Agoos has an eye for regional talent

Martinique (CMC):

A player recruiter for the Major League Soccer outfit, the New York Red Bulls, believes he's spotted some talent to boost the club's side for next season.

Jeff Agoos, the former United States defender, now director of scouting and player recruitment for the Red Bulls, is in the Martinique capital to view the finals of the Digicel Caribbean Cup, and believes he has seen an improvement in the quality of play among regional teams.

"So far in Martinique, yeah, I think there are some interesting players here," he said in an interview with www.digicelfootball.com website.

"Some of them, we've obviously seen before, and we want to continue to evaluate, while some are new to us - so basically it's an ongoing process."

He added: "For me, talent here is really developing, and there are a couple of different levels. Some of the bigger islands tend to export more players and have better technical ability, but I think the smaller islands are catching up and, over time, I suspect they'll give the bigger countries a good run for their money."

Agoos, a winner of five MLS championships - three with DC United and two with San Jose Earthquakes - and the 2001 MLS Defender of the Year, hopes to identify and track players from within the Caribbean region with a view to possibly inviting them to play with the Red Bulls.

Improvement in region

"Overall, while there is less structure and tactical ability in the Caribbean, football in the region has improved significantly from where it was a few years ago, and it would be wonderful to see one of these teams qualify to the World Cup," he said.

"For players in the CONCACAF region, the MLS offers an alternative to going to play in Europe. The MLS is also a stepping stone for players, and offers them a chance to get noticed by European clubs."

Agoos also feels the MLS is steadily improving because of the influence of a number of players with ties to the Caribbean.

"The MLS is also one of the best - if not the best - leagues in the CONCACAF region, and a lot of that is down to the players we're bringing in from the Caribbean" he said.

"In fact, we did an analysis recently and Jamaica was one of the top countries in terms of where we get our players from. There is a significant relationship between Jamaica and the MLS where we've seen players from Jamaica staying three years or more."

Agoos complimented the organi-sers of the DigiCup, and noted its value to regional football.

"It gives [teams] an idea of where they stand against each other - and, of course, it's a big tournament in itself that a lot of people watch and a stepping stone to the Gold Cup," he said.

"It offers players invaluable international experience and exposure - so for these players it is hugely important. For us, it's really well run and well organised, everyone has been very friendly and we're really impressed."