Freddy's all growns up and growns up and growns up

Our boy is going to Europe! I hope I'm in the majority, here, of people who realize what a great, positive step this is in Adu's development as a player. His performance at the U-20 World Cup showed that he is perfectly capable of being that talisman that US Soccer is hoping he can become... provided he has any sort of viable talent surrounding him. That means more polished teammates held to a higher standard. That means leaving the misery of Real Salt Lake and, to a certain extent, the appauling play of MLS in the rear-view. It's always been my contention that the primary reason our talent at the youth level never seems to translate to the senior national level is because during the ages of 18-22, they're either mired in our low-grade domestic league or in college. The level of competition just isn't there. Not the way it is in Europe. Benfica is a top flight club who have made serious waves in the Champions League the last couple seasons. I expect a player of Adu's flair and accumen to excel there. Playing in Portugal is ideal, too, as Freddy can avoid the harsh spotlight felt in top leagues like the Premiership, La Liga, and Serie A, while still mixing it up with class European competition. This will be a great period of growth in his career.

The name of the game for US Soccer is cultivating talent. That should be the focus, not Major League Soccer. If we cultivate our talent at the highest level, it trickles into our national team and it is the success of the national team that will directly affect the relevance of MLS. Nothing else. And that's what people need to understand when they moan about Adu flying the coup.

Do it, Freddy.