Top 5 Summer Freebies

It's very simple, really. Several guys across Europe have been allowed to enter the final six months of their contracts, which means they are free to discuss a summer transfer with anyone.

Some notable players would have made a run at this ranking, were it not for recent extensions with their club or an early pre-deal to switch shirts in summer. Off the top of my head, the names Ivica Olić, Lukas Podolski and Bastian Scwheinsteiger come to mind - perhaps because they are arriving at, leaving and staying with Bayern Munich, respectively.

I have excluded players that have contracts expire near the end of the year, such as those from MLS or Russia's top flight. I also left out a collection of veteran names to use in the fifth and final T5L in this series, which will focus on guys that could head over to MLS this summer.

With those caveats out of the way, we can jump right into the honorable mentions: Diego Biseswar (F-word), Ayub Daud (Juventus), Paulo da Silva (Toluca), Julian de Guzman (Deportivo la Coruña), Marco Di Vaio (Bologna), Rorys Espinoza (Standard Liège), Pablo Ibañez (Atlético Madrid), Juanito (Real Betis), Carlos Kameni (Espanyol), Maniche (Atlético Madrid), Jérémy Mathieu (Toulouse), Maxwell (Inter Milan), Modeste M'Bami (Olympique Marseille), Marko Pantelić (Hertha Berlin), Benoit Pedretti (Auxerre), Tomáš Rosický (Arsenal), Mario Santana (Fiorentina), Miroslav Stoch (Chelsea), Daniel Sturridge (Mnchester City) and Mark van Bommel (Bayern Munich).

#5 - Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liège)

Oh sure, you can call me a homer, but let me ask you this... how many center backs of his size, mobility and experience go out on the free market at 27? With more UEFA Cup action to come, Gooch can still gain a lot of buzz. If he performs like he did against Liverpool and Everton over the remainder, big clubs will come clamoring... or, I should say, more big clubs.

Where would I send him? Lyon or (gasp) Bayern Munich, who may lose Lúcio.

#4 - Michael Ballack (Chelsea)

He is 32 and hasn't set Stamford Bridge alight, but then again, I don't think that's the right team for him. Even with Michael Essien out, there is a lot of lane clog in the center. Frank Lampard obviously takes precedence, which means Deco and John Obi Mikel are also squeezed at certain times. To me, Ballack has still got it. Even if it's 85% of what he once had, that's still more football than most can boast.

Where would I send him? Manchester United or back to Bayern.

#3 - Michael Owen (Newcastle)

Let's face it: Mickey is a selection risk because fo the frequent injuries. When fit, he's still quite deadly. That all set aside, whichever club picks him up will reap a windfall just from the merchandizing. And if he stays healthy and returns to England form? Well, in that case, I might have placed him too low.

Where would I send him? It's gotta be Everton, his boyhood love.

#2 - Emmanuel Eboué (Arsenal)

Yes, I am aware he's a but of a nutter. I'm also cognizant of the fact that he's a silky 25-year old blend of skill, speed and strength that can puzzle piece into a side at three positions. One really has to wonder what the Gunners are thinking on this one. You just know he's going to go somewhere and absolutely blow up.

Where would I send him? Pick a Milan, any Milan. I choose the red half, cool like AC.

#1 - Carlos Tévez (Manchester United)

Why are so many aces in their mid-20's set to go free? I would imagine all the usual suspects will make a pitch at one point (Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter, etc.), as well they should. The 25-year old is a herky-jerky locomotive headed straight for the other team's goal from who knows what direction, and there is no brake. He is definitely a bit snake-bitten in Prem matches right now, but it won't last and he does plenty without scoring anyway.

Where would I send him? Nowhere... I mean, would you leave?


- Greg Seltzer

A few Friday the 13th things...

Dudes, Valentine's Day is tomorrow. Do NOT forget! A Friday the 13th right before? Could be trouble...

#1 - Yes, I am also waiting out the Friday David Beckham deadline - regardless of whether it's actually set in stone or not.

L.A. boss Bruce Arena claims the Spice Boy won't play dirty to make the move permanent.

