MLS should welcome home Freddy Adu with open arms

[Hortical]

WSR's Ray Curren thinks it's time for Freddy Adu to return to Major League Soccer.

I can remember it like it was yesterday. I sat watching a 14-year old kid being interviewed by Mike Francesca, New York City’s biggest name in sports radio. While not necessarily a soccer hater, it’s probably safe to say you can probably count the number of soccer players Francesca can name (pre 2010 World Cup, at least) on both hands.The kid was a prodigy, Francesca said, and he was going to become the face of American soccer sooner rather than later. Francesca was only repeating what he’d heard elsewhere, and what common sense dictated, a 14-year old that can start professionally is on his way to stardom.
By now, you know I’m talking about Freddy Adu, who scored the next day at Giants Stadium for DC United (in a 3-2 loss to the MetroStars), and played in all 30 games in 2004 for DC.
It’s been all downhill for Adu since, sadly, on a seven-year odyssey that’s taken him through Real Salt Lake, Benfica, Monaco, and mighty world powers Beleneses and Aris. Today, it was announced that Swiss club Sion, after bringing Adu in for a trial, has chosen not to sign him, leaving Adu without a club and, surely, without much confidence, either.
We could go on all day about how Adu has failed and why he’s failed and who’s responsible for his failing.
But one thing is clear to me: It’s time for Freddy Adu to come home to Major League Soccer.
There are people that think he might not succeed here, either, but – while I don’t think he’ll be a star – I think he can contribute.
He’s only 21 years old and he will be coming back to MLS with his proverbial tail between his legs, but let’s not kid ourselves about the quality of play here. It’s getting better, sure, but it’s not anything like he faced in Europe, even in Portugal and Greece, two very underrated leagues and miles ahead of MLS.
Unfortunately, where Adu didn’t really develop is where MLS really needs help, as a playmaking midfielder.
But with the pressure off, at least temporarily, in a place like New England or even back at DC United, I think – in time – he’ll be a contributor.
I would compare him to a guy like Eddie Gaven, also projected to be a big star (although not as big as Adu) when he signed with the MetroStars at the age of 16 in 2003. Like Adu, Gaven got off to a great start, but his play tailed off and after three years in New Jersey, he was traded to Columbus.
He was a contributor – if not a huge contributor – for the 2008 MLS Cup champions, but over the last couple of seasons, Gaven’s play has slowly risen, and this season is one of the shining stars for the Crew, runaway leaders of the Eastern Conference.
Gaven doesn’t turn 24 until October. Adu just turned 21 last month.
The time has come for Freddy Adu to swallow his pride, do the right thing, and come back to MLS.
It’s not as bad as you think, Freddy, it’s really not.
Call your buddy Eddie if you have to.