Blog Front Page: Confessions of a Mad Sweeper

With World Football's biggest shop window about to open in about two months during this summer's World Cup, perhaps the most sought after prospect will more than likely be watching the spectacle from either the stands or his home in Belgium.  Say hello to RSC Anderlecht striker Romelu Lukaku - who has drawn comparisons to Didier Drogba with his 6ft 3in frame and instincts around goal. The sense around Belgium and in technical circles is that the 16 year old Lukaku could go on to become a generational-level talent.

With 15 goals in 27 appearances, Anderlecht have secured him on a 5 year contract but reports suggest that Chelsea has already submitted a £8million offer with a one-year loan option. He is also being linked to the Gunners, Manchester United and Barcelona, and a host of other clubs as European football executives learn more about the player and his game. Tony Adams was reportedly sent to watch Anderlecht and ordered to make notes, only when Lukaku received the ball. Comfortable with both feet and having the ability to play with his back toward goal have helped him score more goals than games played.  At Lierse SK, he scored 130 goals in 68 games, then moved for one year to Brussels and, since then, has been at Anderlecht.

These feats have recently caught the attention of Milan, who are looking at alternatives after being frustrated in their bid for Wolfsburg's Edin Dzeko this winter.  Anderlecht are reluctant to part with Lukaku who is helping them to their first championship in three years, but reports suggest bids in the £13.5million range would be difficult to resist.

Lukaku's father Roger, himself a former Belgian/Congolese football player, has made it clear that he would like his son to finish school and stay in Anderlecht for another season at least.

We certainly do owe a moment of mention to the opening of the new Red Bull Arena last night in New Jersey.  Not only did the Red Bulls win against a legendary Brazilian side in Santos FC (3-1), but also it is clear that New York has the crown jewel of American Soccer Stadiums, surpassing Rio Tinto in Sandy, Utah.

The Fan's Perspective
It was a great night.. the stadium had a UEFA style feel to it.. definitely awesome. I predict the season to be a good one for the mighty mighty Red Bulls; Hans appears to be a smart pick from the team's association. They looked way more organized than ever before, on the pitch.

I was there last night, and WOW what a game and the best best best best soccer stadium ever!!

It was really amazing! The Red Bull Arena is where I going to be every Saturday rooting for the NEW YORK RED BULLS. We're going to have a great season.

MLS Insider: Catching Up With Oguchi Onyewu

Apparently he feels good about the knee and the course of his rehab. Already making lateral movements.