October 19, 2005
Freddy Adu Acts His Age?
Ah, the brashness of youth. Yesterday 16-year-old Freddy Adu went on a tirade of sorts, complaining about the amount of playing time he's recieved this year and even (gasp) contemplating playing elsewhere next year. "I got [MLS] player of the week, and the next week I'm sitting on the bench," Adu told the Post. "I'm like, 'What is going on here?' It's frustrating at times when you think you've earned a chance to play on the field and you're over there sitting on the bench." Keep in mind DC United open their playoff schedule on Friday in Chicago against the Fire.
Head coach Peter Nowak was his usual stoic self about the whole situation. "He is not playing for me. He is playing for the team and this organization. We're not going to put anyone above the team," Nowak said.
So who is right? As of 2 p.m., the online poll from the Post (seen at right) would vindicate Adu. For the record, Adu has played in each of the 25 games he was available to play in this year, starting 16 of them. He ranks ninth in minutes played for DC United.
It seems to us that Nowak comes off as a no nonsense type of coach, one that certainly wouldn't cave in to a "star" player, especially one that is all of 16 years old. But what becomes of DC United if Freddy leaves for greener pitches? Adu hinted at doing that very thing. "I always have to make the best decision for myself first, and I'm just looking into things right now. . . . I've been in this league for two years and it's just been the same. I love the guys on this team. I don't want to leave. I'm not saying I am going to leave -- I'm not -- but you always have to look ahead and see what the best situation is for yourself first." Regular followers of MLS will remember NY/NJ Metrostars GM Alexi Lalas comments from earlier this year saying that he'd love to have Adu on his team and that Adu would recieve ample playing time.
Maybe Freddy just needs to blow off some steam. In any case, let the conspiracy theories begin.
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Freddy is being petulent - a typical tenager. And Nowak is trying to put him in his place.
Yes, Freddy Adu is a player with a lot of talent. But he lacks discipline right now, having only really played with adult players (and B-list adult players, at that) for two years. He has yet to develop a consistent game in MLS, though Nowak is clearly the coash that stands the best chance of honing Adu's skills (a former player himself, Nowak believes in fundamentals before flash - something that isn't learned overnight).
DC United is a good place for him. It has a good mixture of veteran players (Moreno, Eskandarian) and U.S. players who have seen some world match play (Gros, Olsen). Granted, it's not stacked with the elites of U.S. soccer - that title goes to the L.A. Galaxy, who have an even worse record than DC United - but it's a good place to start. Freddy can be a teenager for a little while longer, living at home, working with a top-notch coach and building his skills as his body finishes growing.
If Adu wants to head to another MLS team, my guess is that it'll set back his development by a few years. If he decides to look to the Bundesliga or the Premiership, he'll be a so-so player in a land of giants. In terms of his long-term prospects, staying at DC United until he's 18 is the best bet.
Just my $0.02 - but Freddy has a lot of growing up to do.
Does anyone remember that it was when Freddy left for the U-20s that DCU finally began to get their act together and started winning games? Sure he has his moments of brilliance, but he needs to earn a regular starting spot just like anyone else. Perhaps he should be starting for a lesser team, where the pressure of having to carry the team would help him mature a little faster.
This kid is frickin 16 years old. What the hell does he know. Can he even ejaculate sperm yet??? Somebody wake me when he's finished through puberty and i'll take his comments seriousily.
I think Freddy needs more playing time.
He is a much better player this year than last. I would be frustrated in his situation too. I play great the week before, then I get benched the next week. It would not make sense to me either.
I understand his frustration with no playing time and an opportunity to to play with the NATS. He is showing a lot of promise.
He is not going to get better, if he can not get into a rythem of play to help his game.