AMSTERDAM – Our journey through the top leagues in Europe now takes us through Scotland and Denmark to forecast the seasons ahead for the seven Americans playing there.
Scotland
Scottish Premier League
Celtic[inlinenode:316247]
American: ‘Keeper Dominic Cervi (Zero games SPL experience)
Last season: runners-up SPL, semifinals Scottish Cup, quarterfinals Co-operative Insurance Cup, group stage Europa League
American's role: Until Celtic replaces departed No. 1 Artur Boruc with one of many linked ‘keepers, Cervi is the back-up.
Key question: How long before Celtic’s rebuild takes? Several regulars have left and six key signings are aboard. It will take some time for everybody to get acquainted, so they'll need to grind out a few results to keep title pace until they gel.
Season outlook: Rangers have had plenty of turnover, but the Hoops still look a shade off their rivals on paper. Of course, they don't play leagues on paper and the transfer window is still open for two weeks. And it looks like Celtic may grab some sort of domestic silver after being shut out last year.
Rangers[inlinenode:316248]
American: Midfielder Maurice Edu (28 games SPL experience)
Last season: SPL champions, quarterfinals Scottish Cup, Co-operative Insurance Cup champions, group stage Champions League
American's role: Edu appears a good bet to start in the middle of the park more often than not this season. Rangers often target him on set pieces.
Key question: Can the kids assume more responsibility? Six players younger than 25, including Edu and teen attacker John Fleck, will be counted on to step it up.
Season outlook: While the Light Blues have made as many squad changes as Celtic, they are also probably better equipped for transition. With the exception of veteran forward James Beattie, most of their newer regulars have risen from within the club. The squad is too thin, but they still have time to rectify that and win another crown.
Denmark
Superliga
Aalborg BK[inlinenode:316237][inlinenode:316240]
Americans: Forward Chris Rolfe (seven games Superliga experience), forward Marcus Tracy (15 games Superliga exp.)
Last season: Fifth in Superliga, round of 16 Ekstra Bladet Cup, second qualifying round Europa League
Americans’ roles: Both attackers are recovering from annoying injury nags as the season opens. When fit, Rolfe is more assured of regular starts and takes many of AaB's corner kicks. Tracy has been more of a spot-starter during his time in Denmark.
Key question: Who will replace the defense and leadership of departed backline marshal Michael Jakobsen? AaB need to bring in someone to fill the void.
Season outlook: Aalborg have gotten off to a roller coaster start. The offense should be fine, but there are worries about what's lined up in front of netminder Karim Zaza, which means another European place may be a little too much to ask.
FC Nordsjælland[inlinenode:316242]
American: Defender Michael Parkhurst (44 games Superliga experience)
Last season: Seventh in Superliga, Ekstra Bladet Cup champions
American's role: After working mostly from right back last season, Parkhurst is now a starting center back.
Key question: Can the Wild Tigers’ attack be more consistent? In 33 games last season, the club scored three or more goals seven times and hit for two eight times; however, they were also shut out on 12 occasions.
Season outlook: This is a very young team that has the skill to better last season's league finish.
Viasat Divisionnen
Aarhus GF[inlinenode:316244]
American: Midfielder Benny Feilhaber (36 games SAS exp.)
Last season: 11th Superliga (relegated), second round Ekstra Bladet Cup
American's role: Feilhaber is usually the left side playmaker in a 4-1-3-2, but his days are likely numbered at Aarhus. The club needs to cash in and could well wait until near the deadline to squeeze every penny out of the deal. In recent weeks, the American has been linked with interest in Germany, Scotland, Spain and Turkey, as well as with top-flight Danish sides.
Key question: Can Martin Jørgensen lead his old club back up at age 34? With so many players out the door because of Aarhus’ relegation from Denmark’s top flight, he will need to do a lot.
Season outlook: Even if Feilhaber leaves, there may well be enough in attack for this team to win promotion back to the honor division.
Viborg FF
American: Defender Babajide Ogunbiyi (Zero games Viasat experience)
Last season: Seventh in Viasat, round of 16 Ekstra Bladet Cup
American's role: Though he is a true pro rookie, expect Ogunbiyi to see considerable time as things stand. This club has a squad that is Buddig lunchmeat thin and a wallet to match.
Key question: How good is the club’s fitness staff? With only 20 first team players to speak of at this time, it had better be fantastic.
Season outlook: Expect the Greens to drop a couple places, but stay in the division.
