rooney Rule has largely failed to work as it was intended, highlighting how owners have often already decided on who to appoint in advance of interviewing the required minority candidate. Evidently, while certain teams may, in principle, be playing by the rules, it’s far from in the spirit of what the likes of Mehri and others had originally intended to achieve.


While there has been a significant increase in the number of black head coaches in the NFL since the Rooney Rule’s introduction (up from just two, in 2002, to seven by the beginning of 2006 season; an increase of over 15% and, at close to 22%, significantly higher than the average population of black or African Americans across the United States), most put this fact down more to coincidence than the actual influence of the rule; many of them highly talented coaches, who would have emerged through the ranks regardless of the Rooney Rule’s support. This seemingly highlights how the rule is still seen as a mostly unnecessary piece of legislation, especially in our largely tolerant modern-day society. The best coaches seem to rise to the top, irrespective of their ethnic background, and those black coaches who possess the skills to succeed at the highest level will simply appear in due time.
In England at least, the main issue appears not to be that black candidates are being ignored for managerial positions, but that there just aren’t any candidates out there at the moment, making it difficult for the Rooney Real to have any real effect. Unlike in the NFL, where, even prior to 2003, many black Americans filled lower-ranking coaching positions across teams of the league, England noticeably suffers from a distinct lack of black coaches in general, not just in managerial positions but also amongst the backroom staff of clubs, the place where these potential future managers should be sharpening their skills. The common explanation for this is typically that former black players are hesitant to start off on the coaching ladder, believing it’ll ultimately amount to little in the future, or that they fear they won’t be taken seriously by their peers. Again, I find it somewhat hard to believe that this would genuinely be the case nowadays. Compared to twenty years ago, English football has made huge strides in fighting racial prejudices and you’d think it out of the question for a chairman these days to turn away an applicant based solely on the colour of their skin (and if they did do such a thing, there’s certainly no place for them in football). However, if many of these potential black coaches do still harbour such beliefs of prejudice and preconception then it is difficult to see how the introduction of the Rooney Rule could help in this matter. Much like a lot of the sentiment in the US, one has to imagine that many would still regard the chance of an interview as a fruitless task, one carried out simply to satisfy legislation and which will do little to enhance their employability, despite what advocates of the Rooney Rule may say. What needs to be done first and foremost is to shift this false sentiment, amongst potential black coaches, that they face less chance of landing a job within English football than any similarly qualified white candidate. If such opportunities offered with the Rooney Rule can have this effect then the sooner its introduction the better, though I remain sceptical that it would do much to discourage this mind sight.
Furthermore there’s a strong argument to be made that the Rooney Rule’s introduction to English football could potentially devalue a black manager’s credibility and also make them an easy target for criticism, especially with our sensationalism-driven media. Borrowing an example from another sport, throughout his international career, South African cricketer, Ashwell Prince, constantly faced severe criticism and claims that he was only in the side so as to fulfil the country’s ‘quota system’, a position which would leave any player both frustrated and embarrassed. While the Rooney Rule may have nothing to do with enforcing quotas, it’s easy to foresee how any underachieving black manager could face similar accusations and claims that he is only in the job because of the colour of his skin. If we want to delve further into this ‘affirmative action’ argument, let’s taking something like a doctor-patient relationship. An individual wants to know that the person handling their care can offer them the best treatment possible, not some lesser-skilled alternative, and legislation such as the Rooney Rule throws in this degree of uncertainty. Obviously, this is an example which goes into territory much more serious than football, where potential lives could be compromised, but it simply provides some food for thought over such legislation and attitudes towards it.


Ultimately, the Rooney Rule’s basic premise is of course one with great intentions but it is also filled with clear flaws and decidedly tough to manage as intended. In the grand scheme of things, I find myself struggling to see how it could truly help or affect the landscape of English football for black managers but then perhaps I’m just being naïve. I, for one, didn’t think twice about Chris Powell’s skin colour when he was appointed Charlton manager this year, but then I’m certainly not a member of a football club’s board, or the average working-class football fan, that goes to games home and away, week in week out. Maybe there really does still exist this ‘old-boys network’ across football boardrooms in England, with a prehistoric attitude which desperately needs shifting, in which case the Rooney Rule can surely only be a positive step towards shifting preconceptions. It obviously does not hurt to try and experiment with such measures and, in the near future, I’d not be at all surprised if some kind of rule was brought into English football. It’s somewhat difficult however to share this grand optimism with members of the British press, who seem to believe that the Rooney Rule would be the obvious solution to the problem, when the issues surrounding black managers in our game are clearly more complicated than these journalists make them out to be.

Scouting Report: Mustafa Amini (Borussia Dortmund)

Our newest scouting report focuses on a young Australian midfielder, with an interesting background, who's hoping to become the next footballer from Down Under to establish himself in one of Europe's top divisions.

Mustafa Amini (Borussia Dortmund)


Nationality: Australian

Date of Birth: April 20, 1993

Position: Central Midfielder

Height: 173cm

Career Stats:

2010-2011 Central Coast Mariners: 21 Apps, 1 Goal


2011- Borussia Dortmund: 0 Apps

2011- Central Coast Mariners (Loan): 0 Apps

Standing out on the pitch, with his distinctive, flaming red afro, Mustapha Amini first came to attention of those outside Australia with a series of impressive performances in 2010, both for his club and the U-19 and U-20 national sides, doing enough to garner the interest of a whole host of European clubs, including the likes of the Everton, Newcastle and Celtic.
Born to an Afghan father and mother of Nicaraguan descent, Amini grew up in Sydney, playing for his local side, Blacktown City, before signing a scholarship with the famed Australian Institute of Sport, in 2009, where he impressed coaches early on, progressing rapidly through the youth ranks of the Australian national team set up. After spending a year at AIS, the then 16-year-old Amini made headlines in early 2010, by becoming the youngest ever player to sign with an A-League club, joining Central Coast Mariners on a two-year contract, where he was expected to develop slowly into a bench player over the course of his first season. That proved to be far from the case however, as Amini immediately established himself as a valuable member of the first team once the 10/11 season kicked off, appearing in 21 games, as the Mariners made it all the way to the Grand Final, only to suffer a heatbraking penalty shootout defeat to Brisbane Roar, having been 3-0 up with just two minutes of extra time remaining. Amini's impressive displays, especially for a player of just seventeen, justifiably attracted attention abroad, and the young midfielder spent March of this year on trial with both Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle, being signalled out for particular praise by manager Jurgen Klopp during his time in Germany. Amini clearly impressed the Dortmund staff and, after lengthy negotians with lastest several months, shortly into a second trial with the club in July it was announced he had joined the Bundesliga champions on a four-year contract, another step up in what has been a rapid rise through the footballing ranks.
Amini subsequently shone at the U-20 World Cup this summer, where, despite his Australian side bowing out in the group stages, he earned rave reveiws from observers, signalling that Dortmund had indeed made a wise investment for the future. Amini will be sent back to the Mariners on loan for this season, in a move that Dortmund hope will help the youngster's development but, if the Australian continues to develop at this current rate, it won't be long before we see him back in Europe, starring in the Bundesliga and possibly even the Champions League.
Playing with a confidence and maturity which belies his young age, Amini is a tough, phyiscal two-way midfielder, who possess a great all-round game and who could could easily fit in a multitude of systems. Comfortable on the ball, with a great engine, there are no obvious weaknessees to his game and Amini looks like the type of player built to withstand the tough demands of European football ands its heavily-laden fixture schedule.
Another intersting observation is how closely Amini's career path mirrors that of arguably the most talented Australian player to establish himself in Europe, Harry Kewell. Both grew up in the Guildford area of Sydney and Amini even attended the same high school as Kewell, also growing up as an admirer of Liverpool, just like the former Premier League star. Dortmund clearly hope that Amini can recreate the form that Kewell showed during his early days at Leeds United, before unjury struck, and, going on his progress thus far, that does not seem like too tall a task for the youngster to achieve. At only 18-years-old however, there is still a long way to, yet all the signs point towards Amini enjoying a long and prosperous career in European football in the future.

