Kyle Martino came into MLS with a great deal of promise and an equally high amount of expectations. He was the 2002 MLS Rookie of the Year and was tabbed as the heir apparent to take over the center of the U.S. midfield. Over the course of his professional career Martino has shown flashes of the potential people laid upon him but a handful of injuries and setbacks have slowed his development as a player.
This winter Martino decided to test the waters abroad training with Leeds United of the English Coca-Cola Championship (second level) and NEC Nijmegen in the Dutch Eredivisie. While no contract offer came from either club, the experience proved invaluable to Martino's preparations for the 2007 season.
"It was a great experience. It was good to get over there and see what that level is like," said Martino. "It's definitely a different type of soccer."
Martino doesn't feel that the level of play in MLS is that far off from the teams he trained with. The main difference between them and MLS is the attitude and culture that surrounds the game in Europe.
"I would say skill-wise we're up there with those teams. The Dutch players were very technical, but when it comes to skill, in MLS there are a lot of skillful players that I didn't see in England," said Martino. "The difference is the intensity of the game."
After his rookie season out of the University of Virginia, Martino struggled to find a place to be effective with the Columbus Crew, where he started his MLS career. While he maintained a regular place in the Crew lineup, he was moved from playing as the playmaking midfielder to a second forward, then to a wide midfielder as the Crew also tinkered with varying systems without much success.
In mid-May of last year, Martino was sent to the Galaxy along with John Wolyniec for Joseph Ngwenya and Ned Grabavoy. He ended the season with nine appearances (six as a starter), scoring no goals with one assist.
But when Martino returned from Europe, the Galaxy front office made it a point to re-sign Martino. With the Galaxy looking to go to a 4-3-3 formation, this year Martino's versatility in the attack makes him an asset.
"Kyle's got a good attitude towards doing well. He was determined to re-sign with us and we were determined to re-sign him," said Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop. "He's played high on the right, he's played high on the left. He's done well, he's been dangerous, and he's created chances."
Martino feels that he's best suited to play up top as well. With the Galaxy playing three forwards this year there are plenty of chances for Martino to get on the field. The competition will be stiff as the Galaxy have a bevy of options in the attack, but Martino's experience in Europe this winter could serve him well.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
