This is the place to discuss John O'Brien, #18.
-- Anonymous, August 11, 1999
Answers
For those of you who missed, or might want to re-live, the USA's
stunning defeat of Portugal in the last World Cup...
http://homepage.mac.com/johnny_nyc/iMovieTheater3.html
Enjoy the nice 'Eredivisie' goal, on a corner kick by Earnie Stewart,
finished off by John O'Brien. :-)
-- Anonymous, February 05, 2003
Almost everyone at Ajax is hoping John will return soon, cause he's
the onlyone who can do a really good job on the left side defense.
I'm suprised how many of you american knows about ajx
-- Anonymous, February 02, 2003
Coach Ronald Koeman said the following today (1/31/03) regarding John
O'Brien's recovery and role on the team (translated from Dutch, taken
from the Ajax website):
"That O'Brien still cannot train with the team" says the coach
sadly, "that is becoming a quite a story. John was the pillar of the
team, and it shows, because now that he's injured, I don't have
anyone to play at the left back position. We'll see who plays in that
position on Sunday..."
Doesn't give any type indication as to his progress, but it shows
that he's still highly regarded by the organization.
-- Anonymous, January 31, 2003
I wonder what Johnny does with all his free time... Does he get
another job? Or does he just party all the time? Maybe he just sits
around and watches TV. He should be getting back to playing
football. Hopefully this chronic achilles problem (it's happened
before) won't force an early retirement for John O'Brien.
-- Anonymous, January 06, 2003
Any word on if JOB will be ready once the break is over?
-- Anonymous, January 05, 2003
John who?
-- Anonymous, December 27, 2002
I can't find information about John's injury anywhere online, why is
that? When did he get it?
-- Anonymous, December 02, 2002
I've heard through the grapevine that John is sticking with his very
disciplined training and rehabilitation schedule, and that his ankle
injury is slow to heal. He hopes to make it back to full strength by
the Winter Break. With luck, he'll play again for Ajax (1 or Young)
before the break.
-- Anonymous, November 21, 2002
Did anyone hear how John is doing?
-- Anonymous, November 20, 2002
A John O'Brien interview appeared on Ajax.nl today, in which John
talks about his injury and recovery. I will translate it tonight for
Ajax USA, but here's the bottom line: "I won't be fit in time for the
Inter game"...
That's a damn' shame... For John, for Ajax, for everyone.
-- Anonymous, November 02, 2002
i hope O'brian makes it back soon
-- Anonymous, October 28, 2002
Hello
I'm a big fan of John. I can't understand why nobody talks about him
in Holland. He is injured for a long time, but nobody knows when he
is coming back. Even on the Ajax site there is no news about him. I
am glad someone know, or thinks he knows when we can see him again.
-- Anonymous, October 28, 2002
The latest UNCONFIRMED rumor I've heard is that he is hoping to be
ready for Ajax-Inter on 12 November. I don't know if that's accurate,
optimistic, pessimistic or complete bullsh*t.
-- Anonymous, October 23, 2002
How long is O'brien out for?
-- Anonymous, October 21, 2002
Who knew that our dear Mr. O'Brien was a comedic genius as well as a
great soccer player? Is there nothing he can't do? I wish I
could've seen the show...
-- Anonymous, October 20, 2002
I was lucky enough to see the show with John O'Brien at Boom Chicago
and I
must admit he was impressive. Even more so when I found out
afterwards he
had no preparation. One of the other performers was amazed by telling
me he
just showed up that night and was ready to go. I must say they were a
bit
easy on him at times, giving him easy lines to ryhme with, but he did
quite
well. If I didn't know who he was, I wouldn't have thought he didn't
do this
full-time.
-- Anonymous, October 17, 2002
There's also a long report on Ajax.nl. Very, very nice stuff. It
really sounds like John took this 'job' seriously! You know what:
I'll turn it into a report for Ajax USA. It may be a day or two
before it appears on the homepage (since Jim's out for the weekend),
but it's coming. Check back on Sunday night or Monday!
-- Anonymous, October 12, 2002
An absolutely RAVING REVIEW for new comedy talent John
O'Brien on Boom Chicago.nl! ;-)
Don't forget to click the pictures!
An AT5 camera team was there, says the article. I'll definitely check
it out!
-- Anonymous, October 12, 2002
Normally one invokes the old adage "break a leg" to someone making
their performing debut. Given Ajax' injury situatiion,I think it's
better if I just wish John the best of luck!
-- Anonymous, October 11, 2002
This is funny...
Dutch tabloid newspaper Spits (available for free on train and
subway stations during the morning peak hours) reports that John
O'Brien will perform as a stand-up comedian tonight in Boom Chicago's
English language comedy show at their own Leidseplein Theatre.
O'Brien will do a few sketches about football, alongside Boom Chicago
comedian Brendan Hunt.
In fact, it's announced on the Boom Chicago
website as well. Man, what a shame I can't go. I'm going to some
other (Dutch language) comedy show at the Kleine Komedie
theatre on the Amstel river... It would be great to see John perform
(well, hopefully...).
-- Anonymous, October 11, 2002
A report on today's training session at the ArenA just appeared on
Ajax.nl. It says that Wednesday's Rosenborg game comes "too soon" for
John O'Brien. So, no J.O.B. in Trondheim.
My God - who are gonna play in defense?? Please let Chivu be ready by
Wednesday...
-- Anonymous, September 30, 2002
Jim, this is what the Ajax.nl game preview says about
J.O.B.: "Whether John O'Brien will be ready for the NAC game, is as
yet uncertain. The American's Achilles' tendon is still hurting. In
training, his main activities were some running exercises."
Personally, I expect that he will not play yet. It's kind of an
unwritten rule at Ajax that a player who can not fully participate in
the final training prior to the game (ball exercises/training game),
will not start.
Jelle Van Damme's good performance at San Siro as John's replacement
probably makes it a lot easier for Koeman to give John one more game
of rest. I think he'll go for Van Damme again, to give J.O.B. the
time to recover completely.
BTW: I read on some website that the RBC game was on John's birthday.
His birthday present: an injury that kapt him sidelined for the Inter
game... :-/ Congratulations to John anyway.
-- Anonymous, September 28, 2002
Can anybody offer a fitness update on O'Brien? American web sites are
reporting an "Achilles injury" which is vague but sounds dire. I had
heard that he "merely" got kicked in the ankle and was expected to
recover in time for this weekend's NAC game. Anybody with their ear
to the ground in Amsterdam can help us out...
-- Anonymous, September 27, 2002
Hé John,
I just wanted to say that you are a great soccerplayer. You seem very
down to earth! I live in Holland (I'm a Utrecht supporter) and I have
visited a training in august. Even been with you on a picture, it
turned out to be a very nice one! Goodluck in the future!
-- Anonymous, September 24, 2002
We recently received a few more answers from John to our John O'Brien fan
interview.
-- Anonymous, September 20, 2002
John
Do you have an e-mail address from your fans at Doyles Pub in Jamacia
Plain, MA?
-- Anonymous, September 16, 2002
Just stopping by to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN!!!!!! Heck of a job in
the World Cup for us this summer (maybe the rest of America will wise
up now, eh?), and best of luck to you and Ajax this year!!!
-- Anonymous, August 29, 2002
Hey John!
I just want to wish you MazalTov from Israel!!! Keep the good work
and I hope that you will stay in Amsterdam till 120! Or you can come
to Israel, to my team, Hapoel Jerusalem, and than finish there or
here your great career.
Kisses from Israel!
-- Anonymous, August 29, 2002
Happy birthday Johnny!
And what a birthday present: Litmanen returns :-)
-- Anonymous, August 29, 2002
John is jaarig! Hoera!
Happy birthday, John! Your performance on the field is always a
pleasure to watch. Ajax is lucky to have you! You rock! May you
have many successful years of play ahead of you.
-- Anonymous, August 29, 2002
Happy birthday Johny from one left-footed number 18 John to
another!
-- Anonymous, August 29, 2002
HAPPY 25th BIRTHDAY JOHNNY O!!! Best wishes to a class player on the
pitch and a class person off it.As a member of Ajax-USA who has had
the pleasure of meeting you the last two Ajax-USA trips, I just
wanted to thank you for your graciousness and hospitality. And for
the beers at DeToekomst.Best wishes on Sunday, the rest of the
season, AND in the Champions League.
-- Anonymous, August 29, 2002
Happy B-day, Johnny O!
