Colorado's Baudet makes rapid return from injury
Defender back on practice field three weeks after breaking forearm
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It has been just less than three weeks since the burly French defender broke his forearm during the first half of the home game against the New York Red Bulls after a nasty fall following a challenge for the ball. The 30-year-old center back returned to training for the first time after medical approval to do so earlier in the week.
"It is much better and I was told it can't get any worse by playing," Baudet said. "It feels absolutely fine. There are some problems with motion as I cannot move my wrist and fingers but I don't need those to play football."
The former Crewe Alexandra player has not enjoyed the most comfortable of starts for the Rapids in MLS. Long scouted by Gary Smith and the coaching staff, Baudet finally signed for the Rocky Mountain team in July. His first MLS experience was a 3-1 defeat at D.C. United where he was substituted after a mistake on D.C.'s third goal. Then came the Red Bulls game and the broken forearm.
"It's been tough but it's one of those things," Baudet said. "Injuries make you stronger. You work harder to improve yourself and see what you are made of."
There is little doubt that head coach Gary Smith is looking at Baudet as a major figure for the Rapids for the future. Smith likes his pedigree and experience, the Frenchman having played for many years in England after starting his career with French club Toulouse.
At 6-feet-2 and 189 pounds, Baudet has both the physical and vocal presence in the back line that Smith is also looking for. Not for nothing did Crewe fans call him The Beast. His Rapids teammates are nicknaming him "Dolph" after Dolph Lundgren of Rocky fame.
Focusing more on the short-term, Baudet said he might be available for selection as early as the next Rapids game in Chicago on August 23. Modestly, he says that his fellow defenders in the back four are doing a great job and that he sees no reason to change the personnel to accommodate him. Smith said that it was unlikely Baudet would be available that soon.
"It's great news about Julien," Smith said. "We'll see how the next two weeks unfold. I think he is getting closer and closer but I think it could be three weeks before he can think about playing again as there is so much physical contact at the center back position."
One thing the enforced layoff has allowed Baudet to do is think more about the differences between the soccer he is used to and MLS. He sees European soccer as much more compact with less emphasis on the individual to make things happen. He also notes the typically higher scoring.
"You don't get too many nil-nils," he said. "It certainly seems to be a bit more adventurous."
The Frenchman will be eager to get back out on the field as soon as he can to test out those differences and add his own adventurism. After the Chicago game, the Rapids have two successive home games against Houston and Toronto in which Baudet could be able to come back into the team.
Nick Thomas is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
