I have always been a Clint Mathis fan. Skilled, talented and with an edge of bravado not often found in American players .
Remember his five goal MLS record setting performance against the Dallas Burn. Here was Clint weaving, juking, and powering his way past defenders that looked like light poles.
Fast forward to his return to MLS . Real Salt Lake and John Ellinger could not get anything out of Mathis. Colorado may have gotten a spark here or there but in the end Fernando Clavijo had enough. So what is up with Mathis?
Some reports say he is unmotivated and that is clearly backed up by his last few seasons. So why would the Red Bull acquire Mathis? Did they need a name? Do they truly believe they can turn him around? Is this a stop-gap measure for other deals gone astray? Will they sign Colombian striker Juan Pablo Angel?
The Red Bull may just be stockpiling themselves with players that are large question marks.
Mathis may be the latest version, I hope he gets motivated….The league needs a curtain call from the Conyers, Georgia native.
Re-wind to the 2002 World Cup and mohawk Mathis. Take a deep breath and re-live the memory. Can we see a swashbuckling Clint put in some consistent performances in 2007? Not based on his last few years but I remain hopeful.
The pressure is on in the Big Apple and from an MLS perspective lifeless over the years.
Clint don’t go soft on us. Find that competitive streak inside of you again, you have plenty of time down the road to be a kinder, gentler Clint Mathis on the field.