I nearly passed out with shock & joy when Johnny cracked in that goal
off the corner against Portugal! I know it's been a few months but
as an American soccer fan, this past World Cup will live long in my
memory. Part of that accolade goes to O'Brien's play. Now if only
Ajax would sign Landon Donovan and/or DaMarcus Beasley... hint
hint... HA HA
Well, anyway from one versatile, left-footed player to another,
although Johnny as a bit more talent than I have, Happy B-Day again,
Johnny O & Go Ajax!!!
One last thing... Does anyone know how to get Ajax games in the
States particulary the Gulf Coast region now that Fox Sports World is
dropping the Dutch League?? Thanks.
-- Anonymous, August 29, 2002
Hello !!!!
Happy Quarter-Century, Johnny !!!!!
Ajax is THE BEST !!!
4EVER AJAX
Luke
-- Anonymous, August 28, 2002
hi there,
do you guys know why john o'brien(the best american player of the
WC '02) doesn't exist on world cup '02 from ea sports
it makes the game so unreal!!
john o'brien is the best left-back in holland so!
thanks.....kevin
-- Anonymous, August 20, 2002
Kelly
John will NOT be in the MLS All-Star game. The US team will be made
up of past and present players who have played/are still playing in
MLS.
-- Anonymous, July 23, 2002
Wow! I never thought that such nonsense can be released! O'Brien in
WBA... Looks like he'll be approached by Real or Barca, or MU, but WBA
is something ridiculous. What jester is the author of this "news"?
-- Anonymous, July 11, 2002
We all know that losing players to bigger clubs is Ajax' destiny. We
also know that a player who had some tremendous performances at the
World Cup, is likely to be linked with other clubs. However, this is
absolutely hilarious. It's from a site named Tribal Football:
West Brom target Ajax's USA star O'Brien
West Bromwich Albion are interested in Ajax Amsterdam midfielder John
O'Brien. Baggies boss Gary Megson was impressed by O'Brien's World
Cup campaign with the USA and knows he can land the youngster for a
knockdown price. O'Brien has been with Ajax since his teens, but is
yet to establish himself as a first-choice regular.
HAHAHAHA. Don't make me laugh. Why the f##k, why the living hell
would anyone on this planet swap Ajax for West Bromwich Albion? A
very funny report, from the 'RKC Waalwijk target Zidane' category.
HAHAHAHA.
-- Anonymous, July 07, 2002
Is John O'Brien going to be playing the MLS All-Star game August
3rd?? I was just wondering because it said the U.S. National team
will be playing but I know he'll be playing with Ajax. Anyone know?
thanks!
-- Anonymous, July 05, 2002
I read (unconfirmed source) that FIFA has voted John O'Brien as *best
midfielder* of the First Round of the tournament. Might be b.s., but
it's fantastic to see that, even as pure rumor. :-)
And Becky, you've come to the right place. Just visit http://www.ajax-
usa.com/ajax/tele.html for info on catching Ajax games on TV in the
US.
-- Anonymous, June 19, 2002
In watching the World Cup over the past few weeks, I have been
extremely impressed with the American team in general and John
O'Brien in particular. As a long time Ajax fan, I was further
delighted to learn of his connection to this team. I was wondering
if you could tell me how best to keep track of Ajax (and O'Brien)--
what's the best way to watch the games from America?
-- Anonymous, June 18, 2002
A great moment indeed! I hope this little sentence will grow American
interest for Eddy Hamel. His story is not about Ajax or football, but
about life - and what it's all about.
One correction has to de made though: Ruud Gullit never played for
Ajax and he's not a product of the Ajax youth system. In fact:
he hates Ajax. He played for an Amsterdam amateur club as a kid (I
believe it was DWV, or DWS). He started his professional career at
Haarlem, after whicj he played for Feyenoord, PSV and AC Milan.
-- Anonymous, June 14, 2002
Just wanted to pass along that a nice article about John appeared in
today's USA Today. The article is on page C-3.The article is chock
full of biographical info, mentions of Ajax, and the following
tidbit :" Only two Americans have played for Ajax, according to the
team's American fan club. The first was a New Yorker named Eddy
Hamel, who played 80 years ago before being captured by the Nazis and
murdered in the gas chambers at Auschwitz". Definitely not something
found in too many other articles on John. American fan club? Hmmmm.
Nod nod, wink wink,wonder who the author,Kelly Whiteside,is referring
to?
-- Anonymous, June 13, 2002
There are two "front page" articles about JOB in the USA's (arguably)
two most prominent newspapers, NY Times and USA Today.
Toward the end of the USA Today article, I found the following quite-
stunning statement:
Only two Americans have played for Ajax, according to the team's
American fan club. The first was a New Yorker named Eddy Hamel, who
played 80 years ago before being captured by the Nazis and murdered
in the gas chambers at Auschwitz. O'Brien is the first American to
start his journey at the Ajax Youth Academy, following in the
footsteps of legends like Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, Ruud
Gullit, Frank Rijkaard, to name a few.
I believe this is a ground-breaking moment for the story of Eddy
Hamel. I have never seen his name mentioned in American media before.
I also believe that Ajax USA was the source of this information. I
seem to recall responding to an email from this USA Today writer
about a month ago. Very significant, I think.
-- Anonymous, June 13, 2002
Oh yeah, one thing... John, if you read this... my girlfriend wants
you to know that she does absolutely not agree on your new
haircut. She wants you to get back to normal. Don't shoot the
messenger...
Remember meeting that Canadian Ajax USA member named Peter 'Floyd'
Hassebroek after training...? You look like him now ;-)
-- Anonymous, June 07, 2002
John rocks!!!! He's the pride of Mokum, he scores everywhere!!! (even
in Korea, hahaha). We had an awful time here in Holland cause we
didn't get placed for the wk, but John, you made us forget about that
today!! We're proud of ya!! Keep up the good work USA!!
C U in july, when we're gonna shock whole Europe with our champions-
team Ajax.... Love to y'all!!
xxx Annemarijke
-- Anonymous, June 05, 2002
Here's an interesting article from the LA Times, published today.
Ordinarily, I'd publish just a link to the article. But the LA Times'
online registration form is so long and privacy-invading, I'll print
the entire thing here and save you the hassle and embarrassment of
telling them your home phone number and how much money you make.
Former AGSS star ready to shine
---------------------------------
* U.S. midfielder John O'Brien played for local club prior to
becoming a professional and World Cup soccer player.
By Jim Riggio
BURBANK - The road to the FIFA World Cup is a long journey, and for
most players, it begins at young age when they are honing their
skills.
One player with local ties representing the United States in the
tournament -- which begins in Korea and Japan Friday -- is John
O'Brien.
O'Brien has made tremendous strides since starring with a local youth
soccer club. That association has helped him get to the World Cup,
the most prestigious soccer events in the world. O'Brien, a
midfielder, who figures to be a part of the U.S. starting lineup,
played and trained with the American Global Soccer School at
Burbank's Woodbury University.
O'Brien, 24, who grew up in Playa del Rey, is expected to take over
as the defensive center-midfielder, moving from the left side of the
midfield following an injury to Chris Armas. Armas' injury cost him a
spot on the U.S. World Cup roster.
"My goal in my first World Cup ... is to play as many minutes as I
can," O'Brien said on the U.S. National Team's Web site.
When he is not competing for the National Team, O'Brien plays for
Ajax of Amsterdam, the most famed club in the Netherlands. It was the
AGSS staff, led by founder Afshin Ghotbi, who brought O'Brien to the
Netherlands.
"First I went to a three-week training session arranged by my
assistant coach who knew someone [there]," O'Brien said of
AGSS. "Then I came home and they said they would keep their eye on
me. I was 14 at the time. Two years later, they invited me back for a
trial."
O'Brien will have to face Ghotbi's team in World Cup competition. The
coach is a technical assistant with the Korean Republic team. The
U.S. is in Group D and will face Portugal, Korea and Poland.
"I think we have a good chance of getting out of the first round,"
O'Brien said. "One of the key issues is to vary at times between how
chaotic we play and how organized -- to find the right mix of freedom
and discipline on the field."
After the U.S. had a terrible 1998 World Cup, losing all three
matches it played, O'Brien realizes how important it is for the team
to improve, so soccer will continue to grow throughout the country.
"The next step is a big step," O'Brien said. "The U.S. will need to
get crazy about soccer at all levels and in all communities.
Technically, the infrastructure of developing younger players should
be a professional environment like what's done overseas."
-- Anonymous, May 30, 2002
Here's a bit of interesting info on our John O'Brien. He's appearing in this
Boom Chicago video. Let me know if anyone comes across it. He's mentioned
at the end of the third paragraph but I couldn't find him in any of the photos.
http://www.boomchicago.nl/Section/News/339
-- Anonymous, May 28, 2002
We collected questions for John O'Brien on our web site for a week in
April, and got our first set of answers from
him yesterday. Check it out!
