CONTRIBUTING WRITER: STEPHEN MONAGHUE
Ever since David Beckham swapped Madrid for Los Angeles in 2007, Major League Soccer (MLS) has been providing just enough fuel to keep some of the sport’s fading stars burning bright for a few more years. While the MLS is unable to compete with soccer leagues such as the Premier League in terms of popularity or star power, it has made efforts to become a much more attractive proposition in recent years through the Beckham Rule.
Officially known as the Designated Player Rule, this clause was put in place to allow MLS teams to sign overseas talent with major wage demands without contravening the league’s rules. Under regular conditions, MLS teams have a salary cap of $3.49 million per season (correct as of 2015) and the first 20 players in the squad count against this total.
Thanks Mr. Beckham
However, to allow teams to sign players from bigger organizations, MLS officials introduced the Designated Player Rule 2007. Allowing two designated players per team, and a third if the club pays a $250,000 luxury tax, this rule allows teams to pay larger transfer fees and enhanced wages to select stars.
Since this rule came into place various MLS teams have taken full advantage of the rule and that’s led to world-class talent (albeit in the twilight of their careers) lining up in the US. In fact, since Beckham the likes of Robbie Keane ($4.5 million compensation), Gilberto ($1.1 million compensation) and, most recently, Steven Gerrard and Didier Drogba have all relocated Stateside to become MLS stars.
However, since the Beckham Rule has come into play, the debate has raged as to whether or not these players are good for emerging talent or detrimental. On the whole, industry experts would argue that players such as Keane and Gerrard are the reason why US soccer has improved over the last few years. Bringing a level of experience to the dressing room that native players won’t necessarily possess, these world-class players are certainly able to guide youngsters in useful ways.
The Star Player Debate
However, is the focus (financial or otherwise) on already established pros serving to stunt the growth of developing talent?
The most obvious reason for the inclusion of experienced pros such as Keane and Gerrard is, as we’ve mentioned, the influence that they can have in the dressing room. Although they’d never try to undermine the coach, senior players always serve an advisory role for academy players. In fact, this culture of senior players guiding youngsters is also seen in every established league, including the Premier League.
Aside from offering technical advice on how to improve on the pitch, senior players are also able to give their peers tips on the mental aspects of professional soccer. From overcoming a losing streak to reacting to negative criticism, established pros have literally seen it all, done it all and, importantly, conquered all. These skills can’t be honed on the training pitch and only come with experience which is why the presence of players such as Keane and Gerrard is invaluable.
More Media Attention = Good Things for All
Moreover, as the MLS continues to grow in stature, players are increasingly coming under the scrutiny of the media which means they need to know how to handle themselves in interviews. Although teams have PR people to help with this facet of the game, experienced pros can also offer some valuable advice to novices.
In line with this increased need for media guidance is the increased attention major stars bring to the MLS. Gerrard, Keane and other pros, such as Andrea Pirlo, have millions of fans around the world and this popularity means more attention for the MLS teams they play for. Indeed, since Gerrard joined LA Galaxy, there has been a noticeable increase in media coverage of MLS games by British media outlets such as the Daily Mail.
Moreover, bookmakers have also taken much more of an interest in MLS games thanks to the presence of big-name stars. Because international punters know and, therefore, care about such players, it means they’re more likely to read about and bet on them in MLS games.
Naturally, increased media attention means more money for the MLS as a whole and that, subsequently, means more opportunities for players of all levels. In fact, whether it’s at home in the US or with an international club such as Manchester United or Chelsea, increased coverage of MLS games gives young players a better chance of developing their careers with the top teams in the world.
It’s Not All Good News for the Youngsters
Of course, the above factors are fantastic and an obvious benefit to young players, but it’s also true that established players command much of the limelight themselves. Yes, more people are now watching the MLS, but on the whole they are only interested in the top players. This attitude often means that young talent is overshadowed and these players don’t get as much chance to shine as they should.
Another reason why players brought in under the Beckham Rule might be bad for business is the financial burden they put on clubs. By having to spend substantially more money than they would ordinarily, some MLS clubs are forced to cut their budget in other areas. This often means youth development programmes, wages for novices and the general level of focus which coaches offer to younger players is decreased because of the sharks at the top of the team.
One would hope that MLS teams are aware of such dangers and have budgeted accordingly. However, there’s no doubt that when a team has to break the bank to bring in someone such as Steven Gerrard, it can have detrimental effects in different areas.
MLS Should Proceed with Caution
Regardless of which side of the seasoned veteran divide you fall on, it’s hard to ignore the impact of star players on the MLS. Over the last decade the league has grown in stature and the national team is now no longer a joke.
In fact, with youngsters and veterans all benefitting from the influx of foreign talent, it’s hard to argue that they shouldn’t be given special treatment. However, in the interests of fairness and the future of the MLS, it’s important to not let this treatment spiral out of control to the point that established pros begin to overshadow local talent.
