Johnson, Adu ride to Greece for last stand

Wednesday, 06 January 10, 10:47 AM · Comments (0)

When Freddy Adu and Eddie Johnson swapped MLS for European clubs, this was not the desired result.

Where other Americans have flourished, the duo has floundered. Johnson never contributed at Fulham, home to the successful Clint Dempsey, while Adu has bounced between a trio of clubs as he's struggled to fill the role of soccer savior many tabbed for him during his adolescence.

So, as fate would have it, the two link up, desperate to jump start their respective professional careers in Greece. Thessaloniki and Aris FC are their destination, and it's a chance for both to prove the critics and doubters wrong.

Generally, the average American fan knows very little about Aris and the Greek Super League. And perhaps that's the ruse behind the moves for Hector Cuper -- a desire to boost the profile amongst the American soccer fans who follow along the progress of those playing abroad.

Hopefully, for the sake of Johnson and Adu, that isn't the case. And considering the money the two will cost, the coach is certainly hoping for contribution. Adu commands a fairly high salary, one that made his move to Hull City very speculative.

Given Adu and Johnson's playing career in Europe to this point, the two can enjoy success with Aris by simply making it off the bench. If either became a starter, even better. Playing time is a precious commodity, essential for a player's health and survival, especially for one with World Cup aspirations.

Chances to impress national team coaches are only possible under game conditions, unless you happen to be Oguchi Onyewu.

Of the two, Johnson has the better chance to sneak onto the plane to South Africa, simply because the dearth of striker options. If he manages to tear it up in Greece, his speed is an asset that has aided the U.S. team before, and could do so again. However, his most recent spell indicates that he may never cease to be the speedster lacking the consistent ability to finish.

Adu is especially in that category. While he has shown flashes of technical ability, he is in some ways a square peg trying to fit in a round hole. Bob Bradley loves the 4-4-2, with the two central midfielders running box-to-box, swapping defense for offense at the drop of the hat. Adu's defensive deficiencies make the chances of him competing on the continent of his birth all the less likely. He'd have to adopt his game in order to do so -- but again, this is all wildly speculative.

Either way, the possible final chapter in their European adventure begins now. The spotlight is even dimmer than England and Portugal and only Adu and Johnson can prove to Cuper that they belong.

Otherwise, either may find himself back in MLS before too long -- only if they can find a suitor.

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Johnson, Adu ride to Greece for last stand

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