-- Anonymous, May 17, 2002
Recent interview John O'Brien.....................
Exclusive Dailysoccer interview:
Ajax and USA player John O'Brien
AMSTERDAM, April 25 (DS)
- by Robin Wyers -
John O'Brien has been one of the rising stars of the current Ajax
team that is on the verge of their first league triumph since 1998.
Ajax will also battle out the Dutch Cup final with O'Brien's former
club, FC Utrecht. Ajax faced Utrecht in the league last Sunday, and a
beautiful O'Brien assist created the solitary Mido goal, which
coupled with PSV's draw seemed to mean that the title would be going
back to Amsterdam. The 24-year-old player is originally from Los
Angeles and was named in the US squad that will compete in the World
Cup finals, together with fellow Holland based player Earnest Stewart
(NAC Breda). O'Brien was present on the left-side of midfield during
the USA's recent 2-1 friendly defeat to the Republic of Ireland in
Dublin. Dailysoccer caught up with John, on the day after title
rivals PSV Eindhoven brushed Willem II aside (6-0), and with just 36
days left before the World Cup kick-off.
Did PSV's win last night make the Ajax players feel a little nervous?
Yes I think it did. We know that PSV are playing well right now and
you don't expect them to lose points in a home game because it's the
end of the season. But you always hope that they could help you out
and give you a confident feeling but they didn't. PSV have been doing
their best to do everything they can, but unfortunately for them it's
not in their hands. It's in our hands and we have to do it.
Surely you can't give it away now?
That's definitely the feeling with two games to go, and you look at
who we are playing against (FC Den Bosch and NEC Nijmegen), they're
not teams that are rated very highly in the league. But then you
think you can't give it away but in reality you could lose to any
team on a given day. So it remains tense for us.
So you haven't actually been celebrating winning the league yet?
No, no way. We've been happy after every game that we've won, you can
feel it building but we haven't celebrated winning the championship
yet.
How will Ajax approach the game against Den Bosch, as they are bound
to put ten men behind the ball?
Yeah that's the way they play. We have to win at home, so we'll go
forward, spread the field around, feed crosses in and keep some guys
back to make sure that they don't come out with the counter because
that's very dangerous.
What do you think has been the key to Ajax's success this season?
I think that we've got a pretty deep group, with guys stepping up to
fill other roles when other guys have gotten injured, and I think
that's a compliment to the team chemistry.I think everybody gets
along well, and can play well with each other.
Do you think Ronald Koeman's presence has made you more consistent?
I think it has. He has a calm personality, and I think that's come
over the group as well - we've realised what we've had to do and have
been more consistent in doing it, and we've changed formations
recently and I think that helps a lot too.
Do you think he will stick to the 4-4-2?
Certainly until the end of the season - but next season we'll have to
see. There will obviously be new players and what not, but right now
it's working well.
You made an absolutely wonderful assist for Mido last Sunday. Do you
see yourself being pushed further forward on the left side?
Yes, when you play a 4-4-2, you have two central-midfielders who are
kind of back, so if you go further forward, there's cover for you and
it gives you more of a safe feeling in general. So you can go forward
a little more as a full-back.
Do you prefer playing left midfield than left-back as for the US team
you seem to be playing in a more forward position?
I do prefer playing left-midfield, or centre-midfield. That's where I
like playing the most - being in the middle of everything, but a lot
this year I've been playing wide and I've gotten used to that. I like
that too.
Arguably Ajax's two most important matches at this stage of the
saeson will be against your old club, FC Utrecht. How does that feel?
It makes it kind of interesting. I always like knowing players on
another team, it gives me a relaxed feeling before the game, you can
shake hands with some guys you know, you know how they play and it
makes me feel a little more comfortable. I know a lot about the
Utrecht game too. I've been there, and that helps. I think that we'll
see a different Utrecht in the Cup final that we saw here at home.
They're going to come out a lot more aggressive, and that's what they
do well so we're ging to have to watch it.
Do you think that it might have something to do with the fact that
there will be a lot less Ajax supporters and a lot more Utrecht
supporters in comparison to the zero they had last Sunday?
I think the supporters really help out their team a lot, they're
really enthusiastic, and the team can play really aggressive, but
even more so if you hear the fans behind you, and it's really tough
to beat.
When Ajax play in Europe next saeson, do you think they can be a
formidable threat in the Champions League?
Formidable, no, we've got the underdogs role, being a Dutch team
compared to other big leagues, but we''ll have to see how the team
shapes up. I think that in the formation we're playing now we're more
solid and offensively we can create a lot more, and we'll be
difficult to beat and surprise teams.
Do you think that the core of the side will still be here?
I definitely think so. The guys are young guys and have contracts
going in a couple more years.
What about Christian Chivu?
I think he'll be here. I've talked to him about it and he says he's
happy here and it looks to me like he'll stay but you never know. I
think a lot of people like to speculate about things - and obviously
stuff could happen, but in terms of his feelings, he'll play here for
another year.
On another point, what does it feel like to be playing at the World
Cup? It's surely everybody's dream?
Yeah. I've kind of started noticing that more and more the closer we
get, and our selection just got announced, and the tension keeps
getting higher and higher when you realise what you're doing. But
I've still got these games with Ajax and if I get past those I can go
to camp and really concentrate.
Ajax is still the top priority on your mind?
You've got to have the World Cup in the back of your head, but the
club is the number one priority, but once I'm done with that, I'll be
able to taste the full beauty of the World Cup.
What's the US team's objective?
To get out of our pool. We've got Portugal, Poland and Korea, the
host team so, they're going to be tough games. But our goal is to get
out of our pool.
Is this a better US team now than the one that took part four years
ago?
Last time they had good players but it wasn't a good team, they
didn't put it together well. There was a lot of bickering going on
between the players after the World Cup, a lot of players didn't like
things - this is more of a team and I think that could make a
difference for a side like the US.
Do you think that that has a lot to do with the fact that most of the
players are playing in the MLS. They've got yourself and Earnest
Stewart from Holland, but most of the players are based in America?
No, I don't think that has too much to do with it. I think it's just
who the guys are and how they can get along with each other, I've
known a lot of these guys since I was young, so no one has a big head
on our team or anything , and they work for each other.
And America in general. Do you think that the interest in football
has increased since they hosted the World Cup in 1994?
I think it's increased, but it hasn't increased as much as we would
have wished. It's got its foot in the door, in terms of American
sports, but it's still waiting to get its head around the corner. I'd
like to see that happen, but a lot of that could depend on how the
full national team performs on a big stage like the World Cup.
It could be like Lance Armstrong's performance in the Tour de France.
Now everyone in America is watching cycling!
It could be. If we win the World Cup, it could be the case.
Why do you think that football has never really grabbed the headlines
in America - because in the rest of the World it's basically the
number one sport?
Other sports were there first. When America formed - when they came
from the colonies, it was an English sport and they wanted to get as
far away as they could from England so they didn't want to do that,
so they started their own sports. They wanted to get away from
tradition there and do something of their own, that the whole country
can identify with - and that happened with baseball, basketball and
American football.
Why did you yourself then choose to play football?
I always liked it. I played on good teams when I was young and my Mom
was a coach and stuff. I played it at a young age and I enjoyed it. I
had good coaches who always stimulated me and told me about Europe.
They said, "if you want to be real good that's where you want to go -
that's where you will learn the most".
Why did you choose Holland then?
It was the option I had, and it turned out that Ajax was known for
its youth development, and that convinced me to go for it.
What has the US team learnt from their match in Dublin?
I think we learnt what it's going to be like to play under pressure.
Ireland came out right away and tried to put it to us, and then
you've got to really play from your organisation - you've got to make
some things happen despite the conditions. I think that could be very
important for us leading up to the World Cup because a lot of the
friendlies we've had have been half friendlies, but Ireland came out
a lot more than in other friendlies we've played.
But of course the next one you have to play is against Holland. What
are your thoughts on playing against the country where you have
played your whole footballing career?
It'll be cool. I hope that some guys from my team will be on there.
Do you think Andy van der Meyde should be on the Dutch team?
I could see him on the Dutch team. I think with a lot of players you
have to give them the chance and see what happens. It's tough to see,
I don't know how he'll do with the national team. He's a great player
and eventually he'll be there, but you've got to know when's the
right time.
Van der Vaart should be there very soon as well?
If Van der Vaart's fit he should be there.
Why do you think the Dutch team is not at the World Cup?
I think the soccer world is becoming increasingly more competitive,
even for small countries, that you don't pay attention to and I think
that you can't underestimate any team.
