What if I asked you who the most successful American playing in Europe is right now? The majority would say Tim Howard. There might be a vote here and there for a player in the Bundesliga like Timmy Chandler or Fabian Johnson. Maybe some of you would be wiseasses and say Jozy Altidore. And that's all well and good, but you would all be wrong.
It's Tim Ream. Yes, the same Tim Ream that joined the Red Bulls a few years back, had two pretty good seasons, then hightailed it to England in 2011 before the door could hit him on the way out. He plays for the Bolton Wanderers in the English Championship League right now, and even though Bolton Wanderers kinda stink (they're in 17th place but are not in relegation danger), Tim Ream has had himself a hell of a season.
His season has been so good, in fact, that Ream has been voted as Bolton Wanderers' player of the year by the fans. I don't care how bad Bolton Wanderers are, getting a bunch of drunken English blokes to admit that a Yank is the best player on their team is damn impressive.
Oh, and did I mention that this is the second year in a row he's won?
So hats off to you, Tim Ream, keep up the good work. Maybe Jurgen will let you play in a national team game of some consequence someday.
(H/T Planet Futbol)