COACH SMITH ON DESIGNATING A PLAYER
The Designated Player Rule received an upgrade that allows every team a 2nd DP slot with the option of purchasing a 3rd. As an added incentive, teams can also bring in a player mid-season for half the salary cap hit.
While teams like LA and NY are considering a 2nd and 3rd DP player, many teams, including the Colorado Rapids, have yet to take advantage of the DP rule.
If Coach Smith had his way, he’d sign one as soon as possible. The problem is that the front office needs to consider a laundry list of factors, most of which are out of the coaches hands. The Rapids need a player that will produce on the field and have that unique appeal that will attract Colorado soccer fans.
Coach Smith stated, “To find those players, it’s extremely difficult, everyone is looking for them. If we can find one, then hopefully we can convince the owners to allow him to come into the group.”
But where on the field would the Rapids fit a DP?
A defensive DP would be a huge risk unless the club brings in a guy like Mexico and Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez.
In the midfield, Coach Smith doesn’t play with a typical attacking center midfielder and it is very unlikely that the club can find a defensive center mid that will sell tickets. A wide midfielder? Possibly, if the DP still had the legs to run the line and play some defense.
Up top, Conor Casey and Omar Cummings are arguably they best forward tandem in the league. Would Coach Smith split them up to bring in a DP?
The simple answer is, yes.
“Why would I not want a DP forward if I could get one? If there was the right fit, a DP forward would fit our group more comfortably than any other area.”
Coach Smith would like to get a DP forward in the club but has to analyze the type of player that better fits the group.
“I think the right fit is important.” Coach Smith is looking to see if the team needs “a forward who is good with his back to goal, a Juan Pablo [Angel], or a DP who’s explosive who’s quick, like Thierry Henry.” Coach Smith might also look for something different, a “DP forward who is extremely talented, might not be the biggest physically or the quickest but wonderful movement, great at bringing players into the game; a penalty area center forward, a good finisher. There are three very different types of players there.”
In addition, Coach Smith wants a leader.
“Not only on the field, you certainly don’t want an individual on a lot of money who is poor in the changing room, you want a good leader, you want a good professional.”
Coach Smith is keeping his eye out for the right player. The international transfer window closed last week, so Coach Smith has to wait until the summer to make a move. When asked if he would look to bring someone in during the summer, Coach Smith replied, “As a DP? It would be fabulous.”
Who do you think the Rapids should look at as a possible DP signing?
April 22nd, 2010 at 9:16 am
Great article!
I think a defensive player (CB or FB), a wide mid, or possibly a goalkeeper would be our biggest needs for a DP, but as you stated, not many defenders are going to fit the bill. Not sure if we would want to use a DP on a GK unless either the exact right keeper comes along or Pickens has a horrid season. Wide mid-fielder would be perfect for us in my opinion, but again, just got to find the right fit (both on and off the field and who wants to come to Denver, etc… Also, I agree with Coach Smith’s analysis that it would be easiest for a Forward DP to slide in and make an immediate impact, just not sure if we would be maximizing the talent on our roster if we had to bench either Cummings or Casey.
April 22nd, 2010 at 10:01 am
The best bang for our buck would be to sign someone who plays the role of a Frank Lampard or a Ronaldinho: a center-forward playmaker who plays the ball through the middle and gets it to the strikers. Not that I don’t think the “empty bucket” isn’t working for us, but to kick up our attack to the next level I think what we desperately need is more attacking creativity in the middle.
I don’t know who that would be exactly. If I had a wish list I’d get Ronaldinho, but the problem with DP’s is that there’s always the risk that they don’t take MLS very seriously and don’t turn in a top class performance.
Also, I think we would have to look at the long-term impact a DP would have on the culture and the tradition of the club itself (this is where the ‘bang for the buck’ comes in). Ideally, what I would want to happen would be we get a DP in at a position we need to create (center-attacking-forward) and then start training the younger guys in how to play that position.
I know that Smith’s system focuses on playing attacking football through the wings and preventing guys from coming through the center, but no football team gets championships by being predictable. All guns blazing, I say!
April 22nd, 2010 at 10:11 am
Sometimes I think “Lets make a play for Raul”, he will be avaliable end of season it appears. But then agian, I dont know if Gary Smith can handle his bitch ass attitude. He might show up and slack right off. Give 40% and have us calling for his head.
I would love a Junhino or Diego or Ronaldinhio type to play creative midfield but probably never will happen under GS’s time in charge.
April 22nd, 2010 at 10:24 am
Bring in Palermo from Argentina…if you we play alot down the wings and can get Clark and Smith/Lopez to put in some good crosses we are going to score a ton of goals. Another option is to bring back some good American talent that isn’t getting much playing time in Europe.
April 22nd, 2010 at 12:31 pm
I asked about bringing home an American player. The answers I got kind of went along these lines:
“pros” = they know the league, they are more likely to produce right away, and the fans are familiar with them
“cons” = they aren’t as marketable, they won’t attract non-US soccer fans, and the best American’s abroad “possibly” ready to come home are defenders. (Bocanegra, Cherundolo, etc)
Not sure i totally agree with these answers, but the marketability rationale makes sense. I think Rafa Marquez will sell more tickets than Bocanegra, even if there is the production on the field will be relatively the same.
Palermo would be awesome to have in the league!!! An Argentinean player I wish would come to the league even if he doesn’t play with the Rapids is Javier Zanetti.
December 23rd, 2011 at 1:05 am
merry ,merry christmas ,merry christmas to you ,[url=http://www.uggjimmychooonsale.com/]new UGG Jimmy Choo onsale[/url][url=http://www.uggjimmychooonsale.com/ugg-bailey-button-triplet-boots-c-2.html]UGG womens Bailey Button Triplet Boots[/url],[url=http://www.uggjimmychooonsale.com/ugg-jimmy-choo-3042-boots-mandah-black-free-shipping-p-4.html]UGG Jimmy Choo 3042 Boots Mandah Black Free Shipping[/url] ,[url=http://www.uggjimmychooonsale.com/ugg-bailey-button-triplet-boots-c-2.html]UGG sale Bailey Button Triplet Boots[/url]