-- Anonymous, April 25, 2002
Can we blame it on Irish food? Certainly can't blame the beer...
"O'Brien was doubtful only hours before the match when he blacked out
at the team hotel. Team officials said he was given intravenous
fluids before he passed a prematch fitness test and was cleared to
play. "
Full story in New York Times: htt
p://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/18/sports/soccer/18SOCC.html
-- Anonymous, April 18, 2002
Damn, not good...
Bad news for Ajax. Also for the U.S. team, of course, but I suppose
John missing a friendly game is not such a disaster, since he
probably won't lose his spot in the team anyway by missing one
preparation game.
For Ajax, it would suck big time having to miss out on John. We are
having trouble in defense for the Vitesse game: Bergdølmo was
replaced due to an injury against P$V (although he's likely to be
ready for Sunday's game), Trabelsi is suspended (4th yellow card) an
now John's injury...
If he's to miss Sunday's game, Tim de Cler will probably be given a
shot by Koeman. So I hope John will recover... :-/
By the way: check out Ajax.nl's interview with John O'Brien,
which we translated into English.
-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002
News report I scraped from the NAS list:
Soccer-World-U.S. hit by double injury worry in Germany
By Chris Cowles
ROSTOCK, Germany, March 26 (Reuters) - The United States have been
hit by two
late injury worries ahead of Wednesday's friendly international
against an
equally depleted Germany side.
Ajax midfielder John O'Brien is extremely doubtful and striker Brian
McBride
faces a pre-match fitness test before the match against the three-
times world
champions, whose squad has been reduced to 18 players after a rash of
injuries.
McBride, who was expected to partner Clint Mathis in attack, rolled
his left
ankle in a match with his club side Columbus Crew at the weekend and
has
since spent more time on ice than he has on the field.
O'Brien, a regular for Ajax and viewed as a vital part of the U.S.
midfield,
strained his groin in training Monday.
"I think 'doubtful' is the best way to look at it," O'Brien said
Tuesday
night.
He was on the sidelines while the U.S. trained at the newly renovated
Ostseestadion, home to Bundesliga club Hansa Rostock.
"I was able to jog a little, but right now, I'm really doubtful about
tomorrow," he added.
McBride, who sat out Monday's training, did some running and struck a
few
balls before putting ice on his swollen ankle.
"It's one (playing) or the other (not playing)," he said. "and right
now,
it's feeling like the other. I think we're just going to wait until
tomorrow
and see."
U.S. coach Bruce Arena has sent uncapped defender Cory Gibbs back to
his club
side FC St. Pauli after Gibbs suffered a hamstring injury.
If McBride and O'Brien were ruled out, Arena's squad would be reduced
to 17
players.
"We're going to wait until Wednesday morning to name our roster,"
Arena said.
"It's too soon right now and we have to evaluate some guys before we
make any
decisions."
Arena is also missing captain and midfielder leader Claudio Reyna,
who has
been recovering from a hamstring injury but did see action with his
English
club Sunderland at the weekend.
GOOD PASSES
"I'm a little disappointed that he won't be playing," Germany coach
Rudi
Voller said. "He's their leader and we even played on the same team.
"Back at (Bayer) Leverkusen in 1996, when I was at the very end of my
playing
days, I remember he fed me with a few good passes that I turned into
goals."
U.S. and FC Nrnberg defender Tony Sanneh has no fond memories of his
last
appearance at Ostseestadion, when he was playing for Hertha Berlin.
Subjected to racial taunts for much of the game, Sanneh said he
preferred to
focus on the game at hand and not the past.
"This is a friendly now," he said. "There's no big rivalry between
the U.S.
and Germany.
"We both want to win the game, but it is still a friendly. Whoever
wins will
be pumped up and the loser will just say they were missing their best
guys."
The U.S. has won two of the previous meetings between the two
countries, a
3-0 friendly win and a 2-0 victory at the 1999 FIFA Confederations
Cup.
In 1998, Germany soundly defeated the Americans 2-0 in the opening
match at
the World Cup finals.
-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002
O'Brien named to USMNT for friendly vs Germany on Mar. 27 in
Rostock's Ostseestadion. The match will be shown tape delayed in the
US on ESPN2 at 10 p.m. ET and Telemundo
at 11:30 p.m. ET.
-- Anonymous, March 20, 2002
Nice work, Jim. It's interesting: Van der Vaart is probably the "Star
Of The Season" so far, but I also have two 'secret' Players Of The
Year: Bergdølmo and O'Brien. The average Ajax fan will probably tell
you O'Brien is doing "fine" or "okay" this year. To the average
football spectator, that's the best a non-superstar type player can
do. But in fact, John's having a no less than superb season. He wins
all his duels, always does something good with the ball, he works
hard, managed to score a couple of goals and he keeps surprising me
with tremendous little thru-passes and flick-ons. And the most
impressing thing is, that all this goes for all positions he's
played at (right back, right midfield, central midfield, 'number
ten', left midfield, left back...). I've always liked John as a very
useful player for Ajax-1. This season, I've become a fan. Keep it up,
John!
-- Anonymous, March 18, 2002
I wrote a little progress report on every American's favorite
Ajacied, as my next "From the desk of..." article. Check it
out.
-- Anonymous, March 17, 2002
First of i must state that I am delighted to say that John O'Brien
hasn't lost a place in the team with the latest shifts in possition.
I have been a fan of John ever since i first saw him play as it seems
eons ago at some Ajax 2 game. So needless to say I demand play time
for him everytime hahaha
Anyways, i wanted to say something to the people that werent in the
stadium, and i take it lots of Ajax-USA members werent, sadly.
Since last thursday the fans can vote for 'man-of-the-match' by using
their mobile fone for voting.
This game Nikos Machlas got the honour. Although he played 110% better
then Zlatan ever did and i grant him this succes I feel that lots of
supporters didnt notice John's game. He played faboulous! Agressive on
the ball, nice passes, one of few who was moving around today trying
to create openings. And a wonderfull chip-n-pass wich sadly wasnt
estimated to it's quality by v.d. Vaart as he headed straight at the
keeper.
Just had to share this emotion =) Thanx for reading!
Ajax 4-Life!
-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002
Reportedly, US Soccer is announcing that the U.S.–ITALY match in
Sicily on Wednesday, February 13 will be televised live on ESPN at
2:30 p.m. ET. (kick-off 2:45 pm ET).
-- Anonymous, February 07, 2002
To nobody's surprise, JOB has been included in the USA team for their
13 Feb friendly v. Italy in Catania, Sicily. (See USsoccer.com.) This game is snugly wedged
in between Ajax-RKC on 10 Feb and AZ-Ajax on 17 Feb. It'll be
interesting to see if/how John plays in these three matches.
-- Anonymous, February 06, 2002
There's a report on Friday's training on Ajax.nl. Both Ajax-1 and
Young Ajax trained at De Toekomst, instead of the regular training
pitches directly adjacent to the ArenA. Dutch crown-prince Willem-
Alexander and his Argentinian fiancée Maxima are getting married
tomorrow. On Friday night, a massive party takes place in the ArenA,
which is the reason why Ajax had to practice at De Toekomst.
In fact, that party in the ArenA is happening right now. It's
on TV and I just wanted to extend a quick "thank you" to God the
Almighty for the fact that I was not invited. It would be my worst
nightmare coming true. Absolutely terrible.
Anyways, here's the bottom line... The report says that John O'Brien
will replace Rafaël van der Vaart (who's suspended) in this Sunday's
game at Willem II.
Jeezz, what a long post for such a short announcement :-D
-- Anonymous, February 01, 2002
Our friend Super Shota has posted another interview with John (in
Dutch). This one was made prior to Ajax's charity friendly against FC
Volendam on 12 January, 2002.
- ~600KB AVI: O'Brien's
thoughts on the game (in Dutch)
http://www.geocities.com/supershota/volaj-ob.avi
-- Anonymous, January 15, 2002
John O'Brien deserves a great, great compliment for the way he's been
dealing with the new situation (Adriaanse-Koeman, I'm talking about).
He secured a place in the starting line-up under Adriaanse, seemed to
have lost it when Koeman arrived, but he's been in the team in the
past two games, played well and scored a brilliant goal against
Vitesse.
I'm pretty sure Koeman now has Yakubu/Van der Vaart/O'Brien in his
mind as "his" midfield, whereas (when he first arrived) he had a
midfield in mind with Galasek on it. But he is now below JOB in the
hierarchy, I reckon.
-- Anonymous, December 20, 2001
A certain Mr Ben Bell from Media, PA. ;-) led me to this
article on InternetSoccer.com, in which pretty much the same
thing is reported about the agreements on John's playing in U.S.
friendly's. A link to this story is already on the Ajax USA homepage
for several days.
