Recent news that Neven Subotic, a mainstay center back in the airtight Borussia Dortmund defense, has opted to play for Serbia instead of the United States made me want to rip my hair out. I have been following Neven for the last couple of seasons with the help of "Yanks-Abroad.com," and if there is one thing I know, it is that this 20-year-old kid is fantastic. In 17 appearances for Dortmund, he has 5 goals. Let's review. 20 years-old, a strike rate most strikers would envy, great defender, starts in the Bundesliga, and American. I guess I shouldn't be as surprised as I am seeing as if I was given that list of 5 adjectives and asked to pick out the one that didn't fit it, I would choose American.
Since Neven has refused to talk to the media about his decision, the reason why he opted to play for Serbia, a country he has never lived in, is merely speculation. This article did nothing to assuage my rage towards the USMNT coaching staff, but at least it shed some light on the subject. It is the best piece of literature I have read on the subject.
If you are indeed reading this, Neven, all I can say is good luck trying to wrestle a center back spot from Nemanja Vidic or Branislav Ivanovic. You might have had more luck if you had just stuck with the US. Also, don't be surprised if Nemanja breaks your legs during practice for fun.
