This move by the Fire marks the third player to occupy the league's newly created Designated Player slots; Blanco's contract is expected to be around $2 million a year. I'm hearing lots and lots of bad reviews on this move. I personally am not a big fan of it either, but there are several directions it could go.
If nothing, Blanco will certainly bring attitude to the team and the league. Whether its the right kind of attitude only time will tell. He is an immensely skilled player that comes with a gorialla of an attitude. That balance of goalscoring and playmaking potential versus the potential headache he could cause the club will be what ultimately determines if he is worth the money, especially at age 34. Some of the highlights below show both the beauty of his goals and the boneheadedness of his celebrations that, should they continue in MLS will certainly cause controversy.
I would say that so far Blanco brings the least to his team of the players acquired through the league's new rule. Reyna and Beckham are both proven leaders who will undoubtedly boost morale before they undo their team. Reyna is still capable of being an engine in the midfield, I think, even if his legs might be wearing down a little. Beckham has those magical moemnts especially from crosses and free kicks, not to mention his enormous drawing power for the league. Will Blanco be able to fulfill these established expectations?
Some questions to consider over this move:
Will this be another tired, aging star transferring to MLS to cash in on his name when his skills might no longer bring home the same paycheck? For the sake of the league I hope this won't be true and that he can produce at least a few of the special moments of which he is capable.
Can Blanco service the Fire in a positive manner that overwhelms his history of having a bad attitude? As a DC fan, I don't mind this aspect so much. If they want to spend money on a guy who is going to bring down the clubhouse then so be it. Maybe they should take a better look at who DC is bringing into their club.
How much drawing power does Blanco still have for Mexican-American communities at MLS stops? In Chicago there is no doubt they can boost attendance if the club promotes Blanco in a positive way. He won't arrive until after his contract expires with Club America at the end of June, but there is certainly the opportunity for a marketing campaign that will help attendance during the summer months.
I guess we'll wait and see if all of Blanco's magic is used up or, if for a year or two, which I hope is all the Fire are planning, he showcases his world class ability.
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