"Ajax USA - faster than its own editor"... ;-)
-- Anonymous, November 16, 2001
This is from Ajax Netwerk. They don't mention a source for the
report, which is written by Ajax Netwerk's reporter "M". Since Ajax
Netwerk's own reports are not always reliable, I'm posting this news
here. If anyone knows more about it, post it in this thread!!
"John O'Brien will not play with the United States national team for
the Gold Cup, a tournament for national teams in North America,
taking place in late January. This is the outcome of a conversation
between Bruca Arena, the USA national coach, and Co Adriaanse. In the
preparation campaign of the Americans for the World Cup tournament in
Japan and South Korea, Ajax' midfielder will only play friendly games
with the USA in Europe. Therefore, O'Brien will not play with the
United States 9 December friendly game in and against South Korea
either. Ajax is due at FC Den Bosch on that day. The American's next
game for his national team is most likely to be in February, against
Italy in Palermo."
(Source: Ajax Netwerk)
Anyone know anything about this? I've not seen this news anywhere
else than on Ajax Netwerk.
-- Anonymous, November 16, 2001
Just found a link on Ajax Netwerk to an article on Soccer America,
about the game between the U.S. and T&T. You'll find the article HERE.
A few intersting things from the article...
Here's Bruce Arena's comment on J.O.B.'s play: "John did well today.
He and Jovan split some of the responsibilities in that position. In
the first half we got caught a little bit with both Jovan [Kirovski]
and John pushing forwards. We got couple with a couple counters when
they were able to find Arnold Dwarika, who I thought had a good game
for T&T. I think John had a good performance today."
And here's what midfielder Jovan Kirovski said about playing with
John in central midfield: "I think we play very well together. We're
both good around the ball, and both good with the ball at our feet.
John defends more, which allows me to get forward a lot more, so it's
a good combination. Similarly, when John had the ball it allowed me
to push into space. Having said that, the way we were playing in the
4-4-2 today I had to play a deeper role as well."
-- Anonymous, November 14, 2001
Interesting quote from O'Brien's recent "chat" on ussoccer.com:
suprsoccerstud: How is playing for Bruce Arena different than playing for Co Adriaanse?
John O'Brien: They're both pretty "no-nonsense" coaches when it comes to on the
field. And I like that. Off the field, it's like night
and day. Bruce is very relaxed towards the players in terms of restraints, with
Co being the complete opposite.
Complete transcript available here.
-- Anonymous, November 08, 2001
Check out Will the Real John O'Brien Please Stand Up? on US
Soccer website.
-- Anonymous, November 08, 2001
No matter whether it was in the first half or the second (was FSW on
LSD?): WAY TO GOOOOO, J.O.B.!!! Yippeeeeeee, what a great goal! And
Ajax needed it, too. This was an excellent victory, especially
because Willem II's Shoukov played the ball with his hand before he
pushed it back to Caluwé, who then scored. That goal should have been
disallowed, came pretty much out of nowhere at that point. The Ajax
players were all complaining with referee Bossen - and they were
chasing that blind idiot for a reason.
Anyway - the first 15-20 mins of the second half (the first, for you
guys) were poor, but then they started playing again, which I think
is a major step forward: so far, Ajax showed all of its best football
in the first half of games. Now they've showed that they can actually
kick themselves in the ass and play well towards the end of the game.
And J.O.B. took 'em by the hand! Absolutely great! He also scored it
on our side, where the Ajax USA banner was...
-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001
John O'Brien is the next player to do a so-called 'supporters's
interview' on Ajax.nl. Fans can send their questions during a few
weeks. The interview will be published on Ajax.nl later.
Scroll all the way down on the Ajax.nl homepage until you get to
John's picture. Click on 'Stel je vraag' ('Ask your question') and
you'll see a question form. Enter (from top to bottom) your name
('naam'), age ('leeftijd'), e-mail address and city/town ('plaats'),
followed by your question.
It would be fun if the supporters' interview will contain some
questions by Americans as well, when it gets published on Ajax.nl. So
go for it!
-- Anonymous, October 25, 2001
In today's edition of daily AT5 talkshow, Regulier & Dwars,
John O'Brien is one of the main guests being interviewed. He will
talk about Ajax, the U.S. team, but I'm sure there will also be
questions about September 11 and how he experienced it.
Here's what I'll do: I'll tape the show and make a full transcript of
the interview, which we will then publish right here on Ajax USA.
We'll have it on line tomorrow. Be sure to check it out...
-- Anonymous, October 15, 2001
Wow... Everyone seems to be raving about John's performance against
Jamaica. I'm impressed.
He's been playing well for Ajax too, by the way (against Apollon and
FC Groningen). Good for John!
-- Anonymous, October 09, 2001
I finally got to watch a tape of the USA-Jamaica game last night... I
am trying to contain my enthusiasm and maintain at least the
appearance of objectivity, but heck-with-it: John O'Brien played a
brilliant, out of his head, masterful game for the USA. Despite Joe
Max-Moore scoring both goals, I think JOB was a runaway man-of-the-
match. If the US strikers had finished even half of the chances John
created, this game would not have been close.
It's really gratifying. JOB is such a nice guy, has worked so f*ing
hard, and has been so unlucky. He finally got a chance to show his
quality in a meaningful game, and he did not disappoint at all. I
think you could see the joy (and relief) on his face after the game.
He's a subdued, low-key guy, doesn't usually seek the spotlight. But
right after the final whistle, he was the first player to run over to
the Sams Army supporters section, and he jumped up into the crowd,
where he was enveloped him in hugs and pats on the back.
Here are some of the comments posted to the "North American Soccer"
list-serv after the game:
"O'brien is my MOTM. Fantastic game, very composed on the ball, great
passing and great defense as well. Thought he outplayed Reyna (who I
thought was solid, but quiet). "
"I thought JOB and Reyna were the best players on the field. They
both have those priceless qualities... being able to hold the ball
under pressure, create on the dribble, and beat opponents 1v1.
Definitely someone I like to see on the ball in a US uniform."
"JOB had one of the more effective offensive-minded games I've seen
from a USian. BD, a higher "level of class" is a good
way to describe it. He has great confidence with the ball. Every
touch of his seemed to have meaning and direction. Plus, throw in
the fact that he's a hardnosed player. If he stays healthy, I think
we will be seeing that young man an awful lot out there. Off the top
of my head, JOB, Donovan and Mathis (and of old, Ramos) are three
USians who project confidence when they have the ball. Sure they
make mistakes, but all three are very willing, and, more importantly,
ABLE, to take on a defender. You have the feeling that JOB was out
there demanding the ball from his teammates because he was
feeling "it". Very reminiscent of the basketball player who is hot
on the court. Feed him the ball! That's where JOB was yesterday at
times."
"John O'Brien - 9: I don't think I've ever seen a US player take on
so many other players, take such a beating, and still be so
effective. He's the real deal. Can we start him for the rest of my
life please? He took three crunching tackles and still seemed to
play better as the game went along. And he likes to shoot... THANK
GAWWD!!!!! In the words of my
old college roommate: 'He made some Jamaicans look stuuuuuuuuupid!!!'
One more thing that hasn't yet been mentioned. We all whine (myself
included) about the gamesmanship of players who roll around
in 'agony' on the slightest contact. Let's not forget to give credit
to JOB for the fact that he simply doesn't do it. He got plowed,
scythed and abused throughout the game. Popped right up every time,
didn't bitch, didn't need no stinking sponge, nothing. You gotta love
it.
-- Anonymous, October 09, 2001
A nice interview/article with John O'Brien on ESPN Soccernet, dated
24 September 2001.
-- Anonymous, September 25, 2001
I would love to see more of Ajax, comming from Amsterdam but I can't
see a lot of Ajax here in Toronto but I do think Brian is the best
looking!
-- Anonymous, September 24, 2001
JOHN, BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I hope AJAX Supporters
everywhere will see you back in the first 11 very soon.
-- Anonymous, August 30, 2001
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOHN!!
-- Anonymous, August 29, 2001
Regarding O'Brien's current status at Ajax... Here's an update based on some comments I heard from a reliable source inside the club:
The training was intense this preseason (nine games in three weeks).
Like a lot of the players, O'Brien was hurting from the hard training,
and his Achillies was acting up. He started the AC Milan game at
right back but came out because of the problem. It was not severe,
but he needed time to recuperate. AC Milan won 1-0, but the Ajax
defense had problems. O'Brien sat out the Liverpool game, which Ajax
won and, with it, the tournament. He then played the next friendly
and was injured
in a tackle, so he sat out the Celtic game and will be out for a week
or two. His availability for the US in September is uncertain.
