Andy Najar

The 17-year-old Najar took America by storm last season, winning the MLS Rookie of the Year award.

Born in Honduras, Najar and his family moved to America when he was 13 and soon after he linked up with DC United's Academy program.

Najar shone as a junior and this led to United signing him direct from their Academy, only the second time this has ever happened.

He only left school on 22nd March last year, but within a week he made his professional debut in United's opening game of the season against Kansas City.

Najar's emergence proved a huge and surprising plus point as he became one of their key players. He scored seven goals in all competitions and was announced as United's most valuable player, despite being just 17.

Najar is a hugely talented midfielder, and while he is currently usually found on the flank he could easily progress into a central role later in his career.

Najar is wonderfully, and naturally, skilful. He can use both feet and run at players with speed.

His vision and reading of the game is also way beyond his years, although his physical presence, perhaps understandably, needs building on.

DC have successfully managed to tie him down to a new multi-year contract amid new interest from Europe, with Arsenal already strongly linked with an interest.

And it is not just clubs looking closely at Najar as Honduras and the US are ready to do battle over his international allegiance, although he is unlikely to be rushed.


The scout says...An excellent prospect, and it appears highly unlikely that he will be seeing out his long-term deal with DC United.

He no doubt benefits hugely from first-team football, but he will also learn from playing in Europe and that is likely to come for him sooner rather than later.

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Ronaldo

I thought about putting up the video of his retirement interview. I saw it, and it does not do him justice.
Instead of mourning his loss from the game, how about we celebrate his achievements by watching him do work.

Ronaldo, thanks for all the great moments.

Boxing Entrance

Stick to Dance Dance Revolution, boyee!
Ouch.

The White Pele

“Yeah, I think that’s my best one," he said. "I just tried to get into a good position for when Nani crossed the ball. I saw it come into the box and I thought, ‘Why not?’. So I tried it [an overhead kick] and thankfully it went into the top corner.

“It’s indescribable,” he said. “When City equalised they started moving the ball a bit and making life difficult for us. But we knew it was important to keep going and try and win the game.

“When I scored the goal, I could see the joy in the crowd, the joy among the players, the manager, the players and all the staff. It was a fantastic moment.”

“We felt we owed the fans a good performance and three points. This keeps us on top of the league, so we’re thankful for that.

-Wayne Rooney