USA.Arsenal.com: Each league in Europe tends to be associated with a certain style, England is known as fast and physical whereas Spain and Italy are usually described as more technical and tactical. So far, how would you compare the style of play in the MLS to Europe?
Freddie Ljungberg: “I think it’s quite high-tempo in the games. The players I think, in training, they really want to get better and they work very,very hard. SO there’s a lot of running and tempo, and it’s quite a physical league. I think maybe some teams play the ball a bit longer than, like at Arsenal for example.
“They play a bit more long balls than Arsenal. So when we try to keep the ball with one-two touches on the floor, the other teams seem a bit surprised and can’t they really defend against it. So I think if we can get that kind of game plan, with one-two touches on the floor, we can do a lot of damage in the league. That’s how I see it. It feels like they are not really used to seeing a quick passing game on the floor.
USA.Arsenal.com: What league in Europe would you say the MLS most compares to?
Freddie Ljungberg: “There’s no league I can say that it compares to it in that way. The only thing I’ve said, is that level-wise, I think they would play evenly against teams in the Dutch league. Even if they are different kinds of football, but I think that would be about right in even games. But American league is one league and England, Spain, Italy are different leagues.
USA.Arsenal.com: You mentioned that you signed a two-year deal with Seattle. Do plan on continuing to play when your contract is up?
Freddie Ljungberg: “That was why I did it. I wanted to make a decision if I want to play, if I want to stay in America, or I want to go back to Europe to play, or what I want to do. But the way it feels now, especially like I said with my hip, and I’ve got all the injuries behind me, it feels great. I can run again, so probably I’ll play more, but I don’t know yet. The way it feels now, I feel young again, so it’s nice.
USA.Arsenal.com: And what does the future hold for you after football?
Freddie Ljungberg: “If I knew! I don’t know. There’s different things I want to do in life, and I always said it depends if you have a family and kids and stuff, I think you have to take that into consideration for future plans and stuff. But I always loved fashion and architecture and that’s something that interests me.
“I’ve been asked quite a lot lately, or ‘when you get older’, about the managing aspect of things because I like the tactical, and I have some experience in the game… that’s something as well that I’m thinking about. But I think it will all be decided if I have a family and kids.”
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Got to be a good signing.
He’s got something to prove- there are plenty of snipers looking to shoot him down and he could have ensured an easy life staying out in America.
Should fit into the team perfectly in any attacking midfield/wide or striking role and be a great foil for Paddy PMFA
Go for it Freddie Bhoy