Ajax has a lot of players now - something like 30 now on the 1st
team. Of the new players, Mido is most likely to impact O'Brien's
chances of playing in the first 11. Beside Mido and O'Brien, there
are many good players trying to establish themselves in the first
eleven: Van der Meyde, Van der Gun, Knopper, Ikedia, Wamberto,
Maxwell, Cruz, etc. The selection could change as the formation
changes and injuries inevitably occur. (For instance, Cruz, who
replaced O'Brien in the AC Milan game, broke his ankle today.)
O'Brien may be able to establish a place in the first 11 once he gets the chance, and it seems Adriaanse might have the same view. One side effect advantage is
that the fierce competition for positions pushes O'Brien very hard; he
trains very hard and stays focused. A lot depends on what
happens this season. If he doesn't play much, he may be better off
elsewhere. For now, he seems to be focused on securing a spot on the first team.
-- Anonymous, August 16, 2001
Yvonne - although I can't speak for the creators of this site,
another reason John gets a lot of attention from American fans is
that he plays on our National Team as well. So US Nats fans are
always looking to see how he fares across the water. Hopefully he
provides a better showing tomorrow against Liverpool.
Mel
http://www.FlatheadSoccer.com
-- Anonymous, July 27, 2001
Yup, but cruz very well - again. He shows that he can play everywhere
(like O'Brien actually). So if Cruz is better he should play. Too bad
for John. Then again we have Trabelsi for the right back side...
-- Anonymous, July 27, 2001
The reason why, Yvonne, is that the webmaster of Ajax USA, Jim
McGough, has done a few personal interviews with John O'Brien. Those
interviews, combined with the fact that John is an American and
therefore of special interest to American Ajax fans, make for a nice
personal page.
Of course, the American fans are interested in all other players,
too, as you can see in most of the discussion threads about the
individual players. There are exclusive Ajax USA interviews with Co
Adriaanse and Kees Zwamborn as well, which proves again that we are
happy to write about every Ajacied if we get the chance.
Alright - let's talk about John now...
I am usually a fan of his, but he had an extremely bad day yesterday,
against AC Milan. Ajax' defending was weak anyway, but the large part
of the danger came over John's side, especially when Sergingo went
forward over the left flank. John just couldn't stop him and was
playing one of his weaker games for Ajax, I think. He was the only
player to get replaced on the night (by Daniël Cruz).
I still hope he'll keep his position in the starting line-up, though.
He was by far the best right back we've had last year, which I won't
forget. This was just a bad day.
-- Anonymous, July 27, 2001
Hello American friends
I'm a Dutch girl who loves AJAX
I see there are many things are translate out of Dutch
Why is there (on AJAX-USA) only a Personal Page of O'Brien, aren't
you interesting in the other players??
Maybe you can tell me that?
Bye Bye
Many greats from Holland
Yvonne
-- Anonymous, July 24, 2001
i have been trying hard to find out why o'brien did not play against
Mexico (he was sorely missed, the USA was badly outplayed). I'm glad
that someone else is interested as well!
-- Anonymous, July 13, 2001
"O'Brien dilemma typical of pressure exerted on Americans in Europe"
Full article: http://www.soccertimes.com/wagman/2001/jul08.htm
-- Anonymous, July 09, 2001
I am reading that John seems to have a good chance of breaking into
Ajax's 11. This is a great thing, but I think that we need more of
our players playing in real leagues, like the Ere divisie, and not the
farm system that is the MLS. Against Honduras or even Mexico a
national squad full of MLS-ers and marginal european based players
will do alright, but if the US wants to really compete, we need a
squad full of John O'Brien's. Players having to face the daily
pressures of high level football, both on and off the field. I look
forward to having John play in champions league, and I hope more young
americans follow in his footsteps.
My question is this, do you know of any other young guys who are
following in John's footsteps?
-- Anonymous, July 03, 2001
Here's what I have been able to learn. This comes from an extremely
reliable source:
"Ajax has an early start this year for several reasons. Europe has
qualification games early in September so the Dutch League has a
break then, and the start of the regular season was moved forward
into August. Also, because they were 3rd in the league last season,
Ajax has to play games on August 7/8 for the Champions League.
Additionally, the Ajax tournament is just the few weeks away on July
26 and 28 (Ajax plays AC Milan and Liverpool). The Ajax coach told
John that, with this very
early start, there will be only a couple weeks to set the starting
lineup, so is important for him to be there at the beginning of
training.
"As has been pointed out, the U.S. team is in a good position, which
relieves some of the pressure. In the past Arena has said that he
wants Europe based players to be getting playing time. While I don't
know Bruce's intentions, he may have felt that it could benefit John
more to skip the Mexico game, so he could try to get playing time at
Ajax in July and August. If John does so, then he would be in top
form for the U.S. games on 9/1 and 9/5 (at which time Ajax will have
a break and John
could be available).
"John plans to go back to Holland this weekend in order to be
adjusted to the time change by the start of training. He's made use
of the time since the T&T game to do some special training and get in
top condition to help him make the first 11.
"I think it was the consensus of the three parties involved that this
course would be the best in a long run for John. That could be the
best course for the USMNT."
-- Anonymous, June 26, 2001
There has been a lot of discussion this week around decision by Bruce
Arena (US National men's coach) to not include O'Brien in this
weekend's clash with rival Mexico. Today, this was posted to Soccer
Times:
"O'Brien was told in no uncertain terms by his club, Ajax of
Amsterdam, he needed to be with the team from the first day of
training if he wanted to be considered for the starting 11 in the
upcoming season. Ajax begins its play-in matches for the European
Champions League soon and the team already has opened camp. Arena
allowed O'Brien to go after Wednesday's win."
Full article: http://www.soccertimes.com/usteams/2001/jun24.htm
This is so weird! Menno tells me that Adriaanse is still on vacation,
and half the team is at the Youth World Cup. So why does O'Brien have
to miss such a huge opportunity with the Nats to train with Ajax?
He is on the verge of a major breakthrough for US, having played well
as a substitute and with an opening for him in the first 11 due to
Claudio Reyna's suspension.
Something's up. Maybe the rumor of a trade has put O'Brien on a
mission to secure a spot on Ajax 1 as soon as possible. Or maybe Co
just told him to come back as a test of loyalty? If Ajax really did
send such a message to O'Brien, then I think they're being
irresponsible.
-- Anonymous, June 25, 2001
john is the ajax"s dream ,a skil full player ,and desurfs a better
place than the 2nd team ,but he"never arguing whith co ,and that are
the real pro"s, ficht fore there place in the 1st team ,thats john
o"brien.
-- Anonymous, June 10, 2001
I think it says alot for the class of John O'Brien the player that he
stepped forward under difficult circumstances on Wednesday
night.One,the US were playing a side so hungry for their first world
cup place EVER that they can taste it! Two, the US had just suffered
the loss of two very fine talents, Clint Mathis(ACL tear) and Josh
Wolff(stress fracture).The US needed players to step forward;
friendly or not.John O'Brien did so. I echo Jim's sentiments about
staking a claim to a midfield slot.I hope Bruce ArenA was watching
the same game.
-- Anonymous, June 09, 2001
John played the full 90 in yesterday's friendly v. Ecuador, and
played very well. He was the darling of the post-game reviews on the
internet. One fan called him "pure class" and I agree. He is hard
working, creative and very fast, mentally and physicallly. I
personally thought he pressed a bit, whereas with Ajax he has seemed
remarkably cool-headed for his age. Maybe he tries too hard to
impress in U.S. games, or maybe he was just so excited to get out and
be a part of the attack. Despite the fact that he played "defensive
midfield," much of the USA's best offensive work was created or
elevated by John. Well done. I suspect that spot in Team USA's
midfield is now his to keep or lose.
-- Anonymous, June 09, 2001
Martijn Jacobs was right! John made it back to Ajax 1 this season,
and played extremely well in the unlikely position of right back.
We DID see John play for the reserves against De Graafschap, and we
met him
after the game, and he returned to the Ajax 1 match for the
following game (NAC), which we attended. Since then, John has played
in several Ajax 1 matches.
Today, US coach Bruce Arena included John in his selection for the
friendly against Ecuador in Columbus OH on Thursday, June 7. See
http://www.us-soccer.com/scripts/runisa.dll?
M2:gp:428647:15035+news/display+25659+E
-- Anonymous, May 31, 2001
Here's an update: As many people know, John worked really hard, and
yet it took a long time for him to recover his fitness after that
Achilles injury. After playing some reserve games last month, he
finally resumed training with the first team this month. Then he took
a (minor) knee injury during training. That is mostly healed, and he
is now playing with the Reserves again. We hope we'll see John play
in the Ajax-De Graafschap reserves match on Monday evening (04/23) at
De Toekomst. If I get a chance to talk to him about his situation,
I'll post an update here.