UPDATE: He stays. As you know, I'm not surprised.

#2 - If you wish to know the 2-0 aftermath from Mexico's perspective, always check in with Sports Illustrated's Luis Bueno.

#3 - C'mon everybody! Whaddya say? Frankie Hejduk, USMNT for life!

Columbus Dispatch all-star Shawn Mitchell hits up Dude for a fun chat.

#4 - Speaking of the champion Crew, they dropped a 2-0 friendly decision to USL side Puerto Rico without Mr. Hejduk available. Oops.

#5 - I have filed a twin injury update on Hannover 96 duo Steve Cherundolo and Sal Zizzo. From what I've heard, the latter was in contention to start for the hurting Reds against Stuttgart when he pulled up lame until training yesterday.

From what I gathered, each could be back in action in about two weeks as the best case scenario.

#6 - I shall have a new Top 5 List tomorrow, plus expect interview bits with San Jose coup Bobby Convey and Aalesund FK keeper Adin Brown over at Soccer365 on Monday and Tuesday.

#7 - WaPo reports that D.C. United now look set to have their own cozy stadium built in Maryland. I will admit to having no idea how the local fans might feel about this. If you are one, feel free to let us know in a comment.

#8 - Real Salt lake boss Jason Kreis tells Michael C. Lewis that we can expect to see a bit more of back-up netminder Chris Seitz in 2009. The U.S. youth international is in a tough spot behind Nick Rimando, but needs games to develop.

Shouldn't MLS have an interleague loan system set up by now? Hmmm...

#9 - Another guy I'm dying to get a look at? Seattle rookie Sanna Nyassi, the younger brother of Revs ace Sainey.

#10 - Remember when I mentioned that "Ask Jimmy Conrad, love M.D." bit over at Luis Arroyave's Red Card? Well, the doctor is now in.

#11 - If you're an FC Dallas supporter and you don't check out Practice Observations over at 3rd Degree, slap yourself.

In fact, if you're an upcoming opponent of FC Dallas and you don't...

#12 - Toronto FC trial forward Gregory Richardson must be a big deal in Guyana. Mo Johnston is beginning to assemble an interesting team, and this pick-up could continue the trend. Revs fans will remember him as the Joe Public striker that torched them for a hat trick in CONCACAF play.

#14 - Speaking of TFC, I really do love their video site. Outstanding!

Today, loan striker Pablo Vitti introduces himself, and reveals that Crew star Guillermo Barros Schelotto helped inspire him to make the move to MLS.



- Greg Seltzer

Wild hair contest

I had one, and now you get your chance.

I want to have a contest. A Top 5 List contest. Being that I've now come up with a fifth transfer series T5L idea (it's madness, I know), it is gonna soon be time for you readers to pull some weight.

Therefore, you can email me your own Top 5 List for the next... let's say until February 23rd, round it out nicely to 10 days. You can pick any idea, theme, topic or scope for your list. Try not to make it too long, but do include any necessary explanation with custom parameters and a short blurb for the five if you want.

After the 23rd, I will grab the best handful, throw in a few comments of my own and post it all for everyone to see. I will also pick out a contest winner and send them a sweet surprise football gear package, so be astute and creative and whatnot.

Yep, dazzle me and NSC readers with your insight = prize. The email address is on the right. Get to work!

- Greg Seltzer

I maaaaay be an idiot.

If you are on Facebook, surely you know of the SuperPoke by now. I just tried to send one to The Distracter... and accidentally clicked the wrong button... sending it to every single person on my list... including several players, colleagues and club reps. And then I went through and individually deleted every one (I think I need fewer friends).

Oops. Sorry, everyone. My bad.

On a strictly related note, I have just slow danced with my sister Sarah, my aunt Louise, my boss, Heath Pearce, 3rd Degree, Hammarby press officer Urban Rybrink and Franklin Delano Bluth.

That's right. I am friends with Franklin Delano Bluth. And you're not.


- Greg Seltzer

U.S. v El Tri: The aftermath

In case you somehow missed it all...

My U.S. player ratings.

The highlights.



