The new Strikers have big shoes to fill. Their prior name sakes were for the most part powerhouses, with star players, great attendance and a record that boasts never missing the playoffs. Will this new incarnation be up to par?Traffic (owners of the new Strikers) have given us quite a few quality players in Romario, Zinho, Christian Gomez, among others. We know they have connections and could sign great players for the 2011 season. Let's hope they can pull off a few good transfers and surprise us!
Here is my fantasy list followed by players that might realistically be in the teams budget.
Ronaldinho: Yeah, I'm dreaming. If the Strikers were in MLS it could be realistic considering Traffic has the Brazil connection. Rumors have him going to the LA Galaxy or a return to Brazil.Carlos Tevez: The Argentina striker has troubles with current club Manchester City and requested a transfer. Imagine watching Tevez at Lockhart Stadium...
Andres D'Alessandro: This Argentine has completed his stay at Internacional of Brazil and just got eliminated from the Club World Cup. Rumors have his sights on a likely return to River Plate in Argentina. A few European clubs are interested too.
Gianluigi Buffon: Wow, talk about dreaming... This Juventus goalkeeper would be any teams dream. He would likely be the reason the team would make it to the playoffs. A russian club is said to be after this 32-year-old shot stopper.
Clarence Seedorf: This Dutch player is a midfielder for Italian club A.C. Milan. The 34-year-old is said to be heading to MLS.Juan Pablo Angel: Yeah, I know, the Galaxy are going to sign him, but this star was made for the Strikers. The huge Colombian population in South Florida would have flocked to see him.
Coming back to reality... Here is a list of players that could be within The Striker's reach.
Jaime Moreno: This former DC United star would be great for the Strikers. Speaking English fluently and originally from Bolivia he could be the face of the team on TV and radio. He is recognizable to most soccer connoisseurs.
Guillermo Barros Schelotto: Former Columbus Crew Designated Player, Schelotto was among the players not taken in the MLS Re-entry draft. He is still a great player and would be the perfect replacement for Christian Gomez if he doesn't return.Dema Kovalenko: This rugged player will no doubt get carded every other game but no one can deny the man plays with spirit. Could play in midfield or as a back up striker.
Nick Garcia : Recently played for Toronto FC. Was not selected in the Re-entry draft. At 31 he is still a great defender.
Adrian Serioux: Former Houston Dynamo and Canadian international defender, currently a free agent. Would be great for our defense.
Gale Agbossoumonde: Played for Miami FC in 2009 for 6 games, went to Portugal on loan but didn't get playing time. It's time to bring him back and have him play regularly rather than sitting on some bench in Europe. Rumored to be heading to a Swedish team.Pat Onstad : Canadian goalkeeper is a free agent and a member of the Canadian national team. Last played with the Houston Dynamo.
Franklin Salas: Out of favor at Ecuadorean Champions Liga de Quito, Salas is a skillful dribbling forward with an electrifying pace. His hard shot from 25 yards won the award for the goal of the tournament in the 2005 edition of the Copa Sudamericana.
Claudio Bieler: Forward from Racing Club in Argentina. A proven goalscorer. He is so good that this past February he was called up by then Argentina manager Diego Maradona, but ended up not playing because of an injury.
D
iego Serna : Former Miami Fusion and Miami FC player. He was and forever will be a fan favorite. It could be his last hoorah! Wouldn't mind chanting "D-i-e-g-o" one last time!Can you think of any other players? Suggest a few by leaving a comment below or flood the Miami FC/Strikers email with your player suggestions: fclavijo@trafficsports.com
(He might kill me for giving out his email)
