Obinna Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 (edited) 15 minutes ago, matty said: For him the choice seems more personal so stuff like a WC and a raised profile don't really matter I think. I do think Canada has an edge on both fronts. For sure. And my point is that he's already going places, so he wouldn't need to make a decision based on career prospects anyways. I would say though I am still less optimistic than you are. I think the choice was harder before when he was living in Canada and playing in MLS. Now he is living away from Canada, I would imagine there is less pressure to commit to Canada. Edited February 12, 2018 by Obinna MtlMario and CNMNTPERUELIGIBLE 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ansem Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 8 minutes ago, matty said: I think it is, I think they all want to but I've seen players like Ryan Giggs say they'd rather never play in a major tournament then represent another nation. Fully agree that he cares for Canada and that he isn't "lost". It's a deeper issue for him and in the end I don't think it'll matter when it comes to tournaments and profile. I think time's on our side. He's very young and easier to be influenced by his family and idol. At the end of the day, maturity will sink in and he'll more likely take his final decision based on what's good for him ultimately than what other "expects" him to do. So good if he doesn't pick yet and keep playing his best at Barca and matures at the same time. All those pros in Europe will all tell him that there's nothing wrong about being selfish. That comes with maturity. CNMNTPERUELIGIBLE 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnyb Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 50 minutes ago, Ansem said: Also, isn't playing in a World Cup the ultimate dream for a soccer player? Reports saying that he's "torned" between Canada and Ivory Coast means that even if he prefers Ivory Coast, deep down he still cares for Canada. It's a matter which trumps what. Representing Ivory Coast at all cost or play in a World Cup for a country that kind of face you everything and will most likely add you to a world cup roster when you are far from being guarantee that with IC? Of course, North America needs to win the bid first and Canada needs to get the confirmation that we are automatically qualified. This actually gives incentive to those on the fence to commit to us faster as they will want to solidify their spot on a potential 2026 World Cup roster by giving their all at the League of Nations, Gold Cup (qualification to next Copa America) and next WCQ. Agree with this. With Ivory Coast not qualifying for WC2018 he doesn't have much incentive to play for them over us. I'm thinking this will play out the way it did with Holliet. He will commit to which ever qualifies for WC first. If neither qualify for 2022 he will have to make a decision like Junior did. Can/Mex/USA winning the 2026 will go a long way in him choosing us. CNMNTPERUELIGIBLE 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad_Impact Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 (edited) Where have you guys seen that he's torn? I hope I'm wrong but he's seemed pretty set on Ivory Coast. Edited February 12, 2018 by Chad_Impact Moldy9, Obinna and Rheo 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CNMNTPERUELIGIBLE Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 41 minutes ago, Ansem said: I think time's on our side. He's very young and easier to be influenced by his family and idol. At the end of the day, maturity will sink in and he'll more likely take his final decision based on what's good for him ultimately than what other "expects" him to do. So good if he doesn't pick yet and keep playing his best at Barca and matures at the same time. All those pros in Europe will all tell him that there's nothing wrong about being selfish. That comes with maturity. Well said @Ansem.... I can see he took pride in living in Québec... I guess his fam is still there, right?... If so, once season is over, he'll be back there in no time guaranteed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CNMNTPERUELIGIBLE Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 7 minutes ago, johnyb said: Agree with this. With Ivory Coast not qualifying for WC2018 he doesn't have much incentive to play for them over us. I'm thinking this will play out the way it did with Holliet. He will commit to which ever qualifies for WC first. If neither qualify for 2022 he will have to make a decision like Junior did. Can/Mex/USA winning the 2026 will go a long way in him choosing us. 100 % agree... Very Hoilett-like indeed.. That's what keeping us all on the optimism side and neck it could happen earlier, for 2022 even, as we have a fair chance at qualifying indeed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad_Impact Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 2 minutes ago, CNMNTPERUELIGIBLE said: Well said @Ansem.... I can see he took pride in living in Québec... I guess his fam is still there, right?... If so, once season is over, he'll be back there in no time guaranteed His family and his dad, in particular, is one of the people pushing him to play for Cote Ivoire. Rheo 