Many people consider the Spanish top division, known as La Liga, one of the best leagues in the world (if not the best). It is home to arguably two of the biggest and most famous clubs in the world – Real Madrid and Barcelona. Not many Americans have played in this league, as our best players who have played in Europe typically opt for the English, German, Dutch, or Italian leagues. Which brings up the question, who was the first American to play in La Liga?
Until recently, American goalkeepers have seen the most success of all the top players we have produced. Some would have argued that Brad Friedel and Tim Howard contended for world class status in their day, while even guys who were not the clear number one for our national team have carved out careers in the top divisions in Europe (Marcus Hahnemann and Brad Guzan come to mind).
Even though it took until 1999 for an American to play in the top Spanish division, It has to be one of our greatest goalkeepers ever to break the mold in Spain.
Kasey Keller background
Kasey Keller joined newly promoted Rayo Vallecano on a free transfer from Leicester City in 1999, becoming the first American to play in the top division in Spain (La Liga).
Keller grew up in Washington state and played collegiately for the University of Portland, winning national goalkeeper of the year in 1991. He was a member of the first US team to make a World Cup in 40 years in 1990 (when our national team was comprised of college players and semi-pros), and made his way to Europe with English second-tier club Millwall in 1992.
Keller was an athletic, imposing, instinctive shot-stopper with strong command of the 18 yard box, yet he also retained an aura of quiet, calm confidence. He is easily one of the top 3 goalkeepers the US has ever produced, and among the best overall players to come out of the USA.
He had a long and successful career lasing over 15 years in Europe, with big clubs like Tottenham, Borussia Monchengladbach, and Leicester City, as well as great moments with the national team (the game against Brazil in ‘98 is probably the best performance from a US goalkeeper ever).
He battled Tony Meola and Brad Friedel for the number 1 shirt, often coming out on top. He amassed the second most appearances and wins for any US goalkeeper (102 and 53, respectively), and still holds the record for shutouts with 47.
Time in La Liga
In those days it was not common for US players to play in Europe (only the best of the best could make it there), and our players mostly ended up in England, Scotland, Germany, or the Netherlands.
If I had to speculate, the cultural and language barriers made for an easier adjustment for US players to these countries, and the style of play in these leagues was typically a better fit for our more athletic players.
The style of play in the Spanish league is more technical, which did not suit the typical US player. This stylistic difference didn’t apply as much to goalkeepers as much in those days, as keeping the ball out of the net was their main job (unlike today where more contribution is expected from their feet), so it’s not a surprise that the first US player in this league was a goalkeeper.
Keller had a good stint with Rayo Vallecano, leading them to a surprising ninth place finish in his first year. After his second year in Spain, he returned to England signing with Tottenham (a decent step up career-wise).
A close call
Tab Ramos was almost the first American to play in La Liga, as he played in the second division in Spain with Real Betis. Unfortunately he suffered a fractured skull in the 1994 World Cup against Brazil (the year Betis was promoted from the second division) that kept him out for the season.
Ramos had great technical ability, quickness, and the ability to beat players and get out of trouble on the dribble – traits that were rare in an American player at the time and made him a great fit in Spain.
Verdict
Keller was a great goalkeeper, maintaining a career in the best leagues in Europe for over 15 years. This feat is more impressive given the stature of American players in the 90s – it was difficult to break through at that time. It’s no surprise that he was the first American to play in La Liga, and we have seen quite a few players make their mark in this league ever since.