The Los Angeles Galaxy got their man in David Beckham, the Columbus Crew in Guillermo Barros Schelotto. The New York Red Bulls got theirs in Juan Pablo Angel, and the Chicago Fire theirs in Cuauhtemoc Blanco.
But with all of those players still yet to arrive on U.S. shores, the only team to have proof that they really got their man is the Kansas City Wizards, in lesser-known Carlos Marinelli.
In 1-1/2 league matches and a U.S. Open Cup play-in match, the Argentinean billed as the Wizards' needed playmaker has delivered with aplomb.
After Wednesday's performance against Toronto FC in which Marinelli controlled the ball masterfully and played both the crisp and the delicate pass well in his first start, forward Eddie Johnson confirmed Marinelli is the real deal.
"We got what we've been looking for: a No. 10 who can see the whole field. Marinelli likes to play the ball forward and give the ball back. That makes it easier for us strikers. He sees the diagonal runs; he sees when we check and then go," Johnson said. "He has a great understanding. He wants to get the ball. He wants to control the midfield. The way he plays gives everybody around him confidence."
The Wizards possessed a potent attack before Marinelli's arrival, as witnessed by their four-goal outburst in their season opener at D.C. United. But now speedsters Johnson, Davy Arnaud and Scott Sealy, along with skilled attackers like Sasha Victorine, Michael Harrington and Jose Burciaga Jr., have someone who can consistently get them the ball at the right time and the right place.
"You saw the creative ability of Carlos [Wednesday]," said midfielder Kerry Zavagnin, who plays behind Marinelli in the Wizards 4-4-2. "What he can do is something that has been missing from within the team for the last couple of years. It changes the whole complexion of the team, and you do have a little more fun."
After the win in Washington, D.C., Onalfo called Victorine his "playmaker." But the addition of Marinelli obviously changed that, as Victorine moved to the right of midfield and Davy Arnaud moved to forward, with Scott Sealy out with an ankle injury.
"I like playing [right midfield]. I still come in and play inside. I still like to get out wide, get the ball and go at people and cross," said Victorine. "I enjoy it. It gives me the freedom to mix it up, and Curt gives me the freedom to trust me that I'm just not going to stay inside, I'm going to be outside [too]."
Interestingly, Marinelli did not register a point in Kansas City's 3-0 win against Toronto FC. But he doesn't need points to make a happy adjustment to a new side after stints with top clubs in top leagues around the world, including Boca Juniors in Argentina, Middlesbrough in the English Premier League and Torino in Italy's Serie A.
"I'm very happy being out there -- especially when you win, you have more fun," Marinelli said after the victory.
His teammates have also done their part to ease the transition -- besides just being a part of victories.
"Everyone has been very friendly; they've taken me in well," Marinelli said. "I'm very happy to be in Kansas City, and I'm looking forward to having a good year."
Marinelli's presence enables others to optimize their abilities and make this Wizards side that much more complete.
"I believe he makes us a better team when he's on the field because of his passing ability and his understanding of soccer. He makes us a better team," said Onalfo. "It's just a matter of getting him game fit. He's going to see significant minutes."
Minutes and success are all Marinelli wants as he endeavors to spread the popularity of MLS and the beautiful game.
"MLS is a very competitive league. I want it to keep growing and do whatever I can to help," he said.
If Marinelli continues to complement the Wizards attack as he has done thus far, the accolades will continue.
"He gives us a dimension we haven't had since the days of Preki," said back Nick Garcia.
And the goals will follow. "Whenever you have a guy in the middle of the field that is really creative behind two fast forwards, we're going to get opportunities every game," said Johnson. "It's just a matter of us putting them away."
Bob Rusert is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
