10 Best Players for Major League Soccer to Sign Under "Beckham Rule"

Just over a week ago, it was in the news from the BBC to Sportscenter, "The Beckham Rule". It is officially known as the Designated Player Rule, but after David Beckham made a number of comments about being interested in Major League Soccer, it became known as the "Beckham Rule".

The rule has been designed to allow clubs a greater freedom in signing star players with high skill levels. In the past, MLS teams had to use player allocation to pay players outside of the league's tight, approximate $2 Million salary cap. Although the salary cap did not apply to Generation Addidas players and some developmental players, it did limit the purchasing power of any inidividual team. Player allocation came from the league office with complicated player contracts but allowed teams to sign high calibre players. Some well known players on allocation include: Landon Donovan, Freddy Adu, Paco Palencia, Aitor Karanka, and Carlos Ruiz.

Next season, this system will change. Players on allocation will remain on allocation for one more season but then be forced to participate under the new rules. The rules include an increase in the salary cap and the designated player rule. Some speculation about the salary cap increase put it about $500,000. The new rule will put the fate of most clubs in their own hands and allow teams to sign players more for their names than for their skills.

A numbers of names have already come up as teams try to figure out how best to use the new found freedom. Beckham, Ronaldo, Figo, and Zidane are all common names that can found on the soccer blogs in these discussions. However, what remains to be seen is if that generation of players will be able to increase the quality of play and sustain a higher interest in the MLS.

No one doubts that a name like Beckham would bring more people to a game, but with the new soccer specific stadiums that increase will be limited to at most 25,000 people per game. Also if fans show up to see Beckham, only to find out that he isn't the Beckham everyone expects, will they continue to come watch a player that needs to retire?

One other consider, if Beckham is still able to deliver a glorious cross into the box, will the typical MLS forward be able to use it or anticipate it? Keep in mind that when Pele first signed with the Cosmos, the quality of play did not increase in New York until the team signed other big name players, who knew how to play along side him. How will Beckham look while servicing a Thiago Martins?

Instead of signing former greats, who are at the tail ends of their careers, what if the MLS clubs signed players who still have some life left and are only a modest step up from the typical MLS player? What if the league signed other players who are at the same level as a Paco Palencia, Pat Noonan, or Justin Mapp? These kinds of players are better than your average MLS player, but none of them will be headlining a UEFA Champions League team in the near future.

It is with this in mind that the league and its teams should consider signing the following players in the off-season.

1. "Magic" Zurawski- This Polish International would be a great fit in Chicago, especially after the loss of Jaqua to Toronto. "Magic" has all but lost his starting forward position at Celtic to the young Scot, Kenny Miller, but still has a lot of life in him. Zurawski is a quality player who would certainly tally a few goals for the Fire.

2. Hidetoshi Nakata- This Japanese midfielder announced his retirement at the young age of 29. He was one of the brighter stars at Bolton last season and has had good showings for the Japanese National Team. Nakata's strong offensive skills would certainly compliment Donovan's abilities and give the Galaxy a strong attack

3. Jared Borgetti- Borgetti has been one of the most popular and well respected Mexican players of all time. Although older than the big name European stars, Borgetti does not look like he's ready for retirement just yet. He currently plays for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia but has not announced any intentions of international retirement. Borgetti would be fantastic next to Paco Palencia, Juan Pablo Garcia, and Claudio Suarez at Chivas USA.

4. Brian McBride- McBride should return to Columbus. The Fulham striker has had a good run in Europe and was a fan favorite in Columbus. He would provide them with a much needed boost on offense as well as in attendance.

5. Gerardo Torrado- Torrado is still three years under the age of thirty, which means he could be an excellent defender for years to come. His defensive abilities have been put to use by the Mexican National Team and have served Cruz Azul well as they have already earned 30 points during Apetura 2006. With a strong international forward line already in place at Dallas, signing Torrado should prove wise. Roberto Mina, Ramon Nunez, and Carlos Ruiz will deliver goals if a veteran leader can protect their net.

6. Tomasz Radzinski- Although Radzinski would be nearing 34 upon entering the MLS, he has been Canada's most reliable goal scorer. Radzinski is still a solid player for the Canadian National Team. He tallied another goal for the boys in red against Jamaica just over a month ago. It seems that his days at Fulham might be coming to an end, but Toronto FC is in need of a talented Canadian striker. Radzinski fits the profile better than any other player with the possible expections of two young, unproven players, Will Johnson and Rob Friend.

7. Julian De Guzman- De Guzman is one of Canada's brightest midfield players. Although his marketablity might not be strong in Houston, putting him next to Dwayne De Rosario is a proven and potent combination. His time in La Liga is evidence enough of what kind of abilities he brings with him.

8. Giuseppe Rossi- This young Italian-American talent is orgininally from New Jersey and should return to New York. His career in the English Premier League has had its bright moments, but even with a starting spot at Newcastle, this striker can't find goal. Some time playing in the States should help him build his confidence and perhaps might convince him to leave Italy's Youth National Team for the U.S. Men's National Team.

9. Damien Duff- This 27 year old Irish International had the best days of his career while at Chelsea. Duff has struggled while at Newcastle because he has ended up playing forward or has no real strikers to service when placed on his favorite left wing. With New England possibly loosing Dempsey, Joseph, and Cancela from their midfield, a winger of Duff's calibre would be a huge signing. Duff's managed to prove himself still capable through his play with the Irish National Team but may soon lose favor England. Duff might be able to discover Ryan Nelson's remedy and return to England after a quick trip to the States.

10. Fabricio Coloccini- This young Argentine defender displayed his abilities during the World Cup. D.C. United has been keen on signing Argentine players, and with the problems that they've faced on defense signing Coloccini would certainly help the club. Though young, Coloccini would provide veteran leadership and provide excellent service out of the back.

The Denver, Salt Lake City, and Kansas City markets are far harder to define, especially for any kind of attempt at target marketing. These teams would likely be best served by bringing in top tier CONCACAF players like Pavel Pardo, Alvaro Saborio, David Suazo, Damani Ralph, Stern John, Omar Bravo, or DaMarcus Beasley. All of these players would certainly increase local interest simply because of their accomplishments with their respective national and club teams. Ralph, John, and Beasley were all very popular during their MLS careers. In particular, DaMarcus Beasley would be a smart signing because most American soccer fans are very familiar with his accomplishments at PSV Eindhoven and with the U.S. National Team.

The drawback to signing the above mentioned players is that they will not draw national press attention. Should a club sign a Zidane or Beckham, the media frenzy would be enormous. Major League Soccer would finally earn spots on the the nightly news and on cable news programs. However, the real key to success is in generating revenue.

These 10 players would generate revenue by increasing ticket sales and upping the level play without bankrupting a team. The salary demands would be lower, which would also leave teams free to use the newly expanded salary cap to bring in another high calibre player to compliment the designated player. For example, if Chicago were to sign Zurawski as their designated player, the club may still have enough money with the increased salary cap to sign a player like Rasiak from South Hampton. This hypothetical situation would increase ticket sales, increase merchandise sales, and help put a better product on the field. It would not turn the Fire into a Chelsea or Real Madrid, but these kinds of roster moves would give MLS teams the look of second tier Champions League-type sides such as: Hammarby, Copenhagen, or Rosenborg.

The smart managers will not look to the "Beckham Rule" as way to sign former greats with delusions of grandeur. The smart managers will use this new freedom to make the league more competitive on the international scene. For the media and the average American to take Major League Soccer seriously, the league will have to become truly competitive on the international stage. Once this happens, the league will be able to enjoy real profits and attact star players at the height of their careers instead signing overpaid retirees.