Friday, October 19, 2007
Adu struggling to get playing time in Europe
Freddy Adu has been mainly a spectator with Benfica since arriving in Europe.
The 18-year-old American transferred to the Portuguese club last summer from Real Salt Lake and has played just 64 minutes over 2½ months, appearing twice as a substitute.
Now he's training with the U.S. national team ahead of Wednesday night's exhibition game at Switzerland.
"Freddy is a great talent," said U.S. midfielder DaMarcus Beasley, who had similar problems getting playing time during stretches when he was with PSV Eindhoven.
"He just needs to keep his head straight and not get too down on himself, and when he gets his chances to take them."
Since former Spain coach Jose Antonio Camacho took over, Adu's only appearance was in the final 11 minutes of a league match against Sporting Lisbon on Sept. 30.
The 18-year-old American transferred to the Portuguese club last summer from Real Salt Lake and has played just 64 minutes over 2½ months, appearing twice as a substitute.
Now he's training with the U.S. national team ahead of Wednesday night's exhibition game at Switzerland.
"Freddy is a great talent," said U.S. midfielder DaMarcus Beasley, who had similar problems getting playing time during stretches when he was with PSV Eindhoven.
"He just needs to keep his head straight and not get too down on himself, and when he gets his chances to take them."
Since former Spain coach Jose Antonio Camacho took over, Adu's only appearance was in the final 11 minutes of a league match against Sporting Lisbon on Sept. 30.