Reactions from Michael Bradley and his dad, who is always around the team for some reason (I kid!).



Some mixed zone interviews...



Then we have the curious case of Frankie Hejduk being slapped in the face by a waiting Mexico assistant coach. Here is the video (in Spanish) and Dude's resulting comments to red-hot Soccer Insider Steven Goff.

Side note: Maybe this could be the newest Mexican tele-novella sensation - "El Gringo Pelo Excesivamente". We can get both actresses that played Marta in Arrested Development to co-star, with "some guy who you think is named Hermano" and Desi award nominee Megalito in the supporting cast.

And (of course), the USMNT has been outed as cheaters, which is (of course) the only way to beat Mexico.

I'm now rolling my eyes, in case you can't see me. And if you can see me, well, I'm more than a little freaked out. But I digress...




- Greg Seltzer

USMNT v Mexico

While we wait on the line-ups for a stormy night in Columbus, visit the USMNT Blog to scan everyone's previous El Tri experience or some tune-up quotes from yesterday.

I'm not going to do a full LIVE, but I will drop comments at the biggest moments of the contest for those stuck at work or some such other non-television hazard situation. Of course, you can all wake to find my U.S. Player Ratings over at Soccer365.

UPDATE: No surprises in the eleven.

Howard; Hejduk, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Pearce, Bradley, Kljestan, Dempsey, Beasley, Donovan, Ching

Sanchez; Osorio, Marquez, Galindo, Salcido, Pardo, Medina, Augusto, Nery Castillo, Dos Santos, Ochoa

Kickoff is in mere moments. The rain has cleared just in time, but more is expected to roll through...
--
FIRST HALF

1'

We are underway.

3'

HUGE early save on Dos Santos by Howard.

23'

Donovan comes close with a danger free kick. The USMNT have the momentum.

34'

Three big events in a short span: the 'Nats escape after a communication breakdown on the back left, Dempsey draws a big Sanchez save from a Donovan knockdown and Castillo leaves for Martinez after (seemingly) popping his hammy.

37'

Howard with a good stop on Medina. Match evening out.

41'

1-0 USA!! Bradley cleans up from a corner kick.
--
SECOND HALF

46'

No changes for either side.

60'

Sinha on for Medina.

65'

Mexico comes close on a free kick into the box. Howard eventually claims as Marquez barrels into the keeper studs up. Instant red is shown, and the U.S. have a man advantage.

Elsewhere, Trinidad & Tobago leads El Salvador 2-0 in the first half.

83'

Altidore in for Ching.

86'

Clark on to spell Kljestan.

90'

Howard's yellow means he misses the next match, so Guzan should start against El Salvador. Three minutes added on...

92'

2-0 USA!!! Bradley caps a counterattack by bagging a knuckleball from 20 meters.

FULL TIME
--

It wasn't always pretty, but it was another 2-0 victory over Mexico. Michael Bradley and Frankie Hejduk are my Men of the Match. You can't make me pick. Click the pic below if you want to save it desktop wallpaper size. Party true and safely, everyone.




- Greg Seltzer

Milan, you are on the clock

(Jeopardy music)

Soccer Insider Steven Goff pinned down MLS commish Don Garber, who revealed that he has given Los Angeles and AC Milan until Friday to hammer out a David Beckham transfer.

Tick tock, tick tock...

I said before that I believed he was coming back, and I'm sticking with that call. But yeah, he's totally gone at season's end thanks to an out clause.

- Greg Seltzer

Top 5 Shrewd Winter Pick-ups

As I mentioned, you can look forward to this one every February and September. With "shrewd" being somewhat relative to budget, need, league strength and other variables, it was easy to pick out several excellent January swoops.

Before hitting the rest of the honorable mentions, I'll send a special nod to MLS newcomers Seattle for plucking feisty young forward Fredy Montero on loan from Deportivo Cali.

To me, he stood out among a handful of domestic choices. It should be fun to watch him team up with Freddie Ljungberg to run off of target man Nate Jaqua.

