Getting Younger
  • JohannescouverJohannescouver
    Posts: 30

    To be fair, we're quite a young squad already. However, with the addition of Barry Robson as a designated player in the coming weeks, it would make sense to look for younger players in any other transfers we may be involved in this summer (unless of course we can land a world class player like Bocanegra). I've outlined a few of my choices below; feel free to chime in if there any other (realistic) young guns you'd like to see in blue and white. (Note: In many cases, these players would be returning to the Whitecaps after developing elsewhere for a few seasons)

    Oussou Konan - Al-Ahly (Egypt) - Ivory Coast - 1989 - Striker

    Marcus Haber - St. Johnstone (Scotland) - Canada - 1989 - Striker

    Sone Aluko - Rangers (Scotland) - Nigeria/England - 1989 - Winger

    Kim Bo-Kyung - Cerezo Osaka (Japan) - South Korea - 1989 - Attacking Midfielder

    Ethan Gage - Reading (England) - Canada - 1991 - Defensive Midfielder

    Emmanuel Mbola - Porto (Portugal) - Zambia - 1993 - Full Back

    Adam Straith - Energie Cottbus (Germany) - Canada - 1990 - Central Defender

    Post edited by Johannescouver at 2012-06-15 11:20:18
  • limmeisterlimmeister
    Posts: 399

    I'd like for the Whitecaps to scout more players in South Korea, and Japan. Might be a few gems there. Maybe YP Lee could help us out in that regards.

  • ChrisChris
    Posts: 5,225

    I have a list of young players who I wish played for the Whitecaps. In no particular order: Teibert, Alderson, Clarke, Fisk, Irving.

    Southsiders' Director of Merchandise - Twitter: @Chris_Withers - Member #180 - 251/4/101
  • bilibili
    Posts: 1,337

    What's the definition of world class? I doubt Bocanegra is in the conversation.

  • FootyMonsterFootyMonster
    Posts: 1,214

    bili said: What's the definition of world class? I doubt Bocanegra is in the conversation.

    I'd have to agree, if he was world class the Whitecaps would not be in the hunt to sign him, not yet anyway :P :P :P . Splitting hairs on the definition of class aside.

    I would echo Chris' remarks about using our own youth, although I would love to see Haber in a Caps kit once again.

    Post edited by FootyMonster at 2012-06-15 16:04:24
  • JohannescouverJohannescouver
    Posts: 30

    I guess my definition of "world class" has been adjusted a bit for the MLS, but in saying that I meant an established player who has experience on the world stage. And I agree that we should be using our own young players more often, but the point of this thread is to identify other young players who could be realistic targets for the club, Rennie's team selection is another can of worms entirely :P

  • Jay_DukeJay_Duke
    Posts: 1,486

    I'd never say the Caps shouldn't be looking for young talent, but until MLS can compete with the big leagues Europe the league will be full of aging world class players (like Henry and YP Lee) and talented youngsters waiting to realize their potential like Salgado or Brek Shea (although this season maybe he's a bad example.)

    That being said, I think the youth in the club are looking just fine.

    Omar, 18, looks to have taken a major step forward and surely has massive upside, Koffie, 20, may be our best overall midfielder, Mattocks is 21.

    Klazura is 22 and looks like he could be a serviceable MLS fullback. Hell, Carlyle Mitchell is only 24.

    That's not to mention Canadian Soccer Jesus, Clarke, and Alderson who are all very close (or in little Rustys case ready now) to being solid MLS contributors.

    I'd love our third DP slot to be filled with a Young DP contract and see a really quality 20 year old, but they can be risks. But I wouldnt say we really have to "get younger."

  • PBandGPBandG
    Posts: 1,011

    Considering our front three (opinions differ I know) could be salgado (18), mattocks (21), and camilo (23) with a 20 yo midfielder I think we are doing fine on the age. Back line is older yes but that isn't too weird these days when players are playing well into their 30s at the highest levels.

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  • limmeisterlimmeister
    Posts: 399

    All the best young players are playing in europe. so, yeah, unless MLS as a league can compete with the best leagues in the world, most of those young players will remain on the other side (europe). there's no reason for them to come to MLS, if they can compete at the highest level, and be paid handsomely for it.

  • JohannescouverJohannescouver
    Posts: 30

    All the best young players are playing in europe. so, yeah, unless MLS as a league can compete with the best leagues in the world, most of those young players will remain on the other side (europe). there's no reason for them to come to MLS, if they can compete at the highest level, and be paid handsomely for it.

    Agree totally, but for players who have found opportunities limited because of the size of the league they're trying to make it in, the MLS is a great alternative. For instance, of the players I mentioned above, Adam Straith has been loaned to a club in the third division, Emmanuel Mbola only made 4 league appearances, Ethan Gage didn't have his contract renewed, Sone Aluko may be part of a Rangers fire-sale, Marcus Haber has struggled to find form abroad, Oussou Konan is playing in a league "below" the MLS, and Kim Bo-Kyung... Well, he's a superstar in the making and would probably require a DP spot, but maybe having Young-Pyo Lee here could work in our favour.

    Post edited by Johannescouver at 2012-06-16 20:09:24
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