Philadelphia Union: Is it time to move on from Maurice Edu?

First of all, as a fan of the Philadelphia Union and a Maurice Edu fan, it is difficult to say this.

He scored a goal against Slovenia in the 2010 World Cup that is perhaps one of the most memorable parts of that tournament. The disallowed goal would have confirmed the United States to the next round, but may have ultimately derailed the narrative that was the Landon Donovan goal to push the team to the next round.

That said his time in Philadelphia has been marred by three things: the team has for the most part been a poor performing side, he has often been forced to move back to center back, and injury. Neither of these can be really blamed on Edu, and for much of the time, he has been here he has been the motor behind the Union. However, with the new Philadelphia Union side, one that has been a successful side, maybe it is time to move on.

When Edu transferred to the Philadelphia Union at the beginning of the 2013 season he came with two other midfielders, Vincent Nogueira and Chaco Maidana. The three of them seemed to usher in a new wave of talent to the Philadelphia Union and had many people considering that maybe the turn-around was coming in Philadelphia. With one playoff appearance in less than five years, this seemed a true beginning for the oft-beleaguered franchise.

In the past few years, Edu has been a part of some lower table sides for the Philadelphia Union. He has moved back and forth between Center Back and Defensive Midfield more times than Andre Blake has started in goal for the Union. Now after two Open Cup Finals and many appearances for the Union, Edu is injured for at least three months at the beginning of this season and the Philadelphia Union have started off well, and seem to have enough midfield and defensive options.

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Sep 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta (85) celebrates with C.J. Sapong (17) and Cristian Maidana (10) and Fabinho (33) and Maurice Edu (8) after a goal during the first half against the Houston Dynamo at PPL Park. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

So, is it time to move on from Maurice Edu? The Philadelphia Union have already moved on from Chaco Maidana. With the new leadership in Earnie Stewart, and all the other offseason changes sending much of the team packing, is it time for a new leader, and to change things up?

Now before this topic is really analyzed. Where are the Philadelphia Union now? Top of the table without two of their top players, Edu and Nogueira. Now the latter seems likely to return with enough time to get over his own injuries, and with him returning to the lineup that means the elder statesman, Brian Carroll, can return to the bench. With the current form of many of the midfielders and the style of play of the team we only need one of them back, and I think Nogueira better fits the Union’s new style.

Across the field, the Philadelphia Union currently have three or so viable defensive midfield options, and similar options at Center Back. With players like Roland Alberg and Warren Creavalle showing well so far this season, Nogueira on the mend, and Brian Carroll a viable option to kill games in the midfield, and Ken Tribbett and Richie Marquez anchoring the defense with Anderson Conceicao and Josh Yaro as a viable center back replacements, where does Edu fit in?

Which is a good question. Does he still need to be here? If he comes back and plays well and fights his way back to the starting lineup, that likely makes the Union exponentially better. With the historic problems of injury in Center Backs, and midfielders the depth they all provide is a godsend for the team, but how many do you need.

As such it might be time to get what you can out of Edu. He is an awesome player and an awesome guy. That said with all the other ties being cut in the preseason, and the continued success of the Philadelphia Union maybe getting something out of Edu while you can seems to be the best possible course of action. Maybe that is how Edu can bring a championship to Philadelphia.

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That said you don’t need to sell him. If there is no real hope to get anything of merit out of a trade, keep him. If you feel someone else is more of a bargaining chip and you find him the one that is excess to your needs, trade him. If history is any indicator the Union will trade someone this season. They have gotten Creavalle, Andrew Wenger and others in mid-season trades. And with a new man in charge, Earnie Stewart, who knows what is on the cards.

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