Alexi Lalas was convinced by the old football proverb that "if it aint Dutch, it aint much" and he is right. Yes, Beckham gave the MLS a new level of notoriety and publicity, but Ruud Gullit will be the straw that stirs the drink on the pitch. Outside of it, he would be one of the coaches in the world that would be able to adapt to the type of lifestyle that runs rampant in the City of Angels.
The Galaxy went as far as Frank Yallop could take them, but Gullit should be able to offer more spectacle as well as a balance between professionalism and the hectic night life on the left coast.
He will be the coach that will either "man up" a Landon Donovan that shows all the talent that God could possibly give a person, but the complacency of a sloth during a humid summer. In Landon’s defense, if there was one thing he was lacking was that footballistic father figure that could guide him, motivate him, and kick his butt when needed.
If he sees himself content winning a variety of faux awards because the press only can recognize him and Mia Hamm, then God bless him. If he becomes disgruntled because he sees himself falling further down in the pecking order, don’t be surprised to see him follow Frank Yallop up the PCH. Gullit is the man that will help him reach that next level that he can be at. another dimension to the game and go to Europe as he should have done a while ago. If he does not, then players like Edson Buddle and Gavin Glinton will flourish. These two are prime examples of the hungry players that can might be considered for Stars and Stripes duty if they get more playing.
The impact will be seen on the pitch right away as his more attacking style, true to the concept of Clockwork Oranje v 2.0 could lead to more attractive football. This in the end could attract more fans. Everyone wants to see a great product in any venue, and yes- "sexy" sells.
Despite being incredibly talented as a player , he was an arduous worker, a student of the game, and did whatever he could in order to be the best. If not for Diego Maradona, he was the greatest player of that generation. He was the engine of those Milan teams. He was the brains behind Clockwork Oranje 2.0 (circa late 80’s, early 90’s) and skills were vital to their European conquest. His absence was also their downfall.
Resume
- Three Serie A Scudettos (1988, 92,93)
- Three Eredivisie Titles (1984,86,87)
- Two Italian Super Cups (1988,92)
- European Cup (1990)
- European Super Cup (1990)
- Coppa Italia (1994)
- European Championship (1988)
- Dutch Cup (1984)
- Intercontinental Cup (1990)
- FA Cup (1997) *
* Player-Manager (Chelsea)
Info courtesy of Wikipedia
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