Wizards add aging Argentine

The big signing of Claudio Lopez by Kansas City, seemingly a done deal, again raises the question of whether MLS clubs should recruit DPs (designated players) from south of the border, or focus their energy on the Euro lot.

Lopez, who will turn 34 this year, is no spring pollo in footballing years. In his glory days with Valencia, he probably could have been listed among the Top 10 strikers in Europe, but with his 2000 transfer to Lazio (for around $45 million), the injury bug bit hard. Lopez regained his goal-scoring form after transferring to Club America, scoring 14 in 2005, but most recently, the native son’s return to Argentina’s Racing Club was less than spectacular, as he saw little action except as a substitute.

Could Lopez see a second resurgence north of the border? It is certainly possible if one considers the success of other older South American futbolers who found success in MLS (Jaime Moreno, Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Juan Pablo Angel, et al). Not to mention the old guard of MLS past (Marco Etcheverry, Carlos Valderrama, etc.).

And speaking of Etcheverry, there’s DC United’s newest addition, 32-year-old Argentine midfielder Marcelo Gallardo, a former star for South American giants River Plate. There are many that are predicting his impact on DC could be much more significant than either Luciano Emilio or Christian Gomez (who was traded to Colorado this offseason).

As for who will make the bigger splash in MLS, Lopez or Gallardo? Well, if recent history holds true, it will be Gallardo. DC Unitedn just seem to have a knack for indentifying South Americans who fit nicely into MLS. And I doubt that Kansas City (unless they are able to undergo a radical change in style) will be able to quickly incorporate Lopez into their bunker, counter-attacking, long-ball style. Lopez is a different player than Eddie Johnson, a better player to be sure, but not the head-down speedster E-Jo is. Plus, Lopez is injury prone and the physicality of MLS might mean he spends another season in the trainer's room. But whoever ends up being better off both moves are certainly worth the gamble.

I’ve certainly spoken before about the necessity of looking South, rather than over the pond, in order to build talent in MLS. But don’t take my word for it, here’s the assistant commish Ivan Gazidis talking to the AP about the importance of Latin imports to MLS:

“What is the real story of 2007 for MLS?” Gazidis said. “The actual story has been looking to South America and importing players from South America who are very significant performers in our league.”

But then the question becomes, do we raid the gabinete de medicina looking for the old-time remedies or do we take a chance on a brand new herbal supplements that seemed to have gotten pushed aside in the mad rush to find the next big thing.

No one is suggesting that MLS can compete with European clubs (or even Argentine, Brazilian or Mexican clubs) for the best of the best coming out of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, etc., but surely there are players that are supremely skilled who have yet to catch the spotlight.

That is why there is no more important job to Major League Soccer than that of MLS scout and each club should be careful to select the very best talent spotter they can. Because if you want to attract even more fans to MLS, you have to bring an even more attractive brand of football. And if you want to improve the American player state-side and develop an American style, you have to make sure he’s playing against the best possible competition.

A video of "El Piojo" in action: