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Wednesday, 02 September 2009 10:27

Freddy Adu excited by fresh challenge

Belenenses sign American prodigy on year-long loan

Freddy AduAmerican forward Freddy Adu is delighted to have been given a second chance to show what he can do in the Portuguese league. The 20-year-old has signed for Belenenses on loan from Benfica until the end of the season.
 
Adu came to Portugal with a huge reputation after shooting to fame in MLS at a young age. He had a reasonable first season for Benfica in 2007/08, scoring five goals despite limited playing time, and many feel he was unlucky to be sent to Monaco on loan the following campaign.
 
After a disappointing spell in the principality, the speedy Ghanaian-born player is hoping to get his career back on track at the Restelo.
 
“I’m very happy to get this opportunity. I’ll do everything within my reach to show my value. This spell at Belenenses is very important for me. It will enable me to express my quality,” said Adu.
 
“The coach believes in my talent, so I’ll do everything I can to make my mark.”
 
by Tom Kundert
 
Comments (9)
Adu has the talent just needs the time
9 Tuesday, 08 September 2009 17:59
Kearny Bhoy
You are crazy to think Adu is not talented, needs to find the right fit in formation and time.. He is another Landon Donovan,
Should play opposite Donovan in attacking midfield.. Tought o get playing time on US team with Dempsey and Donovan in the role fit for him... I would hate to have to defend a front 5 of
(donovan, altidore, charie, dempsey,adu) but his overall size
hurts with donovan currently playing..
US needs central midfielder who can hold possesion, has size and speed. Unfortunately Adu does not fit that bill..
Unless a coach can figure a formation to include Adu
it will be tough to has playing time unless donovan injury.

In Europe, it is just a matter of time for Adu to fill that role, Rubino, Donovan, obviously Benefica still thiks he has talent, only loaned.. he is only 20 and has huge upside.
Freddy keep your head up, it has alot to do with being a numbers game.. Plenty of teams need that attacking pace and ability, your time will come...

Feed the People Stay Alive
I knew he wouldn't make Benfica
8 Friday, 04 September 2009 01:59
Fresh/Hamilton, Canada
Adu is a joke. How can people still protect this guy!? Exactly what Michael, USA said. I know he's young but he has been through Fernando Santos,Chalana,Quique Flores, Jorge Jesus a loan spell at Monaco and still nothing. First of all Adu wasn't compared to Pele. Pele said that Adu would be a great and be the saviour of American football. Let Adu have his spell at Belenenses and while we wait for his return next season and doesn't make the team I will officially say he's "overated" no excuses.
adu
7 Thursday, 03 September 2009 03:04
kwasi
how can he not be good enough to play for benfica. adu was compared to pele when adu was jest 14. now he is 20 and cant even make benfica's team. what a joke. send him back to the MLS.
In the right role, Adu will do very well
6 Thursday, 03 September 2009 02:47
Ed - USA
Adu has quality and creativity. Many of my fellow American football fans do not seem to appreciate his style. He is much more suited for the short-passing, skill-based style common in Europe than the direct, power-based style often favored in America. Adu is creative and skilled, but he is a small man. He can't play effectively with his back to the goal against large physical players. He needs to be slotted in behind the forwards (in a 4-3-1-2) or in a similar central role and allowed to create opportunities for others.

Many people are tired of all the Adu hype in America and because he can't do EVERYTHING they say he can't do anything. He has the best on-the-ball skills of any top player in America. He sees things that many older players on the US team do not - he is in many ways on a much higher level, despite not playing as much. Give him a few games in a central role and you will be VERY pleased. He is not Ronaldo or Ronaldinho, but he is a very good player - who will make the other players around him better.
....
5 Wednesday, 02 September 2009 18:04
Michael, USA
Adu has passed through many managers and all those managers found that he wasnt a good enough player to represent the team. Fernando Santos, Chalana, Quique Flores, Jorge Jesus, Monaco, and even back to his MLS days, in my opinion he didnt play that well...Maybe Adu just isnt good enough? Shoot his play for the US national team is inconsistent at best.
Good move
4 Wednesday, 02 September 2009 16:23
Joca / Lisboa
Benfica needs Adu???? You are crazy? We scored 8 goals in last game the best forward of this season in Benfica which is Weldon not even play. Nuno Gomes is return to goals and dont forgot the Benfica talismanic Mantorras.

This is a good move for Fred Adu. He still can be good in Benfica but he needs to learn still more. If Adu plays a good season in Belenenses he can return to Benfica in the next season. Foreva Aguia!!!
adu
3 Wednesday, 02 September 2009 15:59
Izidro USA
I play ball in boston usa and benfica is my favorite team and I'm kind of upset that the new coach from benfica won't evan give adu a chance I think he can be a great aset to the team and a good goel scorer and they need that
Adu
2 Wednesday, 02 September 2009 14:42
Matt - UK
No way is he 20...

He should do alright with Belenenses, sounds like the loan to Monaco was a bad move for him.
At least he gets media attention
1 Wednesday, 02 September 2009 12:21
Steve / D.C.
I'm not sure of his quality (although he is only 20 and hopefully will shine at Belenenses) but at least Adu gets the U.S. media's attention. Yesterday I was watching PTI (Pardon the Interruption), my favorite show on ESPN here in the States, and they mentioned Adu, Portuguese soccer, Benfica and Belenenses! This is a show that barely discusses soccer at all, so to hear them talking about the Portuguese Liga was great - thanks Freddy Adu, if nothing else, at least you accomplish the not so small feat of getting the U.S. sports media to talk about Portuguese futbol!!!

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