Has the "Brazilian full-back" become the norm?

If you happen to be one of the many thousands who regularly listen to BBC 5 Live's 'World Football Phone-in' you may be familiar with the fact that Brazilian football expert, Tim Vickery, frequently discusses the role of "the Brazilian full-back" and how, for all intents and purposes, "they're really not a full-back at all". In essence, the traditional Brazilian full-back is an attacking player, shirking his defensive responsibilities to bomb up the wing into the opposition's half and provide support for his side's frontmen. In reality, the closest these types of players really come to playing the classic full-back role, which we'd commonly associate with the European game, is their postion on the teamsheet prior to kickoff. Past examples of these specimen in action are endless; Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Jorginho, Leandro, Junior, Carlos Alberto, Nilton Santos, Djalma Santos - and the list does not end their. However, as with every sport, teams and their tactics adapt and change over time. With the way the global game has evolved over the years, is the Brazilian full-back not now the ideal model which most every team looks to employ? As has been discussed at length recently, the past decade in particular has seen the remergence of 'four-band-formations', such as 4-2-3-1 and 4-1-2-3, those which are centred around a largely narrow midfield layout, with one or more midfielders assigned primarily defensive responsibilites. As such, these teams look for their full-backs to push forward into the space left out on the wings, linking up with the wide players upfront, while those more defensive midfielders sit back and protect the backline. With more and more teams utilising inside forward-type players, who cut inside from the flanks, today's full-backs have to be able to overlap and provide the crossing threat from out wide, essentially taking up the role that we would expect to see a standard winger in a 4-4-2 formation play. The primary example of this would arguably be the 2009/10 Barcelona side, just before the departure of Ibrahimovic and Messi taking up a more central role. In this formation, Daniel Alves was essentially tasked with manning the entire right flank himself, frequently overlapping with Messi, who would thus cut inside on his left foot while the Brazilian remained out wide on the wing.

It seems that we have reached a point where such emphasis has been placed on the full-back's attacking capabilites that their ability to defend is really of secondary importance. The likes of Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos and Marcelo, players who'd often be viewed as a defensive liabilities when deployed at the position in a traditional 4-4-2 formation, are both highly vital pieces in the club's starting XI, primarily down to their ability to man their respective flanks and support the attack, while even Gabriel Heinze, formally regarded as one the best truly defensive full-backs in football, has seen his offensive game grow over the past few seasons to the point where fans of Marseille have lauded his contributions to the attack, yet criticized his leaky defensive displays.

In fact, it almost seems inappropriate now to brand full-backs, for all intents and purposes, as traditional defenders alongside centrebacks, such is their involvement in the attacking side of the game. However, one should stress that this is not to say the model of the Brazilian full-back should completely ignore its defensive responsibilites. At a time when the world of football values an all-round game and versatility more than ever, a player who can perform as solid in attack as in defence is a highly valuable commodity and a primary reason why someone such as Maicon is so highly lauded by his peers, such are his strengths in both areas.

Now we can see before our eyes how the full-back, taking on an increasingly attacking role and evolving into the most phyiscally demanding position on the pitch, with the need to cover the most ground of any player during the 90 minutes, has evolved from a position, often considered the least signigicant, into one of primary importance. While previously they were the forgotten men of the side (for example; the least celebrated members of the England 66 side are arguably George Cohen and Ray Wilson, while the list of all-time greats at the position is noticeably shorter than at any other ), the likes of Daniel Alves, Ashley Cole, Maicon and Patrice Evra have distinguished themselves as stars in their own right. Today's version of full-back is no longer viewed as a primarily defensive position and it is becoming more and more rare to see players emerge in the mould of a Lilian Thuram or Mauro Tasotti, those noted as defensive stalwarts first and foremost. Certainly, there is a noticeable tactical shift in the game, one which has seen the archetypal full-back become almost obsolete and the "Brazilian full-back" emerge as the norm at the top tier of football. It's surely of no coincidence that the most established clubs of Europe have increasingly looked to South America to scout for recruits to fill the position and this is a trend which does not look like it is set to slow down any time soon.

Scouting Report: Michelangelo Albertazzi (AC Milan)

Continuing the series, we take a look at a young Italian, who is hoping to become the next great defender to emerge from AC Milan's youth system.


Michelangelo Albertazzi (AC Milan)

Nationality: Italian

Date of Birth: January 7, 1991

Position: Centre-Back/Left-Back

Height: 186cm

Career Stats:

2005-2008 Bologna : 0 Apps

2008- AC Milan: 0 Apps


The AC Milan youth system may have been criticized in Italy over recent years for failing to produce talented youngsters, capable of making the step up to the first team, but one really can’t condemn too much a step up which, in the past, has produced the likes of Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini, however may years ago that may have been now. In the past few seasons however, one player in particular has emerged through the Milan youth ranks, who is hoping to follow in the renowned footsteps of those two former club captains, in becoming the next great Italian defender to have been groomed by the club, that player being none other than Michelangelo Albertazzi.
Although having played at Milan since the age of seventeen, Albertazzi in fact began his football career with his hometown side, Bologna, joining them at only fourteen, before signing his very first professional deal with the club a couple of years later, in January 2007. Though starring for their youth team, the young Italian never made a first team appearance for the Rossoblu but it was his impressive play for the Italy U-17 side that attracted interest from a whole host of clubs across the continent. Despite having turned down an approach from Arsenal no more than a couple of months earlier, not even a year after signing Albertazzi to professional terms, Bologna accepted an offer of just over £1 million from Milan for the highly rated defender, in August 2007, and the much sought after Albertazzi joined the club the next summer, as per the terms of the transfer agreement. Since then, Albertazzi has featured prominently for Milan’s Primavera side, earning glowing reviews, and has been marked as a player set to break into the first team in the near future. Equally comfortable playing in the centre of defence or at left back, Albertazzi has evidently drawn comparisons to the former club legend Maldini, whom he especially idolized as a child and has tried to model his game upon. Certainly, from watching him in action, one can see that that’s the case, as Albertazzi plays with a certain elegance and confidence, reminiscent of Il Capitano, though there are still many holes to his game, which need to be addressed before he can make the step up to the big time. Though not lacking in pace, Albertazzi still appears too physically weak to consistently compete against Serie A strikers week after week, while his decision making at times could be described, at best, as poor. Much like Matteo Darmian or Davide Astori, a season out on loan or co-ownership deal with another top flight club would be of huge benefit to Albertazzi’s progression and could well be the answer to realizing his potential. There is evidently a lot of promise within his game but, thus far, Albertazzi has not had the opportunity to display his talents. Look for that to change next season, whether it be with Milan or perhaps at another club in Italy; the potential he has shown at youth level indicates he has enough to make it at the top.

