Jack Byrne (M Shamrock Rovers b.1996)

**Diggs246** · 26/08/2021, 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by geysir

Robbie was a grandfather by that stage, after a long illustrious career with Galaxy, one that was even worthy of a statue in his honour.

Really? I knew becks got a statue, but did robbie get one?

**mark12345** · 26/08/2021, 4:37 PM

Mexican league would be slightly stronger in my opinion but the gap is closing. MLS is improving year in year out and at this point in time has supplied European leagues with a decent amount of talent

**pineapple stu** · 26/08/2021, 4:48 PM

Originally Posted by mark12345

MLS at this point in time has supplied European leagues with a decent amount of talent

Has it?

A couple of decent youngsters have come from the MLS for sure (Alphonso Davies a good recent example), but that should the case of any league. They go to Europe to finish development and that doesn't really reflect the standard of the MLS. The number of players who left the MLS for Europe last year was tiny for example, and that includes some retirees returning home (Rooney and Zlatan the obvious two).

I think that list of transfers argues quite strongly against the idea that the MLS is supplying European leagues with a decent amount of talent. The 2019 list isn't much better.

**irishfan86** · 27/08/2021, 5:08 AM

It’s just a bit of a strange league in that there can be a range of salaries and talents that you rarely see in a European league. Every team has its stars, but in MLS, that gap in pay and quality is huge. The Vancouver Whitecaps just recruited Scotsman Ryan Gauld who was considered one of the best players in the Portuguese league and wanted by Norwich this summer. He’s 25 and in his prime and came to Vancouver for the money. Three goals in three games arriving mid season with no match fitness and could definitely play at a higher level.

Then you’ve got guys on the fringe of the starting lineup who are quite inexperienced or journeymen that might find it tough to get regular minutes in League 1 or 2.

I am based in Vancouver and don’t watch much LoI so my knowledge is limited to Byrne’s Ireland appearances. I was impressed vs Bulgaria and there’s definitely something about him. In MLS I think the challenge is he’s not enough star power to qualify as a Designated Player, and if he’s a bit injury prone, it might be a bad league for him due to the physicality and focus on more athletic players.

The reality is we are currently picking League 1 players in our squad. If Byrne went to MLS and did well, I believe he should be considered for selection.