International Friendlies – What are they Good For?

By Brian Lofrumento | 17th November 2008

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With another exciting weekend of Premiership action behind us, all eyes are set on next week – or are they? It was FIFA’s great plan to throw yet another international week into the fixture list, so the world’s top players are all getting on planes and jetting away from the clubs that pay them. Players such as Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have a short plane ride to Germany while other players like Cristiano Ronaldo can look forward to a long flight to Brazil – and back.

Steven Gerrard Every time international teams play friendlies it seems that a major player goes down with an injury. Sir Alex Ferguson was quick to point out that young Danny Welbeck has only just returned from an injury sustained on his previous international trip. Now he needs to risk injury again, with hardly any training under his belt and extremely limited match fitness.

So as players risk health and fitness while sacrificing hours and hours of flight time, where does it leave us – the fans? Where does it leave clubs and owners? In short, it leaves us wanting more – or less in this case. More Premiership action and less international friendlies. The English Premier League is the home of excitement and passion. Passion because we care; passion because there is something on the line. Honestly, who can’t wait until Wednesday to see the likes of Israel square off against the Ivory Coast? Not many people I’d imagine.

With all of that said, here’s to a successful and safe week of international friendlies for all players. I’d love to hear your thoughts about these friendlies on the Premiership Talk Forum.

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