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CNMNTPERUELIGIBLE Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 6 minutes ago, Chad_Impact said: Where have you guys seen that he's torn? I hope I'm wrong but he's seemed pretty set on Ivory Coast. No... You're wrong... He deeply cares for Canada and takes heavy pride in living there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MtlMario Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 1 minute ago, Chad_Impact said: His family and his dad, in particular, is one of the people pushing him to play for Cote Ivoire. As the OZ told me himself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CNMNTPERUELIGIBLE Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 Just now, Chad_Impact said: His family and his dad, in particular, is one of the people pushing him to play for Cote Ivoire. I know, just like Hoilett's dad & fam were pushing him to play for Jamaica... Heck, my fam is pushing me to play for Peru and a small side for Chile, just to share my own personal experience Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad_Impact Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 1 minute ago, CNMNTPERUELIGIBLE said: No... You're wrong... He deeply cares for Canada and takes heavy pride in living there I'm sure he does but he has said that playing for Cote Ivoire is his dream CNMNTPERUELIGIBLE 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad_Impact Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 2 minutes ago, CNMNTPERUELIGIBLE said: I know, just like Hoilett's dad & fam were pushing him to play for Jamaica... Heck, my fam is pushing me to play for Peru and a small side for Chile, just to share my own personal experience I highly doubt that Hoilett would be playing for us had England come calling. Obinna and Kadenge 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harrycoyster Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 "Didier Drogba is very happy with me coming to Barcelona," Ballou told reporters after his debut on Saturday, including ESPN FC. "I spoke to him on Friday, he's very proud. He tells me to work harder, that it's just the beginning and to work harder and harder every day to express myself." Well that's not great... Source johnyb, dyslexic nam and CNMNTPERUELIGIBLE 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Obinna Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 9 minutes ago, harrycoyster said: "Didier Drogba is very happy with me coming to Barcelona," Ballou told reporters after his debut on Saturday, including ESPN FC. "I spoke to him on Friday, he's very proud. He tells me to work harder, that it's just the beginning and to work harder and harder every day to express myself." Well that's not great... Source I wonder who called him from the CSA? Zambrano? Oh wait.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad_Impact Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 9 minutes ago, Obinna said: I wonder who called him from the CSA? Zambrano? Oh wait.... Don't worry, he'll get a letter in the mail soon Moldy9 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toontownman Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 4 minutes ago, Chad_Impact said: Don't worry, he'll get a letter in the mail soon Has to check his spam its lodged between two unopened emails from Zambrano one with the subject line "Coming to play for Canada?" And the other titled "Fuck Canada play for the Ivory Coast." harrycoyster, Obinna, General Apathy and 2 others 2 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matty Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 (edited) 1 hour ago, toontownman said: Has to check his spam its lodged between two unopened emails from Zambrano one with the subject line "Coming to play for Canada?" And the other titled "Fuck Canada play for the Ivory Coast." You forgot the one from Herdman with the subject line "Introduction and general outline" Edited February 12, 2018 by matty Obinna, CNMNTPERUELIGIBLE, Chad_Impact and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bertuzzi44 Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 Call him up for the upcoming friendlies. Obinna and Moldy9 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Obinna Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 From ESPN: Barcelona's Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla: Didier Drogba is proud of me play What to make of Barcelona's draw with Getafe (3:09) Facebook Twitter Facebook Messenger Email comment 5:49 AM MT Sam Marsden BARCELONA -- Barcelona new boy Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla says he is receiving guidance from former Chelsea star Didier Drogba as he looks to make it at Camp Nou. Ballou, 18, joined Barca's B team in January for an undisclosed fee from MLS side Montreal Impact. ADVERTISEMENT The Canada youth international, who was born in Ivory Coast, made his debut in Saturday's 1-0 loss to Alcorcon as a second-half substitute at the Mini Estadi. But despite being unable to help turn things around against Alcorcon, Ballou impressed playing on the right of a front three and trained alongside Lionel Messi and the rest of the first team for the first time on Monday. Ballou only learned of Barca's interest in