That's all for now but stay tuned, as I hope to have more scouting profiles up in the near future.

Scouting Report: Sebastian Coates (Nacional)

With the first of a new mini-series, in which I'll be taking a look at many of the top footballing prospects around the world, today we turn our attention to South America and a young Uruguayan defender, who could soon be plying his trade for one of Europe's premier clubs.


Sebastian Coates (Nacional)



Nationality: Uruguayan

Date of Birth: 7 October, 1990

Position: Centre-Back

Height: 196cm

Career Stats:

2009- Nacional: 62 Apps, 5 Goals


Following in the footsteps of national team captain Diego Lugano and his centre-back partner Diego Godin, 20-year-old Uruguayan Sebastian Coates looks set to become the next star defender from Nacional to make a name for himself in Europe. Measuring close to 6ft 6in and weighing around 90kg, young Coates is a tall, physically imposing presence in the centre of defence, who possesses a surprising burst of pace for a player of his size and has even shown himself to be highly composed and skilled with the ball at his feet. Having broken into Nacional’s first team in early 2009, Coates has established himself as a regular in the starting XI over the past two seasons, even being singled out as one of the side’s most influential players by team management, helping guide the side to the 2011 Championship Playoffs with his commanding play at the back. What’s more, Coates does not possess that reckless streak, which South American defenders are so often criticized for, instead looking calm and collected in pressure situations and very rarely making clumsy errors. However, perhaps the one characteristic of his which truly stands out is his fantastic positioning; his ability to anticipate the play and find himself in the right position to cut out a through ball or make a well-timed challenge. Certainly, in footballing terms, Coates is the full package at centre back; a complete defender, in the mould of Inter Milan’s Lúcio or even his fellow Uruguayan Lugano, whom he is often compared to back home.
On the international stage, Coates has been a regular in Uruguay’s recently successful U-20 side and his impressive performances in the League and Copa Libertadores have even earned him a call-up to the full side. Called into the squad for the first time for the World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica, in November 2009, Coates unfortunately did not managed to make an appearance but continued to be talked about as a possible inclusion for Uruguay’s squad in South Africa over the coming months. He did not ultimately make the final 23, as coach Tabarez decided that it was too early for the youngster to be making such a big step, but one can definitely expect Coates to become a fixture in the side in the not too distant future, as Uruguay look to make it to Brazil in 2014, the site of their historic upset in the 1950 World Cup, and improve upon their impressive display in South Africa.
As the holder of a Spanish passport, Coates also has a potentially far easier route to Europe than many other players coming out of South America, and such a valuable commodity should be yet another incentive for any club wishing to bring the young Uruguayan across the Atlantic. Reports in January even claimed that AC Milan had already negotiated a deal to bring Coates to the San Siro this summer and, although those rumours are far from confirmed, it simply goes to show what a hot commodity the Nacional defender is currently. Whether it be in the coming months, or sometime early next year, expect Coates not to stick around Montevideo much longer. He could very well be plying his trade in one of Europe’s top leagues before too long.

That's it for today but stay tuned, as I'll have more profiles up in the future of yet more talented youngsters, who should be making their mark on the footballing world very soon.

With Houllier out, the hunt for his successor begins

So, that’s that then. After weeks of speculation and unconfirmed reports, it’s finally been announced that Gerard Houllier will be leaving Aston Villa, less than nine months after signing a three-year deal, back in early September.
Certainly, the news does not come as a big surprise to any fans of the club. Houllier’s past health problems have been well documented and, after this most recent scare, it was unlikely that the club would allow the Frenchman to return to work, especially after the fairly lacklustre season that Villa have just experienced.
Going back to the end of August, when rumours of Houllier’s imminent appointment first began to surface, it’s fair to say that reaction was fairly mixed. Despite enjoying early success with Liverpool, winning five trophies in the space of a year, Houllier left Liverpool on somewhat of a subdued note. Many labelled his tactics as too negative and there was widespread displeasure with the quality of his signings, case in the point; the £4.5 million spent on former Lille midfielder Bruno Cheyrou, who, though hailed as the “New Zidane”, would go on to make just 31 uninspiring league appearances for the club, between 2002 and 2004. Granted, since his Liverpool tenure, Houllier had gone on to win back-to-back league titles with Lyon but still, while some viewed his appointment as a solid hiring, there was an overwhelming sense that fans simply viewed him as an uninspiring and dull choice; a manager who, though far from incompetent, was hardly the man to steer the club forward for years to come.
In retrospect, ‘uninspiring’ would arguably be one the most fitting words used to describe Houllier’s reign with the club. After spending much of the campaign around the bottom half of the league, Villa somehow managed to finish off their season in 9th place, rising five places on the final day, after a 2-1 win over Liverpool, overseen by assistant Gary McAllister, who took charge of the club for the final three games of the season. Of course, that 9th place finish far from tells the full story of Aston Villa’s season, one which was seen as largely a disappointment, compared to pre-season predictions, and which saw the club flirting with relegation up until the final few games.
After what was a relatively slow start under Houllier, results on the pitch never really picked up and there were several key moments throughout the season where the Frenchman either angered fans or displayed a lack of control of the dressing room. First there was his behaviour during the Liverpool game at Anfield in December, that which drew the first calls for his sacking from some fans, before a defeat to rivals Birmingham City in the League Cup further infuriated supporters. Falling-outs with the likes of Habib Beye and Stephen Warnock followed and the strange choice to field a weakened team against Man City in the February FA Cup tie, that which resigned the club to another season without silverware, was criticized by all circles of the football media. The drama within Aston Villa reached its height in March, with the drinking escapades of Richard Dunne and James Collins, their subsequent falling out with fitness coach Robert Duverne (he who famously became involved in a furious row with then France captain Patrice Evra, during their the 2010 World Cup), and the alleged mutiny within the squad, which may or may not have occurred. A 1-0 defeat at home to Wolves saw a large banner unveiled at the Holte End, calling for Houllier’s departure, aggressive chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing” and choruses of boos from large sections of the crowd at the final whistle. By April, the stress was visibly taking its toll on Houllier and the health scare he suffered on April 20th was sadly all too predictable, such was the pressure that was building upon him.