The rest of the near misses: Viktor Elm (Heerenveen/free), Emile Heskey (Aston Villa/£3.5M), Szabolcs Huszti (Zenit St. Petersburg/€3M) and Ben Sahar (De Graafschap/loan).

#5 - Timo Hildebrand (Hoffenheim)

He was free, he has the stuff to be one of the world's best and he has something to prove. Not to mention a title race to do it in. On a team missing its goal monster. Now, if he can just stay fit and find form...

Welcome back, Timo. Free has more than one meaning, ya know?

#4 - Carlo Cuducini (Tottenham)

It's not brain surgery. Tottenham needed a veteran presence in the keeper stable, and the Chelsea back-up was available for nothing. While Gomes may yet regain the starting job, Cudicini opened his White Hart tenure with a clean sheet against hated Arsenal.

As I said, it's not brain surgery.

#3 - Shay Given (Manchester City)

Okay, so he did run Citeh about £9 million... but as I said, shrewd is relative. It is definitely admirable to bother dropping a mere pittance for pocket change to backstop your soon-to-be £500 bajillion line-up with a worthy keeper. Given is one of the very, very best.

That's three straight keepers. I'll stop that now.

#2 - Guilherme (Dinamo Kyiv)

The slick support striker (who is making his second appearance on a T5L) has been linked to some big names over the past year, but it was the Ukrainian runners up who were able to pull the trigger with a $4 million plus pocket rocket forward Kléber package - let's call it $7 million, shall we?.

Now, he'll feature in the Champions League, score a bushel of goals in his Dinamo time and eventually move on for double or even triple what they paid when Hamburg or Juventus or Lyon or Villarreal (all Guilherme spies in 2008) finally become sufficiently compelled. Brilliant.

#1 - Kevin Nolan (Newcastle)

I'd heard the talk, but was still quite shocked when I heard that Bolton sold their captain (pictured above) to Newcastle. I was further stunned to learn they let him go for only £4 million. He is precisely what the Toon have needed for several years, a reliable, fiery midfield engine, someone to make those around him better.

He arrived with them in 15th, close enough to smell the drop zone. On his solid debut, the Magpies scored a stirring away victory. Watch them finish about 10th, and don't comign asking me how later.

Shrewd, shrewd business for a club that has not been as big on the field as they are in name. This is step one to bringing the glory back.


- Greg Seltzer

A few derby day things...

I've decided all relevant happenings should pause while I sleep. Until I can get that rule into effect...

#1 - Due to injuries, suspension and a few cases of on-set senility, Mexico will show up in Columbus with an unusual amount of new names for a big World Cup qualifier against the nemesis.

In an effort to help these El Tri players ease into the rivalry, I think we should just go ahead and maintain competitive continuity in the series.

So... is 2-0 again okay with everybody?

#2 - Bobby Convey is now officially a San Jose Earthquake, joining an increasingly more impressive attack. Expect coach Frank Yallop to hand the former Reading winger his #10 keys.

I'd also expect quite a bit of quality from Convey. I'm sure the way of his Madejski exit leaves him eager to prove he's still got it. As you might imagine, I will soon be having a talk with BC and you can look for something at Soccer365 in the coming days.

By the way... is it just me or do the Quakes have a good bit trade bait in attacking midfield? Does Huckerby move up front? Can Alvarez play the right? Or is it 4-3-3 time?

Ooh, please let it be 4-3-3 time!

#3 - On a related (and NSC previously mention) note, Andrew Jacobsen has indeed signed with D.C. United. The young central midfielder had spurned the club as a SuperDraft pick last year and spent a season with the Lorient second team in France.

#4 - Chivas USA have added three hispanic players to their south-of-the-border preseason camp, two with Mexican league experience and once most recently with Newell's Old Boys in Argentina.

#5 - Yes, I have another Top 5 List ready, but I didn't want to bunch up the posts. Each should get a little run at the top, I think. Expect this one to drop near lunchtime in Columbus.

#6 - Guus Hiddink (for my money, the best manager in the world) is set to take over at Chelsea through season's end. Beyond that is a mystery to all involved.

