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By J Hutcherson --
Credit Brad Friedel for setting the Ripken mark in the English Premier League, along with the kind of quote that basically says all anybody ever needed to about an appearance record. "I have never appeared in a game hoping to attain an appearance record. I appear because I am under contract to play football and I love football."
Add to that the opportunity to play football, and credit Blackburn for letting Friedel establish himself. Yes, it's easier for goalkeepers than it has been for American field players in Europe for one simple reason. Keepers are not only allowed, but expected to make mistakes.
Everywhere else on the field, the roster push is much more pronounced. Not only are you as good as your last appearance, but there's the added incentive of multiple options backing you up. That's where too many Americans in Europe find themselves, with at best a half chance.
Yes, that can bolder on jingoism when pushed too far, but at the same time there are the examples. Established players dropping down the depth chart too easily. Management shifts putting club captains on the bench. A mediocre afternoon overshadowing the work put in to get to that point.
Sure, happens all the time regardless of nationality. Yet it seems to happen more often to American players. I'm not suggesting an over-arching reason, just simply putting it out there. An American keeper now holds the appearance record for the English Premier League while American field players continue to struggle to put together an extended career.
Credit Brad Friedel for setting the Ripken mark in the English Premier League, along with the kind of quote that basically says all anybody ever needed to about an appearance record. "I have never appeared in a game hoping to attain an appearance record. I appear because I am under contract to play football and I love football."
Add to that the opportunity to play football, and credit Blackburn for letting Friedel establish himself. Yes, it's easier for goalkeepers than it has been for American field players in Europe for one simple reason. Keepers are not only allowed, but expected to make mistakes.
Everywhere else on the field, the roster push is much more pronounced. Not only are you as good as your last appearance, but there's the added incentive of multiple options backing you up. That's where too many Americans in Europe find themselves, with at best a half chance.
Yes, that can bolder on jingoism when pushed too far, but at the same time there are the examples. Established players dropping down the depth chart too easily. Management shifts putting club captains on the bench. A mediocre afternoon overshadowing the work put in to get to that point.
Sure, happens all the time regardless of nationality. Yet it seems to happen more often to American players. I'm not suggesting an over-arching reason, just simply putting it out there. An American keeper now holds the appearance record for the English Premier League while American field players continue to struggle to put together an extended career.