MLS Designated Player Dissection: Red Bulls foward Thierry Henry struggling

Posted Wednesday, April 13, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

he patience of supporters for the New York Red Bulls' biggest name has withered while reservation has morphed into outright criticism.

Two hundred seventy minutes into the 2011 MLS season, Thierry Henry has yet to record a point or even look threatening, having placed a mere four shots on target. Is this really the serene striker that ghosted untouched through back lines, boasting the most pedigreed defenders in the world? Is this really the collected finisher that guided Arsenal’s Invincibles and French national teams to boundless glory? Well, it could still be.

A loss by the New York Red Bulls in what’s being harked as a “derby” to the Philadelphia Union justified the growing number that has begun to doubt the reign of the previously untouchable Hans Backe. In the crosshairs of any censure directed at the Swede’s squad is Henry, the club’s five million dollar man and the captain of a team expected to challenge for MLS Cup. Four matches, though, is a miniscule sample size, one that broad generalizations should not be derived from.

The Red Bulls attack has been woeful, as a roster ripe with offensive threats has managed only two goals in four ties this season. During this period, New York has collected five points, not a shabby sum, but also not what was expected of a squad returning from an Eastern Conference regular season championship bolstered with additional recruits.

In retrospect, the expectations that the Red Bulls would immediately trample their early season opponents were unrealistic. It goes without saying that the greatest MLS sides – the current Real Salt Lake one, for instance – build through consistency, slowly emerging out of the league’s stifling parity. Backe has not solely added new parts, but has completely refashioned the 2010 Red Bulls, forging an impressively possession-oriented team.

After a majority of press conferences last year, Backe had a tone of longing – even in the wake of victories. He never believed that his players’ passes were sharp enough. He slightly bemoaned the lack of quality that he perceived. During the past offseason, he has drastically refined New York’s style, emphasizing buildup over long balls.

One byproduct of this transition that has been overlooked is New York’s stout defense. Benefiting from their excessive time in possession, the Red Bulls have allowed a meager two goals with both coming from mistakes that will likely be ironed out in the coming months. However, the intricacies of the final third – the timing of runs, the placement of the final ball, etc. – take time to perfect.

The final piece of Backe’s proverbial puzzle, Dwayne De Rosario, arrived less than a fortnight ago. DeRo’s assist two minutes into his RBNY debut was merely aberration. Since that pass which only further accelerated expectations, the Canadian has largely been absent.

The club’s scoring burden cannot solely rest with Henry. The Frenchman has squandered opportunities this year as well as last, but he deserves time to work his way out of his rut. The whirlwind of 2010 when Henry was thrown into matches lacking limited experience with his teammates should not influence opinions around his current troubles.

Henry’s detached nature may irk some, but he could be wrestling with his own doubts just like any other struggling striker. Fans, though, should appreciate his commitment to the Red Bulls as he’s stated in the past week to ESPN’s Leander Schaerlaeckens.

“For me, it's [all about] New York Red Bulls and bringing some silverware back in my time here," Henry told ESPN. "But people are talking about me trying to promote the game. I'm no ambassador. I didn't invent the game. I'm not going to reinvent the game. I'm not going to change anything.”

The critics are correct in that Henry must produce in the coming weeks. However, it is far too early to write off Titi as just another DP bust.

Juan Pablo Ángel (Los Angeles Galaxy)

Started, played 89 minutes in 1-1 draw against D.C. United.

Ángel, with a trademark knockdown header, provided Mike Magee a perfect opportunity to cement a Galaxy win, but the Colombian’s partner skewed his left-footed attempt.

David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy)

Started, played 81 minutes in 1-1 draw against D.C. United, assisted on Mike Magee's goal in the 12th minute, and received a caution for a reckless tackle in the 41st.

A “disappointed, disgusted” Beckham did not mince words after a Charlie Davies dive led to D.C. equalizing the match minutes from stoppage time. However, Beckham should have few qualms over his performance, as his swerving freekick was his third helper on the season. The DP, though, was administered his 4th booking (and should have received a red for a scissor tackle). It doesn’t appear likely that Beckham will escape April without a suspension.

Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

Was not a part of Los Angeles' 1-1 draw against D.C. United due to fatigue.

Not wanting to miss out on Saturday’s festivities, Donovan tweeted a picture of swim trunks and a towel with the caption, “I got @CharlieDavies9 some gear incase he decides to dive again. Couldn't find a scuba mask though.” There is yet to be a public rebuttal from the D.C. striker.

Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls)

Started, played 90 minutes in 1-0 defeat against the Philadelphia Union.

Sadly Henry might not be able to prove this article correct as there is a strong likelihood that he will miss out on this Saturday’s match against the visiting Earthquakes.

“He has a problem with the Achilles,” Backe told MLSsoccer.com. “It is something that is day by day, week by week with him. It’s a problem, definitely. Last week, he was flying around in training. Tuesday, Thursday trainings, all smiles. And then he looked really, really shot. It’s very hard for him.”

Rafael Márquez (New York Red Bulls)

Started, played 90 minutes in 1-0 defeat against the Philadelphia Union, and received a caution in the 14th minute for dissent.

Besides letting Cam Weaver slip behind him to tie the Dynamo match, Márquez has had a very solid opening sequence to the new season. He occasionally attempts to be too nimble on the ball, but thus far the Mexican has been very impressive in his distribution.

Álvaro Fernandez (Seattle Sounders)

Made the bench, but did not appear in 2-1 victory against the Chicago Fire.

This week El Flaco saw significant action … in the reserve league. With Mauro Rosales, O’Brian White and Erik Friberg emerging, as well as Nate Jaqua and Fredy Montero recovering, the Uruguayan’s time may be limited in Seattle.

Fredy Montero (Seattle Sounders)

Was not a part of Seattle's 2-1 victory against the Chicago Fire due to a wrist injury.

When asked about Montero’s return, Sigi Schmid told reporters on Sunday, “After Monday hopefully he'll be cleared and be able to start training on Tuesday.”

Andrés Mendoza (Columbus Crew)

Was not a part of Columbus' 0-0 draw against Chivas USA due to an adductor strain.

The Crew have struggled for goals early this season and the absence of Mendoza probably didn’t help after the DP striker scored his first of the season last week.

Branko Bošković (D.C. United)

Did not start, played final 9 minutes in 1-1 draw against the Los Angeles Galaxy.

The Montenegrin entered in the 81st minute at R.F.K. over the weekend, but he played a crucial role as his entrance pass put Davies in a position to bait the referee into his pivotal decision.

Fabián Castillo (FC Dallas)

Started, played 90 minutes in 3-0 victory against the Colorado Rapids, and assisted on David Ferreira's goal in the 40th minute.

The 18-year-old continues to scintillate, as he looks certain to man Dallas’ leftwing for the foreseeable future. Castillo’s first MLS point did not come off his usual blazing runs down the flank, but rather a neat through ball that found Ferreira alone on goal.

Alvaro Saborío (Real Salt Lake)

Started, played 90 minutes in 2-1 defeat against Deportivo Saprissa of Costa Rica in the CONCACAF Champions League.

Was not a part of Salt Lake's 2-0 victory against the New England Revolution in order to rest.

Despite the loss, Saborío and Real Salt Lake pulled off an amazing feat as they have progressed to the finals of the CONCACAF Champions League. The Costa Rican received a deserved match off after the historic midweek evening.

Omar Bravo (Sporting Kansas City)

Sporting Kansas City was off this week.

The DP Dissection from MLS’ opening weekend apparently jinxed its subjects. Bravo will be out likely for anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks. Hassli, that’s a whole different topic.

Julian de Guzman (Toronto FC)

Did not start, played second half in 1-1 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes, and received a caution for a reckless tackle in the 79th minute.

De Guzman and the newly traded for Tony Tchani have the potential to be the base of Aron Winter’s revolutionized Toronto FC. Both have the grit and athleticism to allow TFC’s attacking components to flourish.

Eric Hassli (Vancouver Whitecaps)

Did not start, substituted in at the start of the second half in 1-1 draw against the New England Revolution, received a caution in the 49th minute for a reckless tackle, scored a penalty kick in the 55th minute before receiving a second yellow and subsequently a red card in the 56th minute for removing his jersey after the goal.

Was not a part of Vancouver's 3-1 defeat against the Houston Dynamo due to Tuesday's red card.

The bookend of last year’s column, Mista was the butt of countless jokes with his futility and parasitic deportment placing him among the worst DP and Toronto FC signings. Only three games into his MLS career, Hassli, similarly a striker acquired by a Canadian club, has somehow exceeded the fickle Spaniard in terms of providing comic material to MLS. Unless you’re a Whitecap supporter, one can only find humor in Hassli’s celebration.