-- Anonymous, April 18, 2001
I think If you wait a little longer, John O' Brien will be
back in the first team. I like his style of soccer, and although
Ajax is playing better and better every week they need players
like him, certainly because all the other players are so young.
Really nice there is an American fan-site of Ajax, I din't know
but it's really cool! Especially the license plate of the car :
"Hup Ajax" :)
-- Anonymous, February 09, 2001
I still think the future looks good for John. It was very sad for him
to return injured from the Olympics, since he'd been doing well before
he left to Sydney. But looking at the current situation, there are
several ways for John to get into the first team:
1) LEFT MIDFIELDER: Richard Witschge as doing great over there at the
beginning of the season, and Rafaël van der Vaart is doing the same
thing now, but if Van der Vaart gets injured or something (which can
easily happen to a 17 year-old kid who's suddenly playing 90 minutes
on a professional level each week) O'Brien would probably be
Adriaanse's first choice. He obviously refuses to put Witschge back
into the team. His days are over.
2) LEFT OR RIGHT BACK: both back positions are Ajax's biggest problems
these days. Central defense (Chivu and Pasanen) looks safe, but the
back positions are shaky: Bergdølmo has lost his spot, Kanu is not
quite ready for the job yet, Sier and De Cler are doing reasonably
well but they just returned into the team because it was an
emergency situation: there simply was no-one else. O'Brien has done
well at both back positions and Adriaanse knows that. I'm curious on
which position he played in Ajax-2. If he was lined up as a right
or left back, that would definitely be a sign.
I expect John to be offered a serious chance shortly.
-- Anonymous, February 08, 2001
According to Ajax.nl, John O'Brien is scheduled to make his return to
competitive football today for Ajax II (the reserve team) against NAC
Breda's reserve team. O'Brien has not played competitively for Ajax
since the Amsterdam Tournament in the Fall of 2000, when he appeared
against Arsenal and Lazio.
-- Anonymous, February 08, 2001
The "Yanks Abroad" update to the US Soccer mail-list reports again
(see above) that O'Brien has started light training with Ajax.
-- Anonymous, January 11, 2001
A fan using the nickname 'Go_Rafael' started a thread about John on
the Ajax Mania discussion forum, about John's injuries and the fact
that his contract expires at the end of this season. 'Go_Rafael' asks
whether Ajax should keep John O'Brien or not. Most fans think they
should. A certain 'Herrie' writes: "Ajax has three good left
midfielders: Rafael van der Vaart, Richard Witschge and John O'Brien.
One of them will have to leave and I hope it'll be Witschge. He's not
satisfied at Ajax, does not make any progression anymore and Ajax
will get good money for him."
To which 'The Purple Cow' replies (this is the good part): "I
received email a while ago from Bill O'Brien, John's dad, about
John's contract. Everything's already finished. It's a done deal
already."
-- Anonymous, January 11, 2001
Someone just posted to a US soccer mail-list that O'Brien's achilles
is still not great, that he's only just begun to do light running and
that it's not clear how it will behave when he puts some real stress
on it. He's not expected to figure into the USA's plans for the final
round of WQ qualifications. Anybody in Amsterdam have some 'local
rumors' on O'Brien to share?
-- Anonymous, December 06, 2000
O'Brien is the cover boy on the latest edition of Soccer America
magazine. Headline: "The Dutch Life of O'Brien". See
http://www.socceramerica.com
-- Anonymous, November 15, 2000
Read the translated Ajax.nl interview with John O'Brien about his
experiences at the Olympic Games in Sydney. Find it here:
http://www.ajax-usa.com/ajax/team/j_obrien_int_102000_ajaxnl.html
-- Anonymous, October 25, 2000
Response to John O'Brien
John O'Brien turned 23 today. Congratulations! (funny thing: also
ajacied Richard Knopper turned 23 today, what a coincidence!)
-- Anonymous, August 29, 2000
Response to John O'Brien
Will John O'Brien's inclusion in the Olympic team affect his status
with his club?Choosing to play for one's country has hurt the amount
of playing time seen for many other players across Europe.
-- Anonymous, August 18, 2000
Response to John O'Brien
John is not the only Ajacied to play at the Sydney Olympics, by the
way: Joe Didulica en Jason Culina will play at home with their
Olympic team, Australia.
-- Anonymous, August 18, 2000
Response to John O'Brien
Congrats America, congrats John O'Brien. Let's hope the lad will play
regularly next season. I think he's a great player, fitting nicely in
Co Adriaanse's system.
-- Anonymous, August 17, 2000
Response to John O'Brien
Thans to Ajax, and other international clubs for helping to raise the U.S national teams play! With the majority of the starting squad playing abroad, its nice to see the U.S. dominate who their supposed to dominate. No disrespect to Barbados, but they are one of the weaker sides in the region. With the U.S. expected to make it to WC '02, I laughed at articles in the U.S. media calling for panic. Understandibly, this game was a must win for the U.S. but Barbados can not match the player depth and quality on of the Americans. It is because players like O'brien, Reyna, Joe Max, Stewart(also in Holland), and others play overseas that the U.S. dominated 7-0. They were up 2-0 when the first red-card was given out. Also one can't look past the development of players like Mcbride and Jones in MLS. THANK GOD FOR AMERICAN PLAYERS BEING ABLE TO PLAY REGULARLY AT HOME AND ABROAD. FORWARD AJAX, FORWARD USA, FORWARD MLS, LOVE THE GAME!
-- Anonymous, August 17, 2000
Response to John O'Brien
O'BRIEN SCORES A GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!John O'brien scored
his first goal for the USA Full National Team tonight in a World Cup
Qualifier, as the USA destroy Barbados 7-0 in their first home game.
O'Brein came in late in the 1st half to reaplce an injured Chris
Armas. Barbados were down to 9 men by the 40th minute after 2 1st
half red cards. The USA already had a 2-0 lead at that time. O'Brien
scored in the 46th minute, with a beautiful pass to himself between 2
defenders. Just thought those who are not in the States might like to
know.
-- Anonymous, August 16, 2000
Response to John O'Brien
It's hard to say how the US team will do in Sydney, a lot depends who
they bring in as the 3 over age players. I only know of 1 so far,
Jeff Agoos, a defender, and sometimes captain, w/the full national
team who plays in the states with DC United. I think the team got a
good draw, Czech Republic, Cameroon, and Kuwait, so they should win a
game or two. For the Americans getting out of the first round would
be a major accomplishment. As a Yank, I'm hoping for the best. I also
heard O'Brien will be with the full team for a WC qualifier against
Barbados on August 16th, whether he plays or not, who knows. We got
our 2 top scorers back from injury, and this is must win. I'll let
you know how he does if he plays.
-- Anonymous, August 10, 2000
Response to John O'Brien
That's right: John will go to Sydney with the US Olympic Team shortly.
Which is of course great for him - the Olympics are a dream for every
athlete. But in a way it's a pity, too. John has played two excellent
games at the Amsterdam Tournament. Since Tomas Galasek was injured,
Richard Witschge played at central midfield, with John O'Brien playing
on left midfield. He was calm, worked hard and he seemed to have a lot
of self-esteem. He almost even scored aganst Arsenal. Co Adriaanse
must have been impressed as well. I think John has never been this
close to REALLY conquer a spot in the starting line-up. Co Adriaanse
would probably not have 'changed the winning team'. Unfortunately,
Adriaanse will just have to change it, because John will be gone for a
while. Which means Galasek will take over his spot - and John will
have to wait for his next chance when he comes back.
How do you think the US Team will do in Sydney?
-- Anonymous, August 07, 2000
Response to John O'Brien
Just an update on O'Brien. In June he played, and did well, with the
full national team in the Nike US Cup, which the USA won by beating
South Africa 4-0, Tying Ireland 1-1, and beating Mexico 3-0. So far
in the first 2 Qualifiers, both away, a 1-1 draw w/Guatamela, and a 2-
1 loss to Costa Rica, he has not played. As far as I know he will he
playing with the Olympic team in Sydney. That's all I know.
-- Anonymous, July 29, 2000
Response to John O'Brien
I watched John play last night on Fox Sports World in a U-23 Olympic
qualification semi-final match against Guatemala. The US won 4-0.
