Oct
28
The Ljungberg File and Why it will Work
I’m pretty excited about this move, more than I honestly expected to be. While on the surface I don’t agree with a 32-year old designated player like Freddie Ljungberg, I dig a little deep and begin to think that this could very well be a smart move by Seattle.
Ljungberg is a winner, both internationally with Sweden and with Arsenal in the EPL.
Between his first appearance for his country in 1998 (oddly enough against the US) and his international retirement following Euro 2008, Ljungberg played in two World Cups (2002, 2006) and three Euros. He had served as national team captain since 2006 and, altogether, scored 14 goals.
Ljungberg is a two-time Swedish footballer of the year (2002 and 2006). His career began at age 16, signing with local club BK Halmstad with his first senior debut at 17-year-old. After winning a first division and domestic cup title in Sweden, he was scouted by Arsenal and spotted by Arsène Wenger. His rights were purchased by Arsenal in 1998 after an impressive display for Sweden in a World Cup qualifier versus England.
His attacking style from the midfield should fit the style of play in MLS. Plus with players already on board like French forward Sebastien Le Toux and Gambian midfielder Sanna Nyassi (not to mention keeper Kasey Keller), Seattle is slowly turning itself into a winner here in my opinion. Also they are said to get forward Nate Jaqua next year from Houston, so they have the chance to be decent on offense in a conference that is a bit overrated in terms of putting goals in the back of the net.
I don’t think it’s just the Ljungberg signing that is making me think Seattle has the chance of being good because a lot can change between now and March for this club. But the fact that they are already making moves and are laying a solid foundation. I still look for them to go fairly defensive in the Expansion draft next month after signing the offense that they are getting. I’m not saying they will make the playoffs but they do have a shot to make things very interesting.
Seattle is making a splash. With 17,000 season ticket holders they could very well out-do Toronto. What do you all think? Can Seattle really make a splash thanks to guys like Ljungberg or will they just be like every expansion team and struggle through a long and hard first year?
