On April 29

th

the Red Bulls announced that they will be participating in the Emirates Cup this summer. The annual preseason tournament regularly draws talented squads from around the World. The Red Bulls will be the first club from the MLS to take part in the exclusive four team tournament. This will be the perfect opportunity for the

New York

based team to complete its transformation into the Arsenal of MLS.

Recently the Red Bulls starting line up has been internationally diverse. With starters from eleven different nations, the importing of talent to the

New York

area is obvious. Arsenal is also well known for importing their talent from all over the World. The fact that Thierry Henry has played for both clubs is more of a coincidence than evidence. Any extremely talented forward from

Europe

would have done but you will not hear me complaining. If the Red Bulls were truly targeting former Arsenal stars, I would have gone for Dennis Bergkamp, best player ever.

Another key component of the "Arsenalification" has been the foreign coach who tries to play attractive attacking possession based soccer. Hans Backe has taken his team of internationals and melded them into a team that opponents feel they need to stifle. Although there are still many areas to improve upon, Backe has created a team to be feared because of their overall talent and ability to create chances. Arsene Wenger may not be at the top of EPL at the moment but no one can deny the attacking prowess that Arsenal has shown over the years. There was always a sense in the past that a draw was a win against Arsenal and it is looking that way for the Red Bulls.

Finally the Red Bulls abandoned their former residence for a new modern facility where their fans can be heard. The games at Red Bull Arena have a personality of their own. At Giant's Stadium (RIP), there was a definite disconnect between the team on the field and the fans. Now the fans are almost as much a part of the game as the players. The Emirates may be a more modern Highbury Library. It is difficult to say from afar but the new Red Bull home has changed the total experience at a match.

Following in the footsteps of the

London

club may not have been conscious but the similarities thus far have led to positives on and off the field. A few championships and an undefeated season would be nice but it may take a little time.