Look for the Blues to do some damage down the stretch. I doubt he will be pushed away.

#7 - Seriously, I love getting the story too... but what kind of delusion does one need to have before repeatedly asking Landon Donovan about his loan situation the day before a USMNT v. Mexico hex opener? Did you really think he'd start going into that or maybe even give away the surprise ending to the whole affair? Why even embarrass yourself by asking?

(sigh)

Rant over.

#8 - A little bout of illness can't contain Columbus Dispatch all-star Shawn Mitchell, who has a bit on U.S. backline Godzilla Oguchi Onyewu.

#9 - And let's make one more visit to Studio 90 before the big game...



- Greg Seltzer

Pass the Buck for Roman's Empire

Here in London, epicenter of the soccer world (sorry), USA v Mexico has not made the news pages. Brazil v Italy, playing here tonight, made few waves and nor has any World Cup qualifier for that matter, as the Premier League is shedding coaches like Autumn leaves.

World Cup Winner Big 'Fail' Scolari, despite keeping Chelsea in the Champions League qualifying places, this season's Champions League and FA Cup, faced a firing squad yesterday of owner Roman Abramovich, Canadian director Eugene Tenenbaum and American Chel$ki chairman Bruce Buck, though it was the Russian assassin who pulled the trigger at the training ground.

New Jersey-born Buck worked with Abramovich before the oligarch moved to England. In Russia, Roman began selling toys before dating the daughter of the drunkard President Yeltsin and muscling in on his 'sale of the century' sell-off of the nation's assets. Fortune has smiled on Abramovich as he has avoided assassination and prosecution, despite being accused of bribery, fraud, intimidation and even train robbery over the years.

Buck of course has nothing but praise for his paymaster. In an interview with the Daily Telegraph in 2006, he said of Abramovich - "He has a very good business sense, a very good feel for people."

Would this be the same Roman Abramovich who guided Chelsea to a record loss of $200m and who is on his fourth coach in under a year and a half? According to rumors, the Russian has lost $20 billion in the recent economic slump, which could explain the club's sale of Wayne Bridge and Carlo Cudicini, failure to win Robinho's signature or buy anyone in the January transfer window and subsequent travails.

Of course, it's much easier to blame a guy following a tough act (Jose Mourinho) with only seven months to impress and almost no money to spend.

-Sean O'Conor

A few things...

I'm getting charged up for tomorrow, even if I do have to be up practically until dawn to watch. Please join me over at Cut of the Day, and please do rock...

#1 - NSC pal Chris Courtney dug this nugget up over the weekend: Texas-based video rental chain Blockbuster now has an ad campaign in Mexico with free USMNT voodoo dolls. The good news is we can all still shop at Radio Shack.

When are people going to realize that many things are far more important than money? In fact, most of the best stuff doesn't cost a dime.

#2 - Sticking with the Letters From Vagabondia birthday boy, he brings us the lowdown on Napoli's young American Vincenzo Bernardo, who will not be going out on loan.

#3 - Chelsea have jettisoned manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, with names like Hiddink, Rijkaard and Zola already floated as replacements.

Meanwhile, Sir Alex finds it all rather fussily impatient. I agree, instant gratification is the disease of our microwaved culture.

#4 - Big Brad Friedel says: Aston Villa goood, fire baaaad. RAWR!!!

#5 - Back to U.S. v El Tri, Luis Arroyave at the Red Card drops a few nuggets from Monday's Bob Bradley conference call.

And then somehow, the Chicago kid also solicits love advice questions for Jimmy Conrad to answer. Erm...

#6 - More Bradley talk: he says he understands that criticism comes with the job.

Whew! Maybe he doesn't actually dislike me after all, maybe that's just some sort of natural scowl.

#7 - As far as Mexico goes, Goal's new ace Luis Bueno reminds that the visitors should never be underestimated.

#8 - Turning to MLS, Soccer Insider Steven Goff confirms a re-signing I called some weeks back: Joe Cannon remains a Quake.

Sticking with the WaPo all-star, he reports on the return of Christian Gomez to D.C. United. I'll bet it goes at least somewhat swimmingly because he has instant chemistry with veteran strike stars Emilio and Moreno (not to mention fellow playmaker Fred).

