Troy Modlin Denver, Colo. I was interested in Kasey Keller’s remarks in the recent Soccer America issue on our boys in Europe. I was curious as to how valuable a commodity Kasey is considered to be by the Europeans? As the USA’s top keeper, is he held in the same regard as keepers like England’s David Seaman or Germany’s Oliver Kahn? Or, as I suspect is more likely, is he considered one tier below those types of keepers? With Schmeichel’s retirement causing a domino effect on Europe’s goalies, is there a chance that Keller could end up at a big club like Aston Villa, seeing how Mark Bosnich has moved onto replace Schmeichel at Manchester United? Perhaps I’m partial to the American, especially after some of his past performances for the national squad, e.g. the win against Brazil in 1998. Ridge Mahoney: Troy, by now you know he’s gone to play for Rayo Vallecano in Spain. Of course you’re partial to Kasey, and well you should be. He’s accomplished a great deal. If a Manchester United or Arsenal had asked about Kasey, he would have jumped at the chance, but he’s not yet considered in the same league as Schmeichel or Seaman. He didn’t dazzle at the World Cup in 1998, nor did he play badly, and remember Bora didn’t even pick him for the 1994 World Cup. His play for Leicester has been very good, but not outstanding. Leicester had very little experience in European club play, so Kasey had few opportunities to shine on that stage. Many coaches want to see players against tough competition for their clubs as well as for their countries. If Kasey plays well in the Spanish League, he will certainly receive offers from big clubs in Spain, as well as other countries — perhaps England.