MLS vs Europe, Klinsmann vs Garber

 Quality vs Quantity? A question most sport fans use in an attempt to bring a clearer perspective to their buddy(-ies) at the sports bar. Which is better? Some say quality is always best while others contend that it all depends on the situation. In this particular situation, I will discuss whether who is correct over the youth and growth of American soccer players. To be more accurate, it concerns the mne's U23 soccer team. Don Garber, the commissioner of Major League Soccer, stated that he and Jurgen Klinsman, head coach of the US men's national team, have "a very different view" when it comes to the growth of the US men's soccer team. In short, Garber thinks that young US talent should stay in the MLS and Klinsmann believes that players will grow much better in Europe. The numbers I am about to present concern the men's U23 team and only the players that play in the MLS. 

• GK Tyler Miller (age 23), Seattle Sounders, 1(starts)/6(total team games) starts in 2016 season. 2nd string
• D Tim Parker (23), Vancouver Whitecaps, 6/7 in 2016. Starter 
• M Kellyn Acosta (20), FC Dallas, 4/6 in 2016. 3rd year in MLS, frequently starts.
• D Eric Miller (23), Colorado Rapids, 5/9 in 2016. Traded to Rapids this year.
• D Walker Zimmerman (22), FC Dallas, 6/8 in 2016. Usual starter 3rd season
• M Matt Polser (22), Chicago Fire, 6/7 in 2016. Starter.
• M Fatai Alashe (22), San Jose Earthquakes,  8/9 in 2016.  
• M Will Trapp (23), Columbus Crew, 8/8 in 2016. Starter 3rd year with team.
• F Khiry Shelton (22), New York City FC, 7/9 in 2016. Contender to start (David Villa)
• F Jordan Morris (21), Seattle Sounders, 8/8 in 2016. Starter (Rookie season) 

*Data collected from MLS and ESPN data archives 

11 out of the 23 players in the U23 squad play in Europe or Mexico. 

Careers (of U23 players that played against Colombia). MLS: 279 games played Europe/Mexico:114 games played

Don Garber's comments do not come out of thin air. The numbers show that a lot of these players get more playing time if they stay state's side. However, Garber did mention that the league is still in "investment mode." Which gives the impression that he is aware of the quality of the league. Europe by far has the greater quality of play (in general), and that is were Klinsmann's "view" comes from. To put in perspective, if one were to coach the Costa Rican national team, which is the "3rd" biggest team in the CONCACAF, the coach would prefer to pick players that play in Real Madrid or Sporting Lisbon over players that play in the Costa Rican league. That is not to say there isn't quality in the MLS or that the MLS is an after thought, but that is Jurgen Klinsmann's perspective towards the MLS. He isn't wrong either. Coming from Germany a soccer power house, he has seen the best play and played with the best in the world and wants players that can compete at the highest quality level possible. Garber or Klinsmann? Both have good points, but doesn't change the fact that the U23 USA men's team failed to qualify for the Rio Olympics.