If United can actually locate a central defense, they could be in for one last glory shot with this attack.

#9 - You don't even want to know about the banana chocolate chip pancake I made for breakfast. I would like to go back in time and eat it all over again.

#10 - Man, do I love this Toronto FC video site!

Good ol' Mo Johnston talks up loan signing Pablo Vitti, an exciting young striker from Independiente.



You can also find a good weekend talk with his new partner, Chad Barrett.



#11 - NSC pal T.J. Boyce brings Real Salt Lake forward Will Johnson on staff. His first contribution is here, part blog column/part Q&A.

#12 - I have actually come up with a fourth transfer-themed TOP 5 List idea, this one concerning Americans. I will, however, hold that for the series capper. Next up? Naturally, it has to be Top 5 Shrewdest Pick-ups. Yup, you can pretty much look for that one after every window. I'm hoping to have that up tonight.

#13 - Ohhhh, Frankie Hejduk... why can't you just stay on the team forever?

Okay, so that's not exactly what Soccer America's Ridge Mahoney writes here, but I was just bringing the piece to its logical reader conclusion.

#14 - A few old hands (Arena, Jones & Sanneh) kick around the USMNT-Mexico rivalry.

#15 - Finally, let's hear from USMNT camp after the European-based players arrived in Columbus on Sunday...




- Greg Seltzer

Who likes goals?

Set your peepers on stun...

Let's begin with Everton debutant Jô, who shows some wiggle on the first of two weekend goals.



FC Utrecht's Ali Boussaboun unloads the cannon on ADO Den Haag.


Superb Goal Ali Boussaboun 2009 - The best video clips are right here

Zulte-Waregem's Franck Berrier stabs home in style.



Iraklis forward Emmanouil Papasterianos with a do-it-yourself bicycle kit.



And B'nai Yehuda's Aliran Atar with the more standard variety.



Mexico's Rafa Márquez tunes up for Wednesday's USMNT clash with a Barcelona curler. Get it out of your system, vato!



And finally, Roma's Mirko Vučinić slams home a dreamy lob set-up by Daniele De Rossi.




- Greg Seltzer

Top 5 All-Time $uper M€ga Cra$hing Tran$fer F£op$

Sorry for the overnight delay, I was attacked by the headache monster and dozed off earlier than planned without finishing.

I'm back to rip five new ones in a historical context. Granted, the explosion in transfer fees during this decade means this T5L won't be overly historical - the earliest transaction here occurred in the summer of 1998.

I have only one rule for inclusion on the final five: the player must have departed the offending club, and with no more than a 20% recovery on the initial fee paid. That being said, it's not all about the straight Benjamins; performance, length of stay, marketing influence and clubhouse influence all tend to re-value a player on the ledger in a positive light.

For instance: Chelsea were supposedly able to recoup about a third of the £30 million they splashed on Andriy Shevchenko upon his AC Milan return. What's more, people tend to gloss over the fact that he was strong in the Champions League and an FA Cup dynamo for the Blues. He also surely brought in a pretty merchandising penny, and it's not his his fault Mourinho mucked up the formation on his arrival.

In other words, he can't be listed as anything more than one of the obligatory dishonorable mentions. The others? Arsenal's £9.75 million "striker" Francis Jeffers, Chelsea's £17 million washout Adrian Mutu (who escapes the list because he was eventually forced to repay the club about 80% of his transfer fee) and Tottenham's £11.5 million flop Sergei Rebrov (it was either him or bigger jerk #4 because #5 had to be on here).

#5 - Denilson/Real Betis

Once the world's most expensive buy, the Brazilian spent most of eight seasons with Real Betis (when they were relegated he jetted off for a loan spell with Flamengo). Oh sure, he justified some of his $32 million tag (at '98 prices, do remember) by selling tickets, jerseys and wowing on the dribble/set-up. Bordeaux eventually paid another 10-15% of that original outlay to land him in 2005.

