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Freddy Adu Scores for Aris

 


Freddy Adu scores his first goal for his Greek club Aris. Adu basically walks in a pass across the goalmouth to get the game winner for his club. It’s a goal though and could help build up his confidence. Adu is a player who deserves to find a team where he gets regular playing time.

I know the top two teams in the Greek league, Olympiakos and Panathinaikos, are often featured in the Champions League, but really what’s the quality of the other teams in the Greek league? I don’t think it’s that high and probably not much better than the MLS. And they seem to have a problem with their fields, as the pitches are often in terrible condition. Heck, Soccernet.com doesn’t even have a section for the Greek league on their site.

However, the soccer I’m guessing has a different feel and importance in the country, and that makes the league more intense. There’s a bit more history to the league and I’m sure more money, so the top teams can sign more star type players.

Does Adu deserve a call up to the U.S. national team? If he keeps scoring and playing well he does, not matter what league he’s playing in. Adu is a very gifted player, and has the ability to create goals for himself and others. He’s a much better player than his teammate at Aris, Eddie Johnson.

Adu has also been through a lot the past few years, as Benfica loaned up out to Monaco, Belenenses, and now Aris Thessalnoki. Hopefully he’s now able to get some steady playing time and build up his confidence.

Adu is just 20 years old, and started playing in the MLS for D.C. United at age 14, where he was supposed to be the savior of the MLS and American soccer, a lot of pressure for such a young player. He then was traded to Real Salt Lake before leaving for Europe when he signed with Benfica.

This is what Adu had to say about playing in Europe and for Aris. He’s on a 18 month loan spell:

Adu said he was grateful for being sought by Aris coach Hector Raul Cuper, an Argentine who has previously managed Inter Milan and other Spanish and Italian clubs.

“I finally have a great chance to play for one of the top-class coaches in the world,” Adu said. “I’ve only been here for two weeks and I can’t believe how much I’ve learned.”