FC Dallas coach Colin Clarke raised an eyebrow during preseason training when he selected holding midfielder Simo Valakari to be the pitch general.
Despite having played in English Premier League and for his native Finland, this would be the first time Valakari had ever been named captain. He represented his country in 32 caps prior to coming to MLS in 2004. He spent four years in the English soccer system with Derby County, two years in the First Division and two years in the EPL.
"Well, he's done a very good job. Simo is a captain that leads by example and he's definitely one of our most consistent players in the midfield," said Clarke. "He plays the position and does a job that sometimes goes unnoticed, but without the likes of Simo in there we are not the same team."
The midfielder has played well for FCD starting all 19 games and clocking over 1,000 minutes of playing time this season.
"He is very physical. He is one of those guys that makes the league grow. He is very fit. In practice he wants to be the first in line. If you ask him to run one mile he will run two." |
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<strong>-- Oscar Pareja on Simo Valakari</strong> |
"I think he is a good leader. He leads by example," said Dallas defender Clarence Goodson. "He's played at the highest level and he's got everyone -- younger guys and older guys -- learning from him. He's a good guy, real classy guy."
The Hoops' skipper once again raised eyebrows by selecting Valakari as a reserve for last month's Sierra Mist All-Star Game between MLS stars and the EPL's Fulham in Columbus.
Not only did Valakari get the wink to join the reserve team, he got the nod to start and relive his EPL days against Fulham.
"I selected him to the All-Star team for a reason: He is very good for us," Clarke said. "I thought during the All-Star game he again had a very good game and went a little bit unnoticed.
"Everyone gets the headlines for scoring goals and assist, but Simo, in particular, and Shalrie Joseph played very well together in the central midfield and shut things down and that's the type of player he is. He just gets on with his job with no questions asked and does it very well."
Valakari has put the put aside all of the questions regarding his selection as club captain and league All-Star with his solid, effective play.
"Simo is such a professional guy," said FCD midfielder Oscar Pareja. "He has good talents, but the thing that makes him better is that he is very professional and he looks out for the team a lot.
"He is very physical. He is one of those guys that makes the league grow. He is very fit. In practice he wants to be the first in line. If you ask him to run one mile he will run two."
Ron Goode is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
