ON THE ROAD
SO MUCh for Major league soccer being a retirement home. They said it was the beginning of the end for David Villa when he left atletico Madrid for New york City in 2014. how wrong they were.
spain’s all-time leading goalscorer is back among his nation’s elite, earning an international recall at the age of 35 for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against italy and liechtenstein.
and in the hudson River derby during the early hours of saturday, Villa showed exactly why spain boss Julen lopetegui has hauled him in from the international wilderness.
his reverse pass into Maxi Moralez’s path for New york City’s goal was sumptuous. Poise, vision and ruthlessness all in the blink of an eye.
But it wasn’t just the unerring accuracy of his pass that set him apart. his work rate was phenomenal, as he singlehandedly kept the New york Red Bulls’ back three occupied.
The quality remains, of course, his audacious 50-yard effort that narrowly missed the target testament to that.
his night didn’t totally go according to plan, Red Bulls deservedly restoring parity in the 69th minute when substitute Gonzalo Veron fired home from the spot after sacha Kljestan had been brought down by RJ allen.
But not even that could tarnish Villa’s achievement.
‘i don’t have words, it’s a dream right now,’ said Villa after the 1-1 draw. ‘i didn’t think i would get to go back to the national team again and now it’s like a dream.
‘i think it’s a great point for the league. it’s not just about me. The spain coach is coming here, to watch the games, thinking about Mls, to study the level and look at the level i have in myself. The recall gives me belief.’
indeed, Villa’s recall comes as a huge boost to the league. it won’t change the perception completely but it’s certainly meaningful.
like all derbies, the pace was frenetic, the speed and physicality similar to that in Premier league games.
The quality of play still needs improving, particularly in keeping the ball. Turnovers in possession were too frequent to count. But the signs are promising for the league. Villa’s call-up and the fact that Patrick Vieira, manager of New york City, could afford to leave andrea Pirlo on the bench for the clash prove that.
‘i think David going back to the national team just shows that you can make a decision to come to Mls and still have a big ambition, still have a chance to play for your national team,’ said Vieira, who took over last year at New york City, part of the Manchester City group whose global football reach includes clubs in australia, Japan, Uruguay and spain.
‘i think it will open doors for young international players and experienced international players. The league is competitive. Coming here, you will still have a chance to keep your place on the national team. This is a massive step forward for Mls.’
stoke- born winger Jack harrison will certainly hope that is the case. The former Manchester United trainee is catching the eye across the atlantic playing in a wide role for Vieira’s men.
it is understood Fa scouts are monitoring the 20-yearold’s progress ahead of a potential call- up for the England Under 21s.
you can see why, too. he is tenacious, good on the ball with dangerous delivery from wide areas.
if Mls is good enough for spain, then it should be good enough for England.