All this of course made Lerner and co.’s decision to depart with the former Liverpool manager that much easier, though to be completely fair to Houllier, he was not exactly presented with the easiest of jobs upon his arrival. Despite the lofty expectations, after a sixth place finish the previous season, Martin O’Neill’s sudden departure, just five days before the new season, left Villa in a highly difficult situation. O’Neill, for all his plaudits, had left the club with a wafer thin squad and a wage budget so overstretched that it was near impossible to bring in quality players, without offloading some faces first. While O’Neill had complained about the lack of transfer funds available to him, it was largely his financial mismanagement, massively overspending on transfer fees and player wages, which had led to Lerner cutting back his investment in the club, making the initial job for Houllier all the more difficult. Quite simply, the squad required (and still does require) a large overhaul, something which just cannot be accomplished in less than a year. Promising moves were made in January, with the £6.5 million signing of Jean Makoun and the much talked about £18 million capture of Darren Bent from Sunderland, a move heavily scrutinized at the time and hastily labelled a ‘panic buy’, but which arguably saved the club from relegation and now looks to be a significant bargain. Had Houllier been given the offseason to further refurbish his squad, one has to wonder what moves could have been made in the transfer market and how a full preseason of preparation could have helped bring the side together; questions which we will frustratingly never now know the answer to. Ultimately, Houllier’s short tenure with Aston Villa was largely a disappointment but it also was far from the worst football fans of the club have seen in recent years; one need only remember back to Graeme Taylor’s second stint in charge of the club and the end of David O’Leary’s reign to realise that. Much as ‘uninspiring’ would be a good word to describe the past season, ‘forgettable’ would be another, and in a few years’ time Villa fans will most likely be struggling to recall many significant moments from Houllier’s largely underwhelming campaign as manager.
Of course, with Houllier now gone, the attention now turns to the quest to find his successor. Gary McAllister showed signs of promise during his short spell in charge, though is evidently far below the standards the club should be looking for. The Scot may well have interest in the job and could yet prove to be Premier League managerial material in the not too distant future, though at this point is far too raw and inexperienced for the post. Instead, the question surrounding him will be whether he remains with the club once a new manager is brought in, or whether the new boss will wish to bring in his own backroom staff, as so often happens.
Looking to the genuine candidates for the position, there are a whole host of big names out there on the market, any of which Villa would be wise to pursue. The likes of Carlo Ancelotti, Rafa Benitez, Claudio Ranieri and Louis van Gaal, are all ready and available, though whether any of those names would have interest in the job at this current moment in time is debatable.


Recent rumours however have heavily linked the club with a move for Mark Hughes, reports today going as far as to say a deal is currently being worked on, though the club have been quick to quash such claims. Certainly, I would have real concern with such appointment, not necessarily because of any dislike for Hughes himself but simply because it would signal yet another largely uninspiring and unambitious hire. Hughes, as a manager, shares many traits with O’Neill and the apprehension over his appointment would be that we would see ‘more of the same’, with the club left to stagnate yet more under his leadership. It’s not just Hughes I would have this concern with either; I’d have similar concern with the likes of Steve McClaren or even David Moyes. Ultimately, Villa are a club which for too long have been wading around in the upper-middle tier of the Premier League and a genuine effort needs to be made to push onwards. For that to be realized, the club must make an ambitious appointment, a manager who is familiar with success and has achieved things at the highest level. With that in mind, the recently sacked Ancelotti would clearly be a perfect candidate for the vacant position, someone who’s credential are unmatched by many and who is already familiar with the league. Furthermore, with rumours surrounding the futures of Stewart Downing and Ashley Young, the hiring of a highly regarded figure such as Ancelotti would surely be a valuable incentive for such players to remain with the club.
My opinion however will ultimately have no influence on the Aston Villa board’s choice of manager. Fans of the club can only hope that the likes of Lerner and Paul Faulkner approach the decision with ideas of progress in mind and appoint a candidate who can genuinely mould Aston Villa into a club which can consistently compete with the teams at the top of the table.

The Top 50 MLS Players: 10-1

(Edit): First and foremost, massive apoloiges. In the confusion of university work and other matters, it would appear this piece was never posted, or was inadvertently deleted from the blog. With the season in full-swing now, it may be a bit dated, but I am re-posting it regardless, so as to finish off the series.


Rejoice! the 2011 MLS season has finally kicked off, with the week 1 round of games now done and dusted, providing what was arguably the most entertaining opening weekends in the league's relatively sort history. With that in mind, now seems like the perfect time to finish off our countdown of the top 50 MLS players and reveal who made that top 10 list:


10: Juan Pablo Angel FW (La Galaxy) - Now plying his trade on the West Coast, having been frozen out of Hans Backe's plans in New York, Angel may be getting on in years but there's no question that he remains one of the most accomplished finishers in the league. LA certainly have a lot striking options available to them but, with the debature of Edson Buddle to Germany, Angel will be called upon to be their go-to guy for the 2011 campaign. With all the pieces around him on the team, providing great service, it shouldn't be beyond the former Aston Villa striker's cabilities to bag himself a 15+ goal season.



9: Javier Morales MF (Real Salt Lake) - The attacking midfielder in Jason Kreis' diamond midfield, Morales is Salt Lake's playmaker and a key component to their recent success. The charismatic Argentine appears to be thriving in the team's current system and is undoubtedly one of the most creative players in league, with Salt Lake funneling the majority of their play through him, in the centre of midfield. Everything seems in place for another impressive season, and Morales and Salt Lake look eager to taste more success, not only in MLS, but also in the Concacaf Champions League, where an appearance in the final now looks like a real possibility.



8: David Ferreira MF (FC Dallas) - Last season's MVP, Ferreira is another example of one of these South American playmakers, that have flooded into the league in recent seasons. The 31-year-old former Colombian interntional was pivotal to Dallas' run to the MLS Cup Final in 2010 and, with the recent departure of Dax McCarty, will arguably be even more heavily relied upon this season, to provide the majority of both the team's goals and assists. Whether Dallas have the squad to repeat last year's sucess is questionable, but if Ferriera performes to the level expected of him, then they should at least come close.



7: Dwayne De Rosario MF (Toronto FC) - Toronto look like they are rebuiling again this year, after yet another coaching change, and the quality of the roster certainly does not fill one with much confidence. De Rosario's abilities are well known by now to all MLS fans, and the club captain's presence on the field gives the team perhaps their only chance at enjoying at least a somewhat respectable 2011 season. Now playing for his hometown club, 'Canada's finest' has deservedly earned a reputation as a renouned clutch performer over the past few years, but has also been critcized for his reportedly selfish attitude, supposedly putting his own best interests before that of the team. First, there was the notorious cheque-signing goal celebration, followed later by the unscheduled training stint with Celtic during the offseason, incidents which have somewhat soured the relationship between De-Ro and the TFC fans. Going into the season, new coach Aaron Winter and his star player need to put past events behind them and focus on the task at hand, as the club gear up for what will most likely be another tough and unrewarding campain.



