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Originally Posted by shermanator
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Having taken some time to read some reviews and do some research on these players, it looks like a lot of them are MLS/USL "tweeners" that need the opportunity for the chance to make it big. For that, I think the term "foundational player" is fair. I think these are the types that CanPL should be looking at as the desired average player level going forward. Bekker and Ledgerwood are definitely the best now, but Camargo and Chung could be the best of the group within a couple of years based on their resumes.
I guess I was hoping some of the initial players might be active Canadian NT players or recent call-ups like David Edgar, Dejan Jakovic, Tesho Akindele, Manjrekar James, or Tosaint Ricketts. I suppose some of these players (or others) of that level could still be coming, as well as some good international players who might have NT level experience to up the talent level.
Don't get me wrong, I expect at least half of all the rosters to be PDL/U-Sports level guys, but I'm hoping there's enough MLS/USL tweeners and players who have played at the top levels internationally to really push the talent level and up the general entertainment level of the league. Even though Cavs are MLS priced, I'd be hopelessly naïve to expect that level of play in year 1, or 3, or even year 5.
But hey, who wouldn't love to see a couple former EPL/Serie A/La Liga/Bundesliga types on a few of these teams? I suppose those players could be yet to come too. Naturally, we can't expect a Zlatan level (it took MLS how long to attract Beckham, let alone Rooney, Villa, Zlatan, etc.)
I think its a missed opportunity if there aren't at least a couple guys on a couple squads like that (even guys who were in and out of starting 11s of mid or bottom table teams in one of the big leagues).