作者: azuresun 时间: 2008-4-23 00:45
原文:
April 22, 2008, 12:15AM
ON SOCCER
López adds dimension to Wizards
K.C. coach says newcomer can be MLS' best player
By GLENN DAVIS
For the Chronicle
It was the type of pass you witnessed when Claudio López played for Valencia in Spain, Lazio in Italy, Club América in Mexico, and the national team in Argentina.
The type of pass we are seeing more in a league that just two years ago was thirsting for more impact players.
Now starring for the Kansas City Wizards, López plays the type of ball that few in MLS can. A ball that hit a spot around the top of the penalty area and behind the defense forced Chicago Fire goalkeeper Jon Busch into a decision he wished he didn't have to make.
The perfectly placed ball was run on to by teammate Jack Jewsbury, who proceeded to score into an empty net as Busch was left to watch. The goal wasall the Wizards needed to escape Toyota Park with a 1-0 victory over the weekend.
As a designated player, López makes more than $800,000 a year and is expected to make plays like that, to decide games with his mind, passing acumen and "man in motion" mobility.
Yet what stands out is his desire to produce and not take a vacation like some — German great Lothar Matthäus comes to mind — have done in MLS.
"He's a great pro," Wizards head coach Curt Onalfo said. "Everything you want in a designated player. You want that person to set the example."作者: azuresun 时间: 2008-4-23 00:46
Roll of the dice
Signing a designated player with a high profile can be tricky business, a gamble. Just ask FC Dallas, which last year acquired Brazilian Denilson only to watch the World Cup veteran fail to make an impression.
Designated players such as David Beckham, Cuauhtémoc Blanco and López are getting things done on the field by bringing their competitive spirit to the fray.
Talk to López, and you instantly get the sense he is all about business and his reputation as a player. It leaves you with no doubt that he aims to produce first for the Wizards and for MLS.
"The responsibility comes when one signs a contract, a sense of obligation," said López, once transferred for $44 million from Valencia to Lazio. "At that moment, you have to give 100 percent for it to turn out well. My motivation is to continue to play soccer and get to know a new culture and a new league that has a lot of potential. I want to be part of that."
Having López in the locker room raises the bar for his teammates, the coaching staff and the front office. It is this healthy pressure that can lead to club success.
Coach likes López
Onalfo said López can be the league's best player.
"I don't believe that is a bold statement," Onalfo said.
López's influence is also making the Wizards less predictable, and he is complemented by other skillful teammates.
With temperamental striker Eddie Johnson gone on to Fulham, the Wizards also seem to be a more collective and dangerous unit, but you don't have to be a genius to know
that López will have to put this team on his back over the course of the season, using his 16 years of experience to lead the youth.
"I welcome that responsibility, and I want it to happen," said López. "I will be up for the challenge."
Onalfo believes López's best soccer is still weeks away.
But with any talented player comes monitoring and nurturing him to get the best over the course of the grueling MLS season.
"We need to be smart and not overtrain him so he can enjoy his soccer," Onalfo said.
Former pro soccer player Glenn Davis hosts a weekly show on 790 AM.