6: David Beckham MF (LA Galaxy) - Not much to say here. Everyone knows the man and, though he undoubtedly poliarizes opinions across the pond, there's no question that Beckham is still an extremely talented player, despite his increasing years. Beckham may have not played to the level everyone had expected during his three years in the league, mainly due to injuries and international commitments, but this season could very well be different. Now entering the final year of his contract with the Galaxy, Beckham has completed his first preseason with the club since entering the league and that time spent gelling with his teammates could prove vital for the upcoming campaign. Thus far, you'd be hard pressed to argue that his play warrants the 6th place spot on this list, but there's no doubt that he is fully capable of producing an MVP-like season. Much will depend on his teammates however...



5. Fredy Montero FW (Seattle Sounders) - Probably the most exciting player in the league and certainly the one who has attracted the most attention from clubs overseas. Colombian striker Montero has bags of ability and is really starting to realize his potenital, not just as a goalscorer but also as a creative playmaker, who can feed his teammates with chances. Many are touting Montero to lead the MLS scoring charts this coming season and, though he faces some fierce competition from the likes of Henry and Angel, should he continue to improve his play the way he has since he joined the league, in 2009, then those predictions could well prove to be inspired.


4. Rafa Marquez DF (New York Red Bulls) - Again, not much too say here. Marquez is one of the more high-profile players in the league and his reputation, as a former Barca player, precedes him. Equally comfortable in the centre of the defence or playing as a holding midfielder, as he often does for Mexico, Marquez showed towards the end of the 2010 season that he's not simply joined MLS for a nice pay day. No question, he has already established himself as one of the best defensive players in the league and, along with Team Ream, will form one of the strongest centre-back pairing in MLS, that will hopefully help anchor the Red Bull's push for the 2011 MLS Cup.



3. Omar Bravo FW (Sporting KC) - Another Mexican, Bravo's move to MLS came as somewhat of a suprise, mainly due to the fact it was announced he was joining one the 'less-fashionable' sides in the league, in KC, but also because he seemingly has a fair few years of top level football left in him. A proven goalscorer in Mexico and, to an extent, in Europe, the main question surrounding Bravo will be whether he appears 'interested' in giving his all on the pitch week in, week out, unlike past Mexican stars who have entered the league, such as Luis Hernandez and, more recently, Nery Castillo. Certainly, a fully motivated Omar Bravo will prove a dynamic goalscoring threat and, teamed with Teal Bunbury, could give KC one of the most feared attacking duos in the league.



2. Thierry Henry FW (New York Red Bulls) - It's Henry, of course he was going to be in the top 2! His best years may be behind him and he may have looked somewhat rusty after joing the Red Bulls late in July last year, but there's no doubt that Henry is a class above what the rest of MLS has to offer. Again, there will be questions whether he is fully motivated to give his all for the club, but it's hard to believe that Henry would come to the US, with offers from Europe still on the table, simply to treat his stay here as a premature retirement, such is his competitive nature that he's displayed throughout his career. Enough will be written about the former Arsenal star over the coming season and people will undoubtedly question his commitment to the cause, but I have full confidence that he will show off glimpses of the old Henry, given the chance.



1. Landon Donovan FW (LA Galaxy) - Have to hand it Landon, he's been an abolute beast in MLS ever since he entered the league. While many will criticize him for not making the move abroad, with his talents long since outgrown MLS standards, Donovan seems comfortable plying his trade in his home-state of California and his commitment to the Galaxy really can't be questioned. Donovan's sheer presence and marketing appeal, as a standout US athlete, is a huge bonus to the league and Garber and co. have made a clear effort to try and keep him tied down to MLS, as they attempt to branch out the game's appeal across the country. A big money move is rapidly passing him by and, though many would like to see a US soccer player enjoy success abroad, MLS fans should be more than happy to enjoy having a player of Donovan's quality in the league.

Well, that's it. The top 50 MLS players for 2011. All that's left to be said now is enjoy the season and hopefully your team enjoys some success this campaign. We'll see by November how far off my rankings were and whether there are any new stars who'll deserve inclusion next time around.

Until next time!

The Top 50 MLS Players: 20-11

The countdown continues, as we inch ever closer to finish line of the top 50 MLS players. We're now getting into the 'cream of the crop' of the league, and there's really not a lot to choose between some of the names coming up. So, without further ado, let's crack on with 'The Top 50 MLS Players: 20-11'



20: Alvaro Saborio FW (Real Salt Lake) - The Costa Rican international established himself as Salt Lake's main goalscoring threat in 2010, having joined the club in March last year, and with the departure of Robbie Findley, he'll be even heavily relied upon to lead the line for the pre-season MLS Cup favourites, going into this season. Formally of Bristol City, with whom he endured a fairly torrid time, Saborio was signed on a permanent deal by Salt Lake in December, becoming the club's first ever Designated Player, on the back of the 12 goals he grabbed over the course of last season, an achievement which earned him the MLS Newcomer of the Year award. Understandably, there are high expecations now for Saborio, with a lot of pressure on him to justify his new hefty salary figure, but there's no doubt that he has the natural goal scoring instincts, as well as the talent around him in the Salt Lake starting XI, to challenge for the Golden Boot in 2011 and to hopefully guide his team to MLS Cup success.



19: Chad Marshall DF (Columbus Crew) - A mainstay in the Crew's backline since 2004, Marshall has been one of the most consistent and lauded defenders in MLS for a few years now, and was a key reason for the club's 2008 MLS Cup victory. Consitently on the fringes of the national team, the hulking centre back has faced stiff competition for a place in Bob Bradley's starting XI, but more recently looks to be forcing his way into contention. Injuries have undoubtedly been an issue throughout his career, as has less than ideal pace, but Marshall makes up for any deficiencies in his game with his natural ability to read the game, as well as his hard-nosed attitude and exemplary leadership qualities. At 26, he still has his best footballing years ahead of him, and the opportunity for a move to Europe could well be in his future if he manages to stay healthy and continue to play to the level he's maintained over the past few seasons. For now though, one gets the impression that Marshall is more than happy to fill the role of Columbus' on-field leader, in front of an American audience which could seen be crying out for his inclusion in the US national team's backline.



18: Conor Casey FW (Colorado Rapids) - A tall, powerful goal poacher, Casey's professional career began with Borussia Dortmund, after impressive performances on the youth level for the US national team, though the now 29-year-old striker never managed to make the impact overseas that he had hoped to. After numerous loan spells, as well as an unhappy two seasons spent with FSV Mainz, during which time his career was further derailed by a torn ACL, Casey decided it was time to return to the States, signing first with Toronto FC for their inaugural 2007 season, before being traded to Colorado after just 2 games with the Canadian club. Since then, Casey has proven himself as a solid, if unspectacular, goalscorer in MLS, one who can be relied on to provide at least 10 goals a season, causing constant problems for opposition defenders, with his tough, physical style of play.
On the international level, despite a few solid performances during the US' qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup, including a brace in the 3-2 win against Hounduras, a result which sealed their place in South Africa, Casey was somewhat controversially left off of the final list of 23 names for the tournament, and was very vocal in his displeasure with Bob Bradley over the decision, a move which could well have signalled the end of his career with the national team. He made up for the disappointment however later on in the year, as his Colorado side enjoyed a fairytale run through the MLS playoffs, culminating in the shock win of their first ever MLS Cup, as Casey was named MVP of the final. The Rapids are unlikely to repeat that success this season, but should they make a reappearance in the playoffs in 2011, you can guarantee it will be largely due to the goals of Casey.



