Oriol Rosell is back in Kansas City and partook in his first official team training on Friday morning at the Sporting Club Training Center in Swope Park. Rosell is the only Spanish player in MLS this year and one of only eight all-time. In fact, Rosell is one of only two MLS players all-time to have been brought up in FC Barcelona's famed La Masia academy and then play for Barcelona. The other, Albert Celades, signed for the New York Red Bulls in March of 2009 before retiring from competitive football in October of that same year. Celades made seventeen appearances for the Red Bulls, scoring one goal and adding four assists.
Rosell, in a slightly different situation, comes to the United States after turning 20 a little under a month ago, far from retirement. Despite his youthful age however, Rosell's background provides him with extensive knowledge on the field. ENB Sports Statistics Ltd. recently ranked Rosell at number 31 on their list of the top 100 prospects under the age of 20 in Spanish League Football for the 2011-2012 season.
In conjuction with his advanced soccer background, Rosell has also placed an emphasis on his academics. Rosell comes to MLS with the ambition to further his learning both on the field and in the classroom.