January, but he's had the advice of Drogba to listen to. The two met at the Impact -- Drobga is now at Phoenix Rising -- and being from the same city in Ivory Coast, Abidjan, they instantly hit it off. "Didier Drogba is very happy [with me coming to Barcelona]," Ballou told reporters after his debut on Saturday, including ESPN FC. "I spoke to him [on Friday], he's very proud. He tells me to work harder, that it's just the beginning and to work harder and harder every day to express myself." Ballou says the move to Catalonia came out of the blue but that once it became an option he did everything he could to make sure it went through. "I was surprised to get the call from Barcelona because it's a big club," he added. "When you play in MLS for only six months and you're younger, to take off from there to the [Spanish] second division at Barcelona is a great thing. David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images "I first talked with my agent in January, he called me and he said maybe we're going to have a deal with Barcelona so I was so happy. "I was having some time off from [Montreal] so I was in Ivory Coast at the time but I went back to Montreal to prepare myself and to make sure I was ready to play here." As well as learning a new language -- he won't start lessons until next week -- and adapting to a new team in a new city, Ballou is also experiencing a new league and he's already noticed differences with MLS. "I think the second division here is very different [to MLS]," he said. "The level is very fast, it's very intelligent, it's a very high level. "Luckily it's easy to play with good players. All around me I have really good players at a high level. So that makes it easy for me to get the ball, to dribble and to try to link up with my teammates. "I am very happy. I was happy to get my first minutes with the team and I hope I can now get more minutes in the games coming up in the future." Ballou's ability to run at defenders has helped him make an impression at the club already, with B team coach Gerard Lopez hopeful he will add something different in the side's battle against relegation from the second tier of Spanish football. "Ballou's a player that has that special spark out wide," Gerard told a news conference. "We were struggling to break [Alcorcon] down and he had two or three good moments where he beat a man. "But he's not just good in one-on-one situations, he's also good at linking up with his teammates. His adaption is a work in progress still, due to the language and everything that comes with the move, but he's an 18-year-old kid with a lot of potential and he could be important for us." CNMNTPERUELIGIBLE 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CNMNTPERUELIGIBLE Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 2 hours ago, Bertuzzi44 said: Call him up for the upcoming friendlies. Exactly, Herdman gotta meet with him, particularly since the CANMNT will be playing the game in Spain... Drogba could just be guiding him in that transition period as a whole, who knows (optimistic thinking) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shway Posted February 13, 2018 Share Posted February 13, 2018 Kudos to those who have the faith.....but for me he's gone. Anyways Herdman will make a Tancredi out of Haworth, you wait and see. Obinna, Kadenge, deschamp86 and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 13, 2018 Share Posted February 13, 2018 21 hours ago, matty said: I think it is, I think they all want to but I've seen players like Ryan Giggs say they'd rather never play in a major tournament then represent another nation. Fully agree that he cares for Canada and that he isn't "lost". It's a deeper issue for him and in the end I don't think it'll matter when it comes to tournaments and profile. Bit ironic coming from Giggs considering he is known for his lack of commitment to the Welsh team during his playing career Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moldy9 Posted February 13, 2018 Share Posted February 13, 2018 22 hours ago, CNMNTPERUELIGIBLE said: I know, just like Hoilett's dad & fam were pushing him to play for Jamaica... Heck, my fam is pushing me to play for Peru and a small side for Chile, just to share my own personal experience Peru. The real Pisco Sour. They’re making a comeback. Can’t wait to see Guerrero in WC. Obinna and BrennanFan 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CNMNTPERUELIGIBLE Posted February 13, 2018 Share Posted February 13, 2018 22 minutes ago, Moldy9 said: Peru. The real Pisco Sour. They’re making a comeback. Can’t wait to see Guerrero in WC. Yeah!!!.. Just like Drogba is to Ballou, Guerrero also been my mentor/idol in my footballing career... Sounds like you are a peruano too btw, buddy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jith12 Posted February 16, 2018 Share Posted February 16, 2018 On 12/02/2018 at 2:13 PM, CNMNTPERUELIGIBLE said: I know, just like Hoilett's dad & fam were pushing him to play for Jamaica... Heck, my fam is pushing me to play for Peru and a small side for Chile, just to share my own personal experience Hope you're a CB! ? Kadenge, matty and toontownman 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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