What the hell, we got Denilson?!?

By: Robert | August 24th, 2007

Denilson at the airport Let me first apologize for the mistakes I made the other day, I wrote a piece a couple days early because I was just sure that the Denìlson deal which was supposedly “dead in the water” really was “dead in the water.” I then made the mistake of posting it a day early and once I realized I put up the wrong post I didn’t bother fixing it because I was sure the deal was “dead in the water” and everything would be fine a day later. So I took a day off for real work and my lady, come back and its “what the hell, we’ve got Denìlson?!?”

The deal is done and it appears that I don’t have the ear of GM Michael Hitchcock or Coach Steve Murrow, which is fine; contrary to the belief that was popular across Europe a few years ago and still exists in some sections of the continent today, I don’t believe that fans should have influence over the team’s course of events (thats another argument for another time.) Denìlson is a Hoop, and is the custom here I’m not going to re-hash the news you’ve already heard but instead take a look into what that actually means for everyone’s favorite metro-Dallas MLS side.

Whenever Denìlson finally steps onto the field as a Hoop (he still has to get his work visa) tune in, because his signing makes FC Dallas the leagues most exciting side (sorry DC United.) The duo of he and Arturo Alvarez will be able dribble around just about every MLS defender on the pitch, creating opportunities for themselves and others; namely Carlos Ruiz, who should see the strong double teams become a thing of the past as opposing backlines compensate for the added pressure that will now come from the wings.

It’s been fair to question the heart of the much-hyped, former “most expensive player in the world” throughout his career, especially as Denìlson languished this past season in the Saudi Premier League, a league in which even the most ardent MLS detractors would have to agree is below America’s premier division. But this man’s talents are unassailable and his signing makes him the one of most skilled players in the league.

Unfortunately with his addition there must be a subtraction to the roster, namely one of the four coveted senior international spots. Currently the four players 25 or older, born outside the country that wear the FC Dallas shirt are Carlos Ruiz, Pablo Ricchetti, Marcelo Saragosa and Adrian Serioux and if Denìlson is to step onto the field as a Hoop one of them will have to step off it, permanently. And while it isn’t set in stone whom will be let go a little quick thinking leads to an interesting conclusion:

Carlos Ruiz – Not happening: Denìlson is being brought into the fold to be dangerous and provide consistent service to Ruiz in the box; moving Ruiz and his salary makes some fiscal sense, but none when discussing what happens on the pitch.

Pablo Ricchetti – No: Pablo’s defensive skills allow Juan Toja to be Juan Toja. Patrolling the center of the park Ricchetti protects the defense and is integral in moving the ball forward from the backline.

Adrian Serioux – Eh, maybe: With Serioux’ perpetual state of injury the Hoops have begun to move forward as a defensive unit without him. But he was just signed this year and it would seem odd to ship him out after he’s only played in three games.

Marcelo Saragosa – Probably: Coach Murrow loves him; but with a younger and cheaper alternative in Dax McCarty playing well, Saragosa seems like the odd man out in Dallas.

David Beckham is going to grab the media’s attention because as Denìlson puts it “he’s both a footballer and pretty” but Dallas’ newest Brazilian import has the ability to bring people to the stadium. And we can never have enough fans in Dallas, where from now on the FC will stand for “flying circus.”

HOOPS PRIDE!

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