AMSTERDAM – Today we flip the European preseason journal page to offer up some expectations for the three Americans playing in neighbors Belgium and France.
France [inlinenode:315551]
Ligue 1
Saint-Étienne
American: defender Carlos Bocanegra (55 games Ligue 1 experience)
Last season: 17th Ligue 1, quarterfinals Coupe de France, round of 16 Coupe de la Ligue
American's role: Bocanegra begins as a starter in the middle, but could also see time out at left back unless Les Verts score a new one late in the transfer window (like they need to).
Key question: Can the forwards come correct? Gonzalo Bergessio, Dimitri Payet and Boubacar Sanogo each have some measure of pedigree, but they combined for just nine goals in 87 league games last season. They are no world beaters—especially the eminently wasteful Sanogo—but they should still be good for at least 20 goals between them. This should not be the lowest scoring team in Ligue 1, as it was last year.
Season outlook: The club has kept its hottest transfer targets and added a couple of pieces and should be improved. With one more quality defender added by the deadline and some better finishing, they should realistically expect a midtable finish.
Sochaux [inlinenode:304767]
American: forward Charlie Davies (eight games Ligue 1 experience)
Last season: 16th Ligue 1, quarterfinals Coupe de France, round of 32 Coupe de la Ligue
American's role: Though Davies is finally fit from the car wreck injuries that cost him a World Cup, he isn't quite ready for prime time from a playing standpoint. Desperate for goals, though, Sochaux may start dressing him sooner rather than later.
Key question: Who is going to score for this team? Anyone? Bueller? Not only is speedy forward Davies out, but top power forward Václav Svěrkoš is recovering from an injury. Both could return to the selection as soon as this weekend, but with or without them, one or more of their young stable forwards needs to step up production.
Season outlook: Chances are they will find themselves in another relegation struggle this term. If the star strike duo regain mojo, those chances decrease greatly.
Belgium [inline_node:314592]
Jupiler League
Anderlecht
American: midfielder Sacha Kljestan (two games Jupiler League experience)
Last season: champions Jupiler League, quarterfinals Cofidis Cup, round of 16 Europa League
American's role: A longtime fan of Kljestan's, manager Ariël Jacobs has immediately installed the American into his starting midfield. If star man Mbark Boussoufa leaves before the transfer window closes, he could move to an attacking role.
Key question: Will someone pay up for Boussoufa within the next 13 days? A late departure could leave them scrambling to switch from being conducted by their usual maestro in attack to playmaking by committee.
Season outlook: As is, the Mauves look good for another title. They could even cause a little Champions League trouble given the right draw. If Boussoufa departs, the expectations will drop a notch.
