Brek Shea, FC Dallas’ versatile attacking threat, has enjoyed his most successful season as a professional. Shea earned a call-up to the United States first team in late 2010 and has featured for the Americans seven times in total.
After a superb MLS season, Brek Shea is one of the final three candidates for MLS MVP. He scored 11 goals and contributed 4 assists while being deployed as a defensive midfielder, a central attacking midfielder, and a winger. The versatile American has just begun training with Arsenal and perhaps looks to cap off a brilliant year with a transfer to the Premier League giants.
Brek Shea represents a remarkable opportunity for Arsene Wenger, both on the pitch and off. The 21 year-old has size, strength, speed, and skill on the ball. The pace and ball skills Shea brings to the pitch are particularly impressive because of his physical stature. Over 6 ft. 3 in. tall (1.91m) with a filled-out build, Shea uniquely blends the physicality of a defender with the pace and skills of an attacker.
If you haven’t seen him in action yet, ignore the video’s title and check this out:
Of course YouTube can make anyone look like the new Zidane, but this merely illustrates the potential that Brek Shea has. If Arsene and his scouts like what they see from Brek on trial, do not be surprised if he is training with Arsenal full-time come January.
Arsene Wenger used Shea’s arrival to highlight his belief that America, as well as Asia, will become new breeding grounds for top-tier players. Arsene would certainly show his firm belief in his proclamations if he indeed does sign Shea. After touring Asia this preseason, perhaps Arsenal is poised to take advantage of the lucrative opportunities to spend preseason in the States.
Brek Shea represents more than a very talented player from an untapped market; he represents an incredible marketing tool for Arsenal as well. Brek Shea has the potential to be a special player, an uncommon tag for an American player. Arsenal can capitalize on the financial weakness of the American dollar and sign Brek Shea in the region of £7million. Furthermore, Arsenal can capitalize on an increased commercial presence in the United States by signing America’s most promising talent.
How lucrative would touring the USA in preseason become with America’s new golden boy on display in every city? If Shea dons the Gunners shirt and rises to level of his “Yank” predecessors like Landon Donovan or Clint Dempsey, his impact on Arsenal’s market penetration and brand association in North America will be exponential.
Brek Shea has a long way to reach those heights, but he’s a gifted youngster with immense promise, both on and off the pitch.
