Juan Agudelo sprung into the American consciousness right around this time last year. That's when New York Red Bulls coach Hans Backe shocked most of the MLS observing world when he gave the teenager a surprise start in a playoff game against the San Jose Earthquakes.
FC Dallas Vs. Red Bulls Live, MLS Cup Playoffs 2011: Juan Agudelo Developing On The Bench
It seemed like a stroke of genius as he set up a Thierry Henry goal and nearly helped lead the Red Bulls to a victory. He eventually got a look from Bob Bradley on the United States national team and even scored a late goal in his debut. He scored again in his second USMNT appearance and suddenly he was the new "it" player.
At the time, Backe cautioned us all against letting the hype train run off the tracks and seemed genuinely concerned that expectations would lead to Agudelo’s downfall. Of course, the only way he could control that was by not playing Agudelo ... and that’s exactly what he’s done.
Sure, Agudelo plays, but not that much and certainly not as much as his supporters would like. On Wednesday, like most nights, he’s starting on the bench. He’ll probably enter the game sometime very late in the match with very limited opportunity to make an impact.
Is this how you develop talent? I’m no expert, but it’s not how I’d do it. Great talent is not developed by watching the Mehdi Ballouchys of the world be the first player off the bench.
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