17: Blaise Nkufo FW (Seattle Sounders) - Nkufo arrived in Seattle after the World Cup last season, and looked impressive in his limited appearances, scoring a comendable 5 goals in 11 games, including a hat-trick against Columbus Crew in September. The Congoloese-born Swiss international striker has an impressive goal scoring pedigree from his time in Europe, where he became a cult figure at FC Twente, finishing with more than 10 goals in each of the 7 seasons he played with the Dutch club. At 35, he's certainly no spring chicken, and with the Sounder having an array of attacking talent to choose from he may not even have a regular starting role, but he'll no doubt produce the goods when called upon.



16: Geoff Cameron MF (Houston Dynamo) - Poised for a stellar 2010 campaign, after being named in the 2009 MLS Best XI, Cameron's season was cruelly interupted by a serious knee injury, which ruled him out for most of the season and ended any his chances of making Bob Bradley's World Cup squad. One of the most versatile players in MLS, having played virtually every position on the pitch at some stage during his pro career, Cameron's absence was a major blow for Houston, especially after the loss of Stuart Holden to Bolton, and was no doubt a huge factor in their largely underwhelming season. Now back to full fitness, Cameron is all set to make up for lost time, and should force his way back into the national team picture before too long, the July Gold Cup squad most being likely his first goal, and his return will be a huge boost for the depleted Dynamo. Due to his age and style of play, Cameron is also one of the leading candidates in MLS to make a move abroad in the near future, and 2011 will therefore be a crucial year in the 25-year-old midfielder's career, as he looks to prove his abilities once and for all.



15: Jay DeMerit DF (Vancouver Whitecaps) - After a very impressive showing at the World Cup, it's somewhat of a surprise to see DeMerit make the move to MLS at this stage of career, especially when it was rumoured that the likes of Everton and Wolfsburg were keen on his signature. Nevertheless, as the Whitecaps captain for their first ever season in the league, DeMerit will be playing a crucial role for the Canadian side, as he looks to bring a veteran presence to a relatively young-looking defence, and become a figurehead for the franchise for years to come. The 1st season for an expansion side is generally always a rather humbling experience (unless you're the Sounders of course), and it'll be up to influencial players like DeMerit to ease the club through that difficult transition to the 'big leagues'.



14: Donovan Ricketts GK (Los Angeles Galaxy) - Having been widely criticized during his time with Bradford in the lower league of English football, Ricketts' career has been rejuvinated since his move to LA, firmly establishing himself as one of the league's best goalkeepers over the last two seasons. The Jamaican has seemingly cut out the many errors that used to plague his game and ended 2010 by being name Goalkeeper of the Year, as the Galaxy's defence conceeded just 26 goals. Currently suffering from a preseason inury, LA will be hoping Ricketts can get back to full fitness quickly, in time for the start of the season, having become such an integral part of Bruce Arena's team.



13: Kenny Cooper FW (Portland Timbers) - The Timbers undoubtedly pulled off a great piece of business, when they sealed the signature of the recently returned Cooper for their first season in MLS. Once hailed as the possible successor to Brian McBride for the national team, Cooper has so far failed to make that transition into a fully-fledged star, though there's no question that he's proved himself as a more than capable MLS striker, during his previous 4 seasons in the league. The failed transition to European football in 2009, with 1860 Munich, was certainly a significant setback for Cooper's career, but a comeback to MLS at this point should be just what is needed to set the big target man back on track, as the Timbers look to be assembling a squad to be competitive right off the bat. A former Man Utd trainee, Portland will be relying heavily on Cooper to provide the majority of their goals this season, and he is certainly capable of firing them towards playoff contention, if provided with regular service from his teammates.



12: Omar Gonzalez DF (Los Angeles Galaxy) - Only 2 years into his professional career, Gonzalez has already been singled out by many as one of the leading defenders in MLS, and a future US national team star. One of the tallest players in the league, at 6ft 5in, Gonzalez won Rookie of the Year honours in his debut season, and followed that up by being named to the All-Star team in 2010, as the Galaxy claimed the Supporter's Shield, with the best regular season record. MLS Cup victory may have alluded them last season, but LA look all set make another push for the championship this year, with Gonzalez now arguably one of the key ingredients to future success, on a team made up of established veterans and promising young talent. The 22-year-old centre back recently made his debut for the national team, against Brazil back in August last year, and despite the 2-0 defeat, looked extremely composed and comfortable at that level. Gonzalez certainly has a very promising future ahead of him and, though there will always be questions surrounding his pace, his continued growth as a player will almost certainly see him become one of the best American players around before too long.


11: Omar Cummings FW (Colorado Rapids) - Over the past 3 seasons, Cummings has quietly gone about establishing himself as one of best allround forwards in all of MLS, scoring goals at crucial moments and providing a flurry of assists for teammates, a testament to his unselfing play. Together with Conor Casey, he makes up one of the best strike-partnerships in the league, a combination which proved vital in Colorado's late season success last year. After a January move to Aston Villa broke down due to work permit issues, the Rapids will be delighted that their Jamiacan striker will be returning to the club for the 2011 season, as they look to try and remain competitive in an extremely strong Western Conference.



Stay tuned for the next installment, where we'll continue our rundown of the top 50 MLS players!

The Top 50 MLS Players: 30-21

We're getting ever closer to the kickoff of the 2011 MLS season and the rundown of the top 50 MLS players continues, as we look at those ranked 30-21 in this edition. Creeping over halfway, the names on the list are getting more familiar, but there are still one or two suprises in store.



30: Steve Zakuani FW/MF (Seattle Sounders) - After a relatively quiet rookie campaign, the no. 1 pick in the 2009 Superdraft really come into his own during the 2010 season, finishing the year with 10 goals and 6 assists, as he established himself as one of Seattle's most important players. A product of Arsenal's youth academy, Zakuani's pace and skill is typical of the 'Arsene Wenger School of Football', and he continues to add more strength and versatility to his game, two attributes which he was noticeably lacking when he first entered the league. Born in the DR Congo, but brought up in London, Zakuani looks all set to enjoy a stellar 2011 season.



29: Robbie Rogers MF (Columbus Crew) - With a similar style of play to Zakuani, Rogers' pace and trickery on the ball have become the bane of many a MLS fullback over the past few seasons. Spending his first couple of pro seasons in Holland, with Heerenveen, Rogers failed to make a first team appearance with the Dutch club, and subsequently returned home to the US, to sign for Columbus Crew, where he became an pivotal part of their 2008 MLS Cup winning side. Though somewhat hampered by injuries during 2010, Rogers has shown during his time in MLS and with the US national team that he is indeed an incredibly productive player, who has the ability to change a game in an instant. Still somewhat raw in many aspects of his game however, the winger still has a long way to go before he's anywhere near the finished article.



