In what has to be seen as a huge move, FC Dallas one of the best teams in MLS has signed 2002 World Cup winner Denilson. The 29 year old Brazilian midfielder was for my money the best player for his country in France 1998 where Brazil reached the finals and also contributed to Brazil’s 2002 winning campaign. What Denilson brings for the Hoops is a player who can hold the ball in the midfield allowing Juan Toja and Arturo Alvarez more freedom to go forward, and push wide. In addition with a target men like Carlos Ruiz and the currently injured Kenny Cooper, Denilson can be expected to help feed the ball into space or into the box where FCD’s target men can finish with ease.

This move lays down the marker for the other top clubs in MLS. The “Beckham rule” may have been about marketing and PR for the Galaxy but it is about winning silverware for clubs like FC Dallas. Steve Morrow took his time determining how to use his designated player slot because he wanted to enhance his clubs chances of winning MLS Cup, not just fill more seats in the stadium. But if Denilson can play the Jog Bonita brand of Football he did for Real Betis not so long ago, I am sure Pizza Hut Park will fill up to see him. Too bad David Beckham doesn’t have the supporting cast Denilson will have with FC Dallas to compliment his talent in Los Angeles.