Luis Ángel Landín is not who likely springs to mind when you think of the MLS' DP rule. Yet, the young Mexican forward looks set to join Houston today as that team's first Beckham Rule player.
It's an interesting selection. Whereas Landín was brilliant for Pachuca (CONCACAF's team of the '00s), scoring 19 goals, he has struggled to find the net since. Actually, he's struggled to find the pitch, falling out of favour with Cruz Azul.
Yet he comes to MLS at a very young age for a DP, just 24. Most fans will agree that it's a little easier to take a risk when a player is that young yet. If it works out, Houston could get a lot of great years out of Landín.
Of course you must never forget the other role of the DP rule -- to sell tickets. Houston is already one of the most successful MLS markets at reaching its Hispanic base. This move should get even more Mexican-Americans out and into the stadium.
And if it doesn't work out Landín is only coming on a loan. Houston could likely find a way out.
No, Landín isn't what you might expect a DP to look like. But, he just might be the type of player that the rule is perfect for.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
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2 comments:
Hearing about this and the Red Bulls situation makes me think that all of those people who complain about TFC related issues should take a good look around the league.
Good crowds, a squad that has gotten better each year, and an owner who is working to make the stadium more attractive is apparently the exception to the rule in MLS. I for one (and I may be alone in this thinking) am happy we have MLSE.
Ugh, I hate it when Mexican players play for a US club. I don't want the usa to have any success in football whatsoever.
Props for accurately calling Pachuca the Concacaf team of 00s. When you think about it, their back2back Concacaf titles is pretty impressive. Not to mention the South American Cup. Here's to the Gophers having another successful decade in the 2010s.
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