Benny Feilhaber: American Theo Walcott

Feilhaber’s Goal sunk Mexico in the Gold Cup Final/SI.com

In the recent history of American Soccer no selection of a player to a major tournament squad has elicited as much controversy and quite frankly anger as last week’s selection by Peter Nowak of Benny Feilhaber to the US Men’s Olympic Team. Feilhaber performance this past year with Derby County was beyond the use of any negative adjective at my disposal and after being cut from the US team prior to the qualify tournament it was believed Feilhaber was out of the mix entirely.

But Nowak’s choice perhaps was not as much of a shock as some people may feel. Feilhaber did make Coach Bob Bradley’s initial squad for the full national team friendlies versus England, Spain and Argentina before pulling out with an injury. Additionally, Feilhaber’s technical skill and game changing ability was on display for all eyes to see last year in the Gold Cup final versus Mexico. The Derby County debacle not withstanding, how many Americans can claim to have played in a champions league match at the Emirates Stadium? Just one, and his name is Benny Feilhaber.

But many (myself included) feel Feilhaber’s selection, especially in light of the last minute addition of a similar but more versatile player, Dax McCarty to the squad is a wasted spot much like Sven Goran Eriksson’s selection of Theo Walcott prior to England’s 2006 World Cup Campaign. What are the views of our readers and listeners? This topic is sure to bring our passions from all corners. (For the record let me state I believe the selection of Feilhaber was a mistake and could be costly for Nowak and the US team.)

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Feilhaber Cleared to Play for Derby

Benny Feilhaber has been cleared to play for Derby County by British authorities. He could make his debut tomorrow against Derby County.

Americans Abroad Notes

• Benny Feilhaber appears closer to moving to Premier League newbies Derby County. Feilhaber made only nine appearances for Hamburg last year, and must be considered a hot commodity after his excellent summer with the US National Team. Should Derby sign a cultured midfielder like Feilhaber, maybe, just maybe they can escape the drop in the Premier League. If Feilhaber can adjust to the English game as quickly as he's picked up the international game, he'll be steal for Derby at any price.
• Danny Szetela's agent, the incomparable Shep Messing indicates that a deal is not done yet with AS Roma and that both Lazio and MLS remain possibilities for Szetela beyond this season. Columbus will certainly be reluctant to give up Szetela in the middle of a playoff race, so any move to Serie A is unlikely to come until January.
• Speculation has linked Jay DeMerit to Fulham. It would be unfortunate if DeMerit moves to Fulham joining three other Americans, because in my estimation he has a better chance of Premiership Football next year by staying with Watford in the Championship. I am almost certain that Fulham without the managerial skill of Chris Coleman will be relegated this season. (I am picking them 20th: dead last in the Premier League).
• DaMarcus Beasley's transfer to Rangers has paid dividends for the Glasgow club, and now UEFA thankfully is launching on investigation into the racial slurs hurled at Beasley after he scored the winning goal in Rangers Champions League Qualifying triumph on Tuesday.
• Danny Califf has been named the captain of his Danish club AoB who have also qualified for the UEFA Cup. Califf joins Steve Cherundolo and Brian McBride as Americans captaining European clubs. Last season Gregg Berhalter captained Bundesliga 2 outfit 1860 Munich, but has been demoted to vice captain this season.