Who Will Be The Timbers Designated Player?

Written by Ben Bradea | 22 August 2010

The MLS Designated Player Rule serves as the most important building block in a new MLS franchise.

Ljungberg is exactly the kind of player the DPR was designed for.

But what about the Timbers?

Over the next few months, there will be a major overhaul to Portland's roster - from new players arriving via the expansion draft and the MLS draft, to cutting ties with USL Division players that are just not up to MLS standards. There might be a few familiar faces come next year, but don’t expect more than a few.

New head coach John Spencer’s most important roster move will be the selection of the Designated Player. Of course, this depends heavily on how much Timbers Owner Merritt Paulson is willing to spend, but I’m going to bet he will do all he can to really help this franchise.

The next question is: who’s out there?

What soccer star is looking for a move to the MLS and more importantly to Portland? The trend is for older star players to come and play out the rest of their careers in the states. For the sake of this franchise, maybe they can get a star that is in the prime of their career. That is easier said then done. But you can build your franchise around a younger player, rather than just getting a stop gap for a couple of years. Case in point: the Sounders have already parted ways with Ljungberg in less than 2 years.

Let’s take a look at some of the Timbers possibilities to fill their Designated Player slot:

Ronaldinho: The next true soccer star linked to MLS is well known across the world. Not what he once was a few years ago, Ronaldinho still has plenty to offer. Ronaldinho was once regarded the best soccer player in the world, winning two FIFA Player of the Year awards in 2004 and 2005. The probability of landing someone like Ronaldinho is close to zero, but money does play a role in the equation. Expect to see Ronaldinho on an MLS side in the very near future.

Adrian Mutu: A resident of Miami, Florida, Mutu has been a trouble maker over the years as just last season he was suspended from his club team in Italy, Fiorentina, for taking a banned weight-loss substance, Sibutramine. Early in his career, he also battled cocaine issues while he was at London club, Chelsea, which has ordered him to pay approximately $17 million for damages lost during his stay there. But his talent is unquestioned. Just three years ago, he was named the best player in the Italian Seria A, amassing 16 goals and 8 assists in 33 games. He has also done very well on the international stage, scoring 29 goals in 67 games for Romania. Mutu would be a huge signing for the Timbers, and although we will see Mutu play in the MLS in the coming years, it might not be in rainy Portland.

Eidur Gudjohnsen: Gudjohnsen is not as well known as the previous two players, but he is a more realistic target of the Timbers. He has expressed the interest in playing in the MLS and just this summer was linked to the Kansas City Wizards. Gudjohnsen does boast a pretty impressive CV, amassing almost 300 games at club powerhouses Barcelona and Chelsea. Timber fans would really enjoy watching him play. At 6’1”, Gudjohnsen is a strong pivot striker that will make Coach Spencer’s offensive strategy much simpler.

Ryan Giggs: On Manchester United tour of the US earlier this month, Giggs (pictured above) hinted at a possible move to the MLS. He mentioned that he likes the American lifestyle and that the play in the MLS is really improving. Although 36 years old, Giggs witty style of play would greatly help the new Timbers franchise get rolling. A calming influence in the midfield, Giggs has played his whole 19 year career for Manchester United, appearing in an unprecedented 589 games. He boasts 11 Premier League Titles, 4 FA Cups, and 2 UEFA Champions league titles. Giggs would be a major coup for the Timbers, but one with a decent probability of happening.

photo: ukfutbol