He just didn't score goals (only 13 in nearly 200 league appearances). Denilson was even nice enough to personalize this angle for Americans by starring in a great Nike World Cup commercial (he's in a yellow shirt, 25-36 seconds) and wildly flopping at FC Dallas. For those gifts alone, I didn't have the heart to either embarass him too badly or leave him off the list entirely.

#4 - Steve Marlet/Fulham

The French pretender, who liked to mime as if a target striker, cost the Cottagers far more than the £11.5 million they laid out to get him. He barely contributed as they won promotion to the Premier League, then essentially doomed a fairly talented squad to a pair of relegation fights with his wastefulness.

In all, Marlet netted 11 goals in 55 games and sucked up a lot of salary - even while performing admirably for Marseille in twin loans. It shouldn't have been a surprise, as he'd never topped the 12 goals he hit for Lyon the season before coming to Fulham.

He also rankled in the clubhouse, with the team rising up to ninth when he skipped off to France. In the end, he gained Fulham so little in return on the l'OM loan payments (factoring the portion of wages they were still paying) that it's hardly worth mentioning.

His buy really hurt this franchise. There's no telling how high they could have soared with a proper forward purchase at that time.

#3 - Shabani Nonda/Monaco

Oh boy, did they roll the wrong dice in the principality on this one. Sure, he was serviceable his first two seasons and terrific his third, but he did practically nothing in European matches and was plain awful after much of the 2004 Champions League runners up side left for greener pastures.

His knee injury would have slowed anyone, but Nonda stopped working so hard and it showed. Bottom line: he arrived for just over €20 million and left age 28 for absolutely nothing in an eager salary dump.

When there are only so many folks who even want a Monaco shirt and the average attendance is less than 10,000, that sort of transfer turnover cannot happen. The effects of his red mark in the ledger are still being felt at Stade Louis four years later.

Now, refer to the final point of #4.

#2 - Juan Sebastián Verón/Chelsea

Of course, Manchester United paid more for him, but he was terrific in the Champions League and eventually settled into Prem matches at Old Trafford. Then, the Red Devils shipped him off to Chelsea, getting back more than half of the £28 million they sent to Lazio from Stamford Bridge.

Verón spent only one season with the Blues, playing just seven league contests before shoving off to Inter Milan on a two-year loan that ended his Chelsea deal and allegedly only gained back about 13% of his fee. Naturally, this is all made worse by the fact that the Argentine's difficulty in handling the English game should have been wholly apparent from his two years with ManU.

#1 - Gaizka Mendieta/Lazio

After helping Valencia to consecutive Champions League runners up medals, the playmaker moved to Lazio for an astounding €46.7 million in 2001 - I say "astounding" because I had always found him to be overrated and made to look better by the talent around him (Aimar, Baraja, Helguera, Kily González, López, etc.).

The Albiceleste barely stomached the inneffective and ineffectual headache that was Mendieta through 20 Serie A matches, then shuttled him off for Barcelona and Middlesbrough loans that rang up a mere €5 million.

The good news is, it couldn't have happened to a "nicer" team.


- Greg Seltzer

Bradley calls 20 for El Tri

U.S. boss Bob Bradley has whittled his HDC squad down to 20 in preparation for Wednesday's CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying hexagonal opener against Mexico in Columbus.

Keepers - Brad Guzan (Aston Villa: 4/3 SO*), Tim Howard (Everton FC: 7/5 SO)

Defenders - Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes: 16/2), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA, 1/0), Danny Califf (FC Midtjylland: 3/0), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew: 14/1), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liège: 12/1), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock: 7/0), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC: 0/0)

Midfielders - DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers: 21/6), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach: 6/2), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo: 3/0), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA: 6/0), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew: 0/0), José Francisco Torres (Pachuca: 1/0)

Forwards - Jozy Altidore (Xerez: 3/1), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo: 12/6), Charlie Davies (Hammarby: 1/1) Clint Dempsey (Fulham: 12/4), Landon Donovan (Bayern Munich: 25/9)

* = World Cup Qualifying caps & goals/shutouts

- Greg Seltzer