Muñeco to US?

By: Christian | January 21st, 2008

Reports from Argentina and Goal.com are claiming that Marcelo Gallardo, former River captain and Argentine international, could be on his way to MLS.

San Lorenzo was known to be in the running for the midfielder, currently languishing at PSG, a move which would have been a major coup for former River coach Ramón Díaz. However, according to Gallardo’s agent Juan Berros, San Lorenzo’s offer was not as lucrative as MLS’, and a deal could be announced by week’s end.

So where could El Muñeco wind up playing? I don’t know, but whatever side gets him will become my new B team. Gallardo is one of my all-time favorite River players, and the opportunity to see him play again would be unbelievable. He was always regarded by me as a consummate professional and a born leader on the pitch, and River hasn’t really been able to fill the void left after his move to Europe. D.C. United have to be considered front-runners, given the fact that they lost out on Juan Sebastián Verón and with their history of scouting players from South America, but don’t count out the New York Red Bulls, whose new coach Juan Carlos Osorio is said to be scouting in Colombia and Argentina.

Here’s a video I took two years ago at the Monumental, when River defeated Rosario Central 2-0, thanks in part to this penalty, converted by Gallardo.

Category: Argentina, Former Greats, Players Abroad, Transfer Rumors, miscellaneous

Tags: Argentina, Former Greats, marcelo gallardo, miscellaneous, Players Abroad, Transfer Rumors

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• Albo |  January 21st, 2008 at 2:37 pm

  
  
  

  Christian, you’re gonna hate me for this but I have to respectfully disagree with you when you call Gallardo “a consummate professional on the pitch”.
  There’s no doubt that El Muñeco is a super star. He’s got all the game he can have and then some. And is a real leader to his teammates.
  But too many times when he’s losing the game, he becomes a liability to his team.
  He has been kicked out many times for losing his temper or fighting with the referee. His problems to accept loss are known, just like it happens to Guillermo Barros Schelotto (ex Boca).
  Too much attitude is, imo, what has prevented el Muñeco from being at the very top of the game in Europe. Saludos

  Posted from United States

  

• Christian |  January 21st, 2008 at 2:57 pm

  
  
  

  I don’t hate you, and you bring up some good points. Gallardo would not be the first Argentine to be successful at home then flop abroad. And losing his temper…yeah, there was that whole incident with Mostazo Merlo, but still, I always felt like he played for the shirt. Take Belluschi – different player and different role, but there were times last season where he just completely looked uninterested, and I never saw that with Muñeco.

  If he can produce the same results as Schelotto with the Crew, then he will be a huge asset to MLS.

  Posted from United States

  

• Albo |  January 21st, 2008 at 3:13 pm

  
  
  

  Well said, Christian

  Posted from United States

  

• Dave Martinez |  January 22nd, 2008 at 8:33 am

  
  
  

  Hey Christian,

  First off, I was hoping to surprise YOU with this story . . . but ya beat me to it! I just posted it too damnit!

  Second, this is one “gallena” that I would love for RBNY to have. His vision, passing, and finishing is top notch. And the Bulls could use that flare, as well as that . . . professional . . . attitude he brings to the pitch.

  Posted from United States

  

• jon |  January 25th, 2008 at 11:56 am

  
  
  

  we’re excited to have him, and hope he can at least be as good as the CAM we’re letting go.

  Posted from United States

  

Comments are closed