"There were 13 DPs new to MLS who signed during the off-season. Only one, New York City FC’s Maxi Moralez, is in his 30s–and he turned 30 this week. The average age of those 13 players is 25.3. Meanwhile, the average age of all the league’s DP has plummeted. In 2008, the year after the rule was introduced, it was 33.5. It didn’t dip below 30 until 2013, and this year it’s the lowest it’s ever been by far—27.6. It’s dropped six years. That’s half a career."
What i like about the MLS is their strong scouting. Specially in South America. The ISL teams can take some inspiration there. I'm not saying the top players would come here, but for example the Argentine top division has 30 clubs. Surely we can find a good solid budget player from there by proper scouting & agents.
I say what is more impressive is the scouting done in North America (Caribbean and Central America) and Africa. The Red Bulls had two Cameroonian players who were not even the best players in Cameroon come to the side and they became decent players, one of them being looked at for Europe (Ambroise Oyongo). Two guys currently on the side were complete amateurs there and Sporting Kansas City recently signed the top scorer from Ghana's league. They are really cheap options and effective.
Atlanta is set to really kick ass this season. All their DP's (marquee players) are under the age of 25, their overall squad is just amazing, they have good young players as well such as Andrew Carlton who is tipped for great things (he even killed India U17's back in May), and of course Tata, the former Barcelona head coach, as their coach. Hopefully their rampage doesn't start till after my Red Bulls play them on Sunday.
Minnesota is more lowkey. Their squad doesn't have anyone who stands out but it is decent. They are not expected the make the playoffs honestly but hey, their new stadium looks beautiful.
Comments
https://www.facebook.com/UnivisionDeportes/videos/10154708611558432/
http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39070917
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/mls-teams-spend-a-lot-more-than-you-think-213807623.html
http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2017/03/02/mls-designated-players-changes-retirement-league#22
"There were 13 DPs new to MLS who signed during the off-season. Only one, New York City FC’s Maxi Moralez, is in his 30s–and he turned 30 this week. The average age of those 13 players is 25.3. Meanwhile, the average age of all the league’s DP has plummeted. In 2008, the year after the rule was introduced, it was 33.5. It didn’t dip below 30 until 2013, and this year it’s the lowest it’s ever been by far—27.6. It’s dropped six years. That’s half a career."
Atlanta is set to really kick ass this season. All their DP's (marquee players) are under the age of 25, their overall squad is just amazing, they have good young players as well such as Andrew Carlton who is tipped for great things (he even killed India U17's back in May), and of course Tata, the former Barcelona head coach, as their coach. Hopefully their rampage doesn't start till after my Red Bulls play them on Sunday.
Minnesota is more lowkey. Their squad doesn't have anyone who stands out but it is decent. They are not expected the make the playoffs honestly but hey, their new stadium looks beautiful.