The USA's head coach, Jurgen Klinsmann, has been waxing lyrical about Robbie Keane ahead of our friendly clash later this month. Klinsmann has said the LA Galaxy and Ireland captain as the perfect role model for all footballers and described him as 'a special player.'
Kilnsmann said, 'Keane is a tremendous athlete and a tremendous role model for all the players out there.' He is most impressed with Keane's attitude since coming to the US:
With Robbie you have a player that always gives you everything. Robbie Keane, in his culture and his nature, is never about, 'Okay, how much money can I make here?'
Robbie Keane is about, 'I go on the field [and] and I’m training the same way as I do in the real game and I give everything I have.'
While one might assume that many in the US would be upset with Keane's continued commitment to the Ireland team – rather than fully focusing on the Galaxy – Klinsmann sees it as a quality:
At the same time, he still plays for the national team. He flies back and forth. He would fly over tonight and play a game there and be tomorrow back with the Galaxy and play the next one. That’s the type of character he is.
At this point the US head coach unleashes all the praise possible... All. The. Praise.
Having a role model like Robbie Keane in this league is huge. And the more similar guys we could get to MLS to carry that message of total dedication, being a total professional, helping younger players, teaching younger players what it means to become that professional, the faster the league will grow.
Keane and Galaxy take on Real Salt Lake in the second leg of their Eastern Conference semi-final this Sunday.
hat-tip: HITC
