Transfer Window: 5 Reasons Why Michael Bradley's Move to Chievo Is Great

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Michael Bradley may not garner as many headlines as Landon Donovan, but the midfielder and son of former U.S. National Team Coach Bob Bradley is arguably the most valuable player the U.S. has.

Bradley has now been transferred to Chievo Verona, a top-flight northern Italian club that has achieved amazing results over the past decade when it first made its debut in Serie A. Chievo returned to Serie B for just one season during this run and the club consistently gives trouble to some of the top teams in Italy.

Chievo didn't achieve professional status until the late 1980s when it was promoted to Italy's fourth division. The club began out of a neighborhood that is a small fraction of Verona. An estimated 4,500 live in the Chievo district.

No. 1 Great Club

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Chievo always remains within its means. President Nicola Campedelli never overspends for a player. The club, known for developing talent, has always kept a core of a few players that have remained loyal for many years and not sought out more money and a chance to sit on the bench for a big club. Captain Sergio Pellissier is the first to come to mind in this regard.

The Chievo fan base is tiny and grows outside the borders of the small neighborhood. Chievo fans never seem to cause a stir, which can be a problem with many clubs in Italy and around Europe.

No. 2 Opportunity To Play

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Because Chievo is not like one of the teams in Milan where international superstars sometimes occupy third-string roles, Bradley will be given a chance to compete for playing time right away.

No. 3 System in Place

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Because Chievo has had a few players that have spent many years with the club, there is a mold already in place. Because the club has enjoyed success, the system works. Bradley will get to see how a highly organized system without any superstar players or egos can work. What he learns with Chievo can help the U.S. National Team.

No. 4 Convenient for Family Travel

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Verona is no more than a two hour train ride from Milan, which has an international airport.

This will make it easy for Bradley's parents Bob and Lindsay and siblings Ryan and Kerry to go see him, not to mention his sportswriter uncle Jeff.

In addition, Verona is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and top quality food is not hard to come by.

No. 5 Romeo and Juliet

Bradley was recently married and there can't be a better place to bring your new bride than to the city where Romeo and Juliet met in the work of William Shakespeare.

If that isn't good enough, a gondola ride in Venice is just an hour away.