28: Nat Borchers DF (Real Salt Lake) - The beating heart of Salt Lake's solid defense, Borchers has been, until only recently, one of MLS' most underrated defenders. A principal reason the Utah-based club are considered prime MLS Cup candidates for this season is their study defense, which conceeded a league record of just 20 goals in 2010, and with largely the same record-setting cast returning for 2011, they look set to continue this trend. Recently rewarded with a lucrative contract extension to 2014, Borchers and co. will be looking to make up for last season's disappointing playoff defeat, which saw them dumped out in a suprise 3-2 aggregate defeat to FC Dallas, and they have all the pieces in place to do so.



27: Shalrie Joseph MF (New England Revolution) - An MVP candidate two years ago, Joseph did not enjoy a happy 2010 campagin, and looks to be starting this season out in even more controversial circumstances. Widely hailed as one of MLS' star performers over the last few years, as well as being highly coveted by a number of European clubs, Joseph started the 2010 season by being named the Revs' new captain, after the departure of Steve Ralston, but then mysteriously disappeared from the team, taking a "leave of absense". It soon emerged that the Grenadian-born midfielder had entered into the league's 'Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Programme', only returning to the Revs in late May, by which time Steve Nicol's side had already lost 5 games, setting the tone for a disappointing rest of the season. Looking to bounce back from last year's misfortune, things have not been going to plan this preseason however, after Joseph and teammate, Kevin Alston, were involved in a late night incident (of which the exact details still remain sketchy - http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/mls/2011-03-03-shalrie-joseph-faces-trespass-charge_N.htm) at the team's hotel, in Olrando, that resulted in Joseph's arrest and the two players being promptly sent back to Boston by the team. With Joseph now facing a possible suspension from the league, this was really the last thing the Revs needed, as their performances last year noticeably declined with their captain out of the line-up. A player capable of running things from the centre of midfield, Joseph is the perfect two-way midfielder, and New England will be praying he avoids punishment if they are to compete for a playoff spot this season.



26: Charlie Davies FW (DC United) - Everyone knows the story of Davies' life threatning car accident by now. Many at the time thought his playing days to be completely over, such was the horrific nature of his injuries, so for him to even be back training at this stage is still a quite remarkable feat in itself. Having failed to re-claim a place in the Sochaux side after rehabing from his injuries, Davies has now returned to the States, joining DC United on loan for the 2011 campaign, where it's hoped he can return to his impressive pre-injury form. Questions evidently remain though wether Davies can recapture that form which saw him earn a move to a major European league, having been out of first team action for almost 18 months now, and the striker certainly has a lot to prove going into this season. There are also those who question his attitude and professionalism, having been in breach of team curfew during the accident, suffered while on national team duty, and after being caught up with a teammate in a bizarre speeding incident back in October (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/10/charlie-davies-speeding-a_n_757306.html). Then there was the fact that Davies called out US coach Bob Bradley, after being left out of the 2010 World Cup squad, despite being far from ready for a return to football, and constantly criticized the Sochaux team management, over his last few months at the club, for not involving him in the first team. Davies is undoubtedly talented, and at 100% would be a regular fixture with the US national team and an established European club, but it still remains to be seen whether he has both physically and mentally recovered from the accident, as well as matured as a human being during his recovery. One thing is for certain, the next 8 months will be a huge test for Davies and will probably define the rest of his career. At full fitness, there's no question he would be a huge help for a DC United side that really struggled in front of goal last season, but one still has to question whether he's truly ready.



25: Joel Lindpere MF (New York Red Bulls) - The team's MVP last season, the Estonian midfielder was part of a resurgent New York side that, under new coach Hans Backe, managed to make the playoffs, bouncing back from a 2009 season that saw them put up one of the worst team records in MLS history. Lindpere isn't a particually flashy player, but he is an effective force in attack, thanks to an excellent football brain, and should be a full-time starter in a Red Bulls' side which is by far and away the favourites for the Eastern Conference.



24: Chris Wondolowski FW (San Jose Earthquakes) - 'Wow', 'Amazing', 'Unbelievable' - Those are just some of the words you could use to describe the 2010 season that Wondolowski enjoyed. Merely a bit-part player in the league up until last year, Wondo absolutely exploded onto the scene, finishing the season with a MLS-leading 18 goals, carrying the Earthquakes to the playoffs, finishing 2nd in the league's MVP voting, and earning his first international cap against Chile in January. Now the real test begins; is Wondolowski simply a one-hit wonder, or can he carry his scintillating form into 2011? While he may be one of the hardest working and fittest players in the league, San Jose's now star striker would probably openly admit that he is far from the most gifted footballer technically, though neither were the likes of Brian McBride or Taylor Twellman. Wondolowski will most likely never reach the lofty heights of some of those star strikers that have lead the line for the national team in the past, but there should be no reason why he can't be a 10+ goals-a-season striker in MLS.



23: Nick Rimando GK (Real Salt Lake) - For my money, easily the best domestic-based US goalkeeper. The 2009 MLS Cup MVP may be small in stature for a keeper (standing at only 5ft 9in tall), but he makes up for his relative lack of height with unbelieveable awareness and athleticism. In the 27 regular season games he played last year, Rimando conceeded just 18 goals and had 14 clean sheets, easily the best season of his 11-year MLS career, which also saw him earn his first ever All-Star appearance, as well as firmly establish himself as 3rd choice keeper with the national team, behind Tim Howard and Brad Guzan. A model professional on and off the field, Rimando's value to this Salt Lake side really can't be understated.




22: Sebastien Le Toux FW (Philadelphia Union) - Much like Wondolowski, few expected Le Toux to have the amazing break-out campaign he enjoyed in 2010, as he finished the season with 14 goals and 11 assists, earning deseved MVP consideration in the process. Arguably one of the most popular players in the league, the French striker was one of the Union's 10 selections in the 2009 Expansion Draft, after being left unprotected by the Seattle Sounders, where he had been a fan favourite, due to his time spent with the club during their time final few years in USL, as well as his high work rate and affable personality. While it was considered a good selection at the time, no one foresaw the impact Le Toux would have for the expansion side, becoming the leading light on a side that become known for its attacking flair, towards the end of the season. Philadelphia will no doubt fair better in their second season in existence, though with a fairly suspect defence, they'll be heavily relying on the likes of Le Toux to outscore their opponents. Now a green card holder, the Frenchman has spoken openly about how he would not be opposed to the idea of playing for the US in the near future, and with the way he's been performing of late, that scenario could well be realized sooner or later.



21: Jamison Olave DF (Real Salt Lake) - We've touched on Salt Lake's mean defensive record when we covered Nat Borchers and Nick Rimando, and the 3rd, and arguably most important member of the trio, is Colombian centre back, Jamison Olave. The 2010 MLS Defender of the Year, 29-year-old Olave is the perfect all-round presence at the back, rarely making a mistake or finding himself out of position, as he consistently performs, week after week. Though thought to be highly sought after by a number of European clubs, Salt Lake have been quick to tie up Olave to a new contract, worthy of one of the best defenders in MLS, and ensuring he and Borchers form the best centre-back pairing in the league for years to come.


