Nice story on Nkufo

by Jeremiah Oshan on Apr 8, 2010 9:55 AM PDT in Other Professional Soccer (non-Sound)

FIFA.com had a chance to sit down with future Sounders forward Blaise N'kufo. The story details his early struggles with the Swiss national team, and how he resurrected his career with Dutch pro side Twente Enschede.

"In Switzerland, people often didn’t recognise my true potential. Then when I went to the German 2nd division, the move was misinterpreted. That was primarily a springboard to get to the Bundesliga, which was my objective. Finally, I moved to the Netherlands, where my performances are properly appreciated," said Nkufo in an exclusive interview with FIFA.com.

It's a nice story and details just how good N'kufo has been recently. Far from a fading star, he appears to be just hitting his stride as he prepares for the World Cup, and then his move here.

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This relieves some doubts I've had recently

When the announcement was made I was totally caught up in the hype about the whole thing, which made me entirely overlook his age and the fact that I honestly had never even heard of him prior to this season. I think now that the hype has died down and I’ve had a little bit of time to really look at him and what he’s done, I’m comfortable with knowing that we’re going to have at the minimum a decently solid striker coming to work for the team. Not that I am any expert on scouting, nor do I distrust Hanauer and company. But you know. I’m excited for when he gets here. His stats don’t lie. And Eredivisie is a respectable league to be coming from.

by chrisperry1983 on Apr 8, 2010 10:49 AM PDT reply actions

I've read he's over the hill

I think in an ESPN column. And I was wondering, “according to whom?” His stats certainly aren’t trending that way. He might not have a whole lot of time left in those legs, but I’m sure he’s got a good season or two in him.

Because if it's not Love
Then it's the bomb ...
That will bring us together

by Jeremiah Oshan on Apr 8, 2010 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions

That's what I was thinking

He has continued to play solid the past few seasons and doesn’t seem to be slowing this season. His contract is for 18 months, I think we’ll be getting good service to the end. Marshall has certainly bucked the trend as he continues to perform in his age.

by chrisperry1983 on Apr 8, 2010 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions

it really depends on the person.

Like Jim Brennan for TFC just retired and he is only 32 right now.
Claudio Suarez for Chivas is 41 and just retired before the season.
So depending on how he holds up there could be 3-4 seasons or even more . If we get a season and a half out of Blaise I’ll be happy. Anything more than that is just icing on the cake imo. I’m really looking forward to seeing him play for the Sounders just like everyone else. I also really hope Twente can win the title this year before he leaves.

by majora999 on Apr 8, 2010 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions