Some argue that should never return to places where you’ve succeeded in the past.
Well, a few national teamers have returned to MLS after excelling in North America in the past.
So, after US national team defenders Carlos Bocanegra and Clarence Goodson arrived back in MLS this week -- after spending several seasons overseas in England, Scotland, Spain, Norway and Denmark collectively -- can they excel and become regular starters in Jurgen Klinsmann’s side?
Only time will tell.
But let’s take a quick look at three current fringe US national team players who should switch back to Major League Soccer from Europe, to help reignite their USMNT careers.
Stuart Holden
He excelled at Bolton before his horrific injury at Old Trafford curtailed his fledgling EPL career. But all hope is not lost for the 27-year-old midfielder. Holden can show just how good he is with a likely starting spot for the USMNT in the Gold Cup this summer. And instead of languishing with Bolton in the Championship, Stu should return to MLS and show everyone just how good he is. I think his stock with the US national team will rise if he does.
Alejandro Bedoya
Okay, so after Glasgow Rangers’ demise, Bedoya has been hung out to dry a little. But even though the former Boston College attacked never made it to MLS, he should ply his trade back in the USA. A short-term deal looks to be coming to a close with Helsingborgs and Bedoya has been in incredible form since re-joining the Swedish outfit. At the age of 26, Bedoya’s next move will make or break his international career. Expect interest to pour in after a solid Gold Cup campaign.
Maurice Edu
Yes, Maurice has had his struggles over the past few years in a US jersey. But the 27-year-old is bouncing from club to club over in Europe without finding much of a home. Edu should return and dominate the midfield in MLS, just like he did during his rookie season. With Jermaine Jones not getting any younger, Edu could put up a serious challenge for that “destroyer” role in the US national team midfield. Which MLS sides would take him? Plenty. But maybe he should find out what the deal is at Stoke first, it has to be better for him with Mark Hughes in charge than it was when Tony Pulis was at the helm.