June 3, 2008 MLS Toronto FC Maurice Edu learns from internationals (from Toronto FC Media Relations)
06/03/2008 11:40AM
Edu learning from internationals
Midfielder believes friendlies making him a better player for TFC
Toronto FC Media Relations
Midfielder Maurice Edu believes his international experience with the U.S. National Team will help him become a better player for Toronto FC. Edu came on as a substitute for the United States against England at Wembley last week and is now preparing to face Spain in Santander on Wednesday.
The 2007 MLS Rookie of the Year is learning from the top European players he is coming up against. "Every time you play in games like this, it's a great measuring stick of where you are as a player, to be able to compare yourself against greats like that and see where you stand," said Edu. "I try to pick up something from every game. I might see something and try to emulate that when I come back to Toronto."
Edu played the final 12 minutes in the U.S.'s 2-0 defeat at Wembley, and told TorontoFC.ca it was an amazing experience. "It was unbelievable, just walking out there on the pitch and absorbing the whole atmosphere. Looking around on the field and seeing great players around you like Gerrard, Hargreaves and Ferdinand. Every footballer dreams about playing at Wembley and I feel very privileged and lucky to have been given an opportunity. I'm very grateful for that."
Now the U.S. are set to face a Spain side who will be playing their final warm up match ahead of EURO 2008. "Playing against Spain is going to be another amazing experience. They're one of the best football countries in the world and I really hope I get the chance to play against guys like Fabregas and Torres," added Edu.
Edu has crossed the Atlantic three times in the last week, returning from England to play for Toronto against LA Galaxy, and then flying back to Spain. "You put the travel behind you right away when you get chances to play in these games. It's not a problem at all."
He has been paired with Carl Robinson in the Toronto midfield for most of this season, but with Robinson away playing for Wales last weekend, Kevin Harmse came into the side. Edu's performance earned him the Man of the Match award. "Carl wasn't there so I tried to step up a little bit, but Kevin came in and did a good job. Kevin coming in and doing that role made the transition easier for me. We trained hard in practice and different players often play together so everyone understands their role. Carl has played alongside Kevin and I've done the same."
"Last year we were lacking the depth. When there were injuries and players away on international duty, our team was very thin, and we wouldn't have been able to get a result like the one against LA," said Edu. "This year it's different and we have a lot of guys on the bench just waiting for their opportunity to come. You see it in training, everyone is fighting for their spot on the field. The guys came in against LA and did a good job so it makes selection a lot harder for the coaches for the next game. It's a long season. It's just a matter of trying to remain consistent and picking up points where we can."
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