Agreed with you both, on a variety of issues.
The Bradley kid can play. He trained with Villa. I can't recall seeing him in a match, or even on the list, though he may have been. I suspect he played for the reserves, though I don't know how often or well.
The larger issue is the value of playing vs. the value of training, vs. the value of both. From what I've seen of Altidore's "development," I'd say that so-called high-level training, without actually PLAYING, has limited value.
Conversely, I'd say that Donovan's stint with Everton, where he did both, may be the best thing that ever happened to him professionally.
In an ideal world, MLS will grow into something more than a jumping off (or winding down) point for Americans with overseas aspirations and/or careers. Though I suspect we're at least 5-10 years from anything like that point.
