The pitfalls of Europe for American soccer players

Most American soccer fans look at players in MLS and feel that they need to go to Europe to advance their careers and become better players. Jeff Carlisle over at ESPN.com takes a look at how that perception may be changing for some players in MLS.

Carlisle looks at the case of Stuart Holden, who is mulling a potential move to Blackburn of the EPL, and Danny Califf, who recently signed with the Philadelphia Union after spending the last few seasons in Denmark. What it all boils down to is risk versus certainty, which is being magnified with the World Cup only 6 months away. Both Califf and Holden are both in the player pool and both have a shot at making the final World Cup roster for next summers tournament. Califf came back to the United States to play for Bob Bradley's former assistant coach and get more visibility. Holden has a more secure spot on the team but is far from a lock and will need to make sure that he is going to see the field wherever he signs. Going to the EPL, or anywhere in Europe for that matter, will always be a risk for almost any American player. Holden could also choose to return to Houston and MLS where he will be one of the league's top players and will be guaranteed to see the field.

So it's not nearly as clear cut as one might like it to seem these days and the looming World Cup only adds to the conundrum. Each players situation is slightly different and each potential employer is different as well. There really are so many factors that it's foolish for us stupid fans to just scream for all American players to go to Europe.