Stay tuned for the next installment, where we'll continue our rundown of the top 50 MLS players!

The Top 50 MLS Players: 40-31

We continue our run down of the top 50 MLS players, this time looking at those ranked 40-31. Things are heating up, and there are some big names that make this edition's list.




40: Jeff Cunningham FW (Columbus Crew) - The MLS all-time regular season leading goal scorer, Cunningham turns 35 this year and is well and truly entering the twilight of his career. After a stellar 2009 campaign with FC Dallas, in which he won his 2nd career Golden Boot, Cunningham's play noticeably declined during the 2010 season, as he looked slow at times and was easily wrested off the ball, factors which eventually led to his release from the club last November. Picked up by Columbus Crew in the re-entry draft, don't expect to have seen the last of Cunningham however, as that scoring instinct that has helped him net 132 MLS career goals still remains. The very definition of a goal poacher, even if he is relegated to only a bit-part role with the Crew this year, still expect Cunningham's name to appear regularly on the scoring charts, as few MLS strikers finish off their chances in front of goal as well as him.



39: Julian de Guzman MF (Toronto FC) - De Guzman was supposed to be Toronto's major DP signing that would help them make the playoffs for the 1st time in the club's short history, but he has so far failed to live up to his billing as the saviour of the franchise. The 29-year-old defenisve midfielder proved during his time in Europe that he is an extremely effective player, but many question whether his style his suited to MLS. Recent surgery on a knee injury that had been plaguing him for most of last season could be an explination for the underwhelming performances, while the arrival of Aaron Winter as the team's new head coach should see the Dutchman bring a fresh European-style of football, that will play to the strengths of de Guzman's game. This will be a make or break year both for Toronto and de Guzman, and fans at BMO Field will be hoping the best is yet to come.



38: Jan Gunnar Solli MF (New York Red Bulls) - With the Red Bulls' midfield looking stacked for 2011, it's possible that Solli, recently signed from SK Brann in Norway, could find playing time hard to come by if he doesn't get off to a good start. However, if his form in Europe is anything to go by, then he shouldn't have too many problems adapting to MLS. Players moving from the Scandinavian leagues across to the States generally translate their productivity fairly succesfully, and Solli, a Norwegian international, shouldn't be any different. The Red Bulls allegedly fought off interest from Bundesliga and Premier League clubs for Solli's signature, and the 30-year-old attacking midfielder should add even more depth to a team that looks to be one of the strongest MLS sides for 2011.



37: Osvaldo Alonso MF (Seattle Sounders) - One of the more unheralded players in MLS, the Cuban defensive midfielder is blessed with a fantastic engine and a deft touch, that makes him ideally suited to play the 'Makélelé Role' in the Sounders' line-up. Having recently undergone a week long trial at Everton, Alonso opted to re-sign with Seattle in February this year, extending his contract until the end of 2014, a move which should prove a major coup for the ever-improving club from the Pacific Northwest.



36: Sean Franklin DF (LA Galaxy) - One of the many up-and-coming young defenders in MLS, Franklin is arguably the most athletic player in the league, and has become a stalwart presence in the Galaxy defence over the last few season. Having shone the courage to overcome a major hamstring injury, that forced him to miss most of the 2009 season, Franklin has continued to mature as a player since, and looks set to become a regular fixture in the US national team setup over the coming years.



35: Dax McCarty MF (DC United) - A spiky relationship with head coach Schellas Hyndman meant that McCarty, despite a fantastic season with FC Dallas, was left unprotected in the 2010 Expansion Draft, much to the shock of many MLS fans. Predictably taken by the Portland Timbers with the 1st pick, McCarty was then however immediately traded to struggling DC United, where he should become the driving force in the centre of their midfield. Described by many as a poor man's Paul Scholes (and not just because of his ginger hair), McCarty is quickly establishing himself as one of the best homegrown players in the league, and his effective playmaking ability has seen him work his way onto the fringes of the national team in recent months. Reportedly subject of intense interest from Leicester City last year, if McCarty can continue to put up the kind of performances that helped guide Dallas to the MLS Cup final in 2010, then he could well follow in the footsteps of the likes of Clint Dempsey and Stuart Holden and become the next American midfielder to make a name for himself in European football.



34: Brad Davis MF (Houston Dynamo) - Another of MLS' criminally underrated midfielders, it's a mystery to me how Davis has not seen more action with the US team over the last couple of years. Last season, after the sale of Stuart Holden, and subsequent injury suffered to Geoff Cameron, Davis proved just how valuable he is to this Houston side, moving to a more central position in the midfield, from his traditional role out on the wing, and taking up the mantle as the team's main playmaking threat. Dynamo team MVP in consecutive seasons, Davis is the prototypical player that MLS coaches most desire; a productive, consistent homegrown player, who gives his all out on the pitch and whose wage numbers won't do too much damage to the team's salary cap. Consistently one of the league's leaders in assists year after year, if I were Bob Bradley then Davis would have a lot more than just the 4 international caps to his name.



33: Marco Pappa MF (Chicago Fire) - The Guatemalan winger started the 2010 campagin off with a bang, netting 5 goals in 11 games and earing a place on the mid-season All-Star team, but his play noticeably declined towards the end of the year. One of the more exciting players to watch in the league, much of the Fire's success in 2011 will depend on whether Pappa can consistently produce to the level Chicago fans know he is capable of. With the team's roster looking horrendously thin throughout the preseason, if Pappa fails to deliver, then Fire fans should be prepared for a long and painful season.



32: Kyle Beckerman MF (Real Salt Lake) - Midfield enforcer is the best way to describe Beckerman's role on the pitch. While he may not be everyone's cup of tea, there's no question that the gritty play of RSL's dreadlock wearing captain has been one of the key factors in their recent success. Quite simply, in the words of his head coach, Jason Kreis, Beckerman "does his job", and, more to the point, does it well. While he won't single-handidly win you a game with a piece of skill or trickery, it's rare to see Beckerman misplace a pass or give up in pursuit of an opposing player. The type of player that every MLS team needs in their starting XI.



31: Jhon Kennedy Hurtado DF (Seattle Sounders) - Named after the former US president (though evidently his parents couldn't spell properly), Hurtado spent time training with AC Milan, before signing with Seattle in 2009, for the club's inaugural MLS season. In his 1st year in the US, the Colombian immediately stood out as one of the best centre backs in the league, displaying a perfect combination of speed and strength, that saw him earn a place on the All-Star team of July that year. The Sounders were dealt a major blow for 2010 however, when Hurtado suffered a serious knee injury early on in the campaign, ruling him out for most of season, as the team's defence constantly struggled in his absence. Now fully fit and back up to speed, the presence of Hurtado in Seattle's starting XI is one of the major reasons Sounders fans can be confident of their team's prospects this season.


Stay tuned for the next installment, where we'll continue our rundown of the top 50 MLS players!