John scored on a beautiful volley from 25 yards in the 1st minute of
the game! The US was dominant throughout the first 35 minutes,
building a 3-0 lead and John played a very influential part in that
dominance. After the first 35 minutes, the US coasted through most
of the remaining 65 minutes, scoring again in the 90th minute. I'm
almost positive John played all 90 minutes. The win guarantees the
USA a spot in the Olympics in Sydney this September.
Along with Ben Olsen (and the 3 overage players allowed in the
Olympic competition), John should be one of the most influential
players in the side. It is extremely exciting for us American Ajax
supporters to see John coming along so well now that he is healthy
again. I felt he might have been able to contribute to the World Cup
98 team, but his injuries were too much to overcome at the time. I
can't wait to see him as a regular contributor to the full national
team when World Cup qualification starts this September!
-- Anonymous, May 03, 2000
Response to John O'Brien
Visit this website from me about John O'Brien
http://_johnobrien.homestead.com/page1.html
-- Anonymous, April 17, 2000
Response to John O'Brien
Not the first American for Ajax!
I received the following email recently:
Dear sir,
On your web site you say that John O'Brien is the first and only
American soccer player ever to have signed a contract with Ajax. But
did you know that O'Brien is not the only American and not the first
American soccer player that has played for Ajax? In the years 1922 to
1930 a player named Edward Hamel played 125 matches for Ajax. He was
a very popular player at that time. Although Edward (Eddy) Hamel had
the American nationality, he was murdered by the nazi's in the gas
chambers of the concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1943.
Nobody in the Netherlands knew about it, until a few years ago an
Englishman wrote Ajax a letter, saying he was in the concentration
camp with Hamel when Hamel was sent to the gas chambers. I know about
all this because I wrote a story about it, that was published last
week in the Amsterdam based Dutch daily newspaper Het Parool.
Sincerely yours,
Arthur de Boer
12 March 2000
-- Anonymous, April 07, 2000
Response to John O'Brien
And so he did. John played the full ninety minutes against Tunisia
(check out the news page). Or actually even more than ninety minutes:
correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't it far into injury time when the
US equalized, after an O'Brien assist?
-- Anonymous, March 14, 2000
Response to John O'Brien
John is scheduled to play with the Men's team against Tunisia on Mar
12 in Birmingham, Alabama. It is on ESPN2 at 1:30 CT. After that,
in the Olympic qualifications April 21 - 31 in Hershey, Penn.
-- Anonymous, March 04, 2000
Response to John O'Brien
In response to the question about John with the national team, he in
fact did not play with team against Iran. He trained with the team but
he was sent back to the U-23 National Team. This is mostly because he
re-injured himself in practice. When interviewed, he was obviously
frustrated with the fact that when he finally gets a chance to impress
the national team staff he gets yet another injury. He played in the
match following the US-Iran match - I believe it was the U23 US team
against the full Aremian team. He played decent.
-- Anonymous, February 19, 2000
Response to John O'Brien
Maybe some of you American Ajax fans can keep us up to date about
John O'Brien's performances in the USA National Team. I know he
played in a friendly (well...) against Iran. Has he already played an
official match for the US Team (some World Cup qualifier or so)? Keep
us informed via this thread...
-- Anonymous, February 01, 2000
Response to John O'Brien
Can somebody tell me if there is a home page of John O'Brien
somewhere? Other than this page from him .
-- Anonymous, January 04, 2000
Response to John O'Brien
John was recently interviewed by ESPN, apparently for US broadcast.
There is a rumor that the PSV-AJAX game on 12/15 will be on regular
ESPN. Just a rumor...
John's ankle injury is not too bad; he can walk on it but not run yet.
He'll miss this weekend's game and maybe the UEFA Cup game in Majorca
on 12/9, but hopes to be back for FC Twente on Dce 12.
-- Anonymous, December 02, 1999
Response to John O'Brien
I got the following information from a friend in Holland who knows
John:
I attended the FC Utrecht game Nov 22... Ajax won 2 - 0.
John played the entire game at right midfield and played well.
In the UEFA Cup 3rd round on Nov 25 AJAX lost 0 - 1 to Majorca. John
started at left defender and shifted to the #4 position, central
defender near the end. AJAX did not play well and could not contain
the Majorca counter-attacks.
On Sunday, Nov 28 AJAX beat AZ 2 - 1. John started at right defender
but he was tackled again and it looks like it'll be a couple of weeks
before he is back. The only positive is that it was his other foot
this time.
In these 3 games he has played at 4 places, which doesn't help him
get the feel for one position. But, it may indicate that the coach
has
more confidence in him than in the other players at those positions.
This season John recuperated very slowly from the toe injury he got
Dec 13, 1998 at FCU. His toe was still only 80% in early Sept. He
did
get time in about 9 games at the end of Sept and in Oct and then was
hurt again with an ankle sprain on Oct 29. A friendly game in
Stuttgart on
Nov 15 was his 1st time back. The FCU game Nov 22 was his 1st league
game back. He has played in 13 games and started in 11 this year,
including the UEFA games and the friendlies. If he stays healthy for
a while, he may be able to get into the starting line up consistently.
It looks like he will come to the US Mens Camp in Claremont
(California) in January and may get a chance to play in the Iran game
Jan 16. He should also
be in the Olympic qualifications in April.
-- Anonymous, December 01, 1999
Response to John O'Brien
Andy asks:
In the last write-up about Ajax beating Utrecht, it stated that John
O'Brien had a fine job playing all 90 minutes against his former
teammates. When did he play for Utrecht? I thought he came
straight to the Ajax developemental squad. Or, is it possible that
Ajax
released him to Utrecht?
To which Menno replies:
John played for Utrecht during the last season ('98-'99). He was
loaned out, which happens regularly to Ajax youth players. The
step from the youth or second team to the frist team is a little
bit too big, sometimes. It's valuable for a young player to get some
experience in playing professional football in the KPN League
before playing in Ajax-1. It happened to some pretty big players,
like Ronald de Boer (who played for FC Twente). Sometimes, after
a year, the player is sold to the club he was loaned out to.
But in John O'Brien's case, of course, Ajax wanted him back.
-- Anonymous, November 30, 1999
Response to John O'Brien
There is a great picture of John by Frank Zilver on the FC Utrecht
website, from the recent Ajax - Utrecht game:
http://www.fc-utrecht.nl/gfx/fotoalbum/9900-aja-utr-01.jpg
Another picture on Ajax website, from the AZ match, showing O'Brien
taking an ankle injury:
http://www.ajax.nl/wedstrijden/ptt/99/azajax.html
-- Anonymous, November 30, 1999
Response to John O'Brien
Here's an article (in Dutch) on how John's doing at Ajax:
http://www.telegraaf.nl/krant/vandaag/teksten/spo.johnobrien.html
-- Anonymous, November 29, 1999
Response to Johnny O'Brien
O'Brien has been invited to join the US National Team for a game in
Morocco on November 17.
-- Anonymous, October 27, 1999
Response to Johnny O'Brien
The Ajax official website does have an 'English button', for all you
guys who are to lazy to learn our beautyful language. This is what it
also says about John O'Brien:
"John O'Brien signed a contract for three years starting July 1, 1998.
The defender currently stars in the second team of Ajax. He started
unlucky this year. Just when national coach Steve Sampson selected him
for a friendly match against Belgium in Bruxelles in February, O'Brien
got injured.
John O'Brien is the first American ever to play for Ajax. He left Los
Angeles in 1994 when he was sixteen years old. He presently studies
International Management at the Amsterdam Economic High School (HES)."
(quote from the Official Ajax Website (www.ajax.nl))
-- Anonymous, October 22, 1999
Response to Johnny O'Brien
O'Brien has now started his second KPN game and... scored a goal, the
equalizer in an eventual 1-3 victory over NEC on Sunday October 17.
(You can read a match report in English on Ajaxmania.
Some fans in Holland have speculated that the right midfield position
is O'Brien's to lose.
-- Anonymous, October 19, 1999
Response to Johnny O'Brien
O'Brien made his first team debut on 9/15/99. Visit the Ajax USA
John
O'Brien page for all the details. And thanks to our good friend Menno for this comment on the occasion:
Congratulations, mu fellow American Ajax supporters! On this very night (September 16th) JOHN O'BRIEN made
his debut as a player of AJAX!! I hope it's the beginning of an impressive carreer as an 'Ajacied'. And I hope there'll
be a LOT of Americans after him! I wish the USA-team the best of luck at the next World Cup Tournament (how
about a Holland - USA clash?). With an Ajacied in the national team, it's time to welcome the States to the highest
level of international soccer. The States have definitely got the possibility to be one of the strongest soccer-countries
in the world. It's good to have you guys around. Good luck.
Thanks, Menno!
-- Anonymous, September 17, 1999
Moderation questions? read the FAQ