Onyewu Flies Flag to Milan

The Associated Press reports that US International defender Oguchi Onyewu has joined AC Milan on a free transfer. The announcement ends months of speculation surrounding the towering defender’s next assignment. Following an impressive spell with Standard Liege where he played a pivotal role in the club’s back-to-back league title success, the American’s future has been linked with clubs across Europe including Fulham, Villarreal, Fenerbahce, and even Real Madrid (just this week).

What you looking at sucka?

In the end, Onyewu is off to Milan – a club currently in transition following the departures of manager Carlo Ancelotti and talisman striker Kaka. Given the unsettled environment and current fan backlash following the sale of the Brazilian, Onyewu can expect his performances to be under the microscope from day one. As the club attempts to improve upon its 3rd place finish last season, an organized and stingy defense will be the launch pad for a run to the Scudetto.

The 27-year old Onyewu, or “Gooch,” as he’s know to the US faithful, has developed into a very solid central defender over the last 2-3 seasons.  Undoubtedly gifted from a physical perspective, early in his career the 6’4″ defender suffered by committing too many fouls and garnering too many bookings. This was the case during the 2006 World Cup as Gooch gave up a questionable penalty-kick to Ghana just before halftime in the US’ final 1st round game which eliminated the side from the competition.

To his credit, recent performances demonstrate signs that Onyewu has learned to contain the urge to commit meaningless fouls. His stalwart displays in South Africa, highlighted by the shut out of Spain, prove that he has become a reliable force in central defense and provides a devastating aerial threat at set pieces. This move to Serie A will only improve the player and give the US backline added experience and confidence when they return to Africa next summer.

We at Footy Factor would like to thank Andy Taylor from Washington DC for submitting this article.