Lion Links: 2/7/17

Great Morning, Lions! While some of us are still recuperating from Sunday night's insane Super Bowl, "The Beautiful Game" goes on and brings us some interesting news. Let’s kick Tuesday off right and get into the Links.

Spector Talks About His New Adventure

Considered as a "backbone" signing for the Lions, Jonathan Spector expressed both his personal and the team's objectives for this season. When asked about pressure because of high expectations around him, this is what the Illinois native had to say:

“I don’t see it as extra pressure,” he said. “I’ve played in a lot of pressure situations throughout my career, so it’s not something I’m worried about. What I am focused on is what I can do to help the team, in whatever role that may be, whether it’s a leadership role, communication, whatever it might be.”

Spector should be aided by his running start fitness wise, as he finds himself a bit ahead of the game in that regard as he comes off 20-plus games with Birmingham compared to his running mates who are working themselves into match fitness through the preseason.

Fans Build City's New Stadium in Minecraft

A group called "Royal3" took three weeks to build the Lions' new stadium in Minecraft. You can see a full six-plus minute video at the link above, but here’s a teaser:

January's Numbers for the USMNT

The United States Men’s National Team had a productive start of the year in Bruce Arena’s return to the U.S. bench. In two international friendlies, four players made their debuts and we saw the return of an old face and key player in Benny Feilhaber. Go inside the USMNT’s numbers here. The big takeaways are zero goals allowed and a 92% passing accuracy by Sebastian Lletget.

Chicharito-to-MLS Talk Ramps Up Again

Mexican international Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez from Bayer Leverkusen doesn't seem to leave the MLS' radar. Whoever wants to bring the prolific striker to U.S. soil will have to make an investment of around $50 million, including a transfer fee and the life of a four-year contract according to FourFourTwo’s Paul Tenorio. Chicharito reportedly was worth anywhere from $10-12 million per year when he negotiated with Orlando City in 2015. He’s increased his worth with his Bundesliga play and will bring any team that signs him a bump in scoring, attendance, and TV ratings.

Atlanta United Signs Carlos Carmona

While for many he may be a mystery player, Carlos Carmona could be a great addition to Georgia’s MLS team. At 29 years old, Carmona has played in two World Cups. Although this season the Chilean international had a rough start in Bergamo, Italy, where he was relegated to the bench by Atalanta manager Gasperini, who favors young Italian talent. Since then, he has been searching abroad and found a way to get a fresh start in MLS. He just might be one of this season's best acquisitions.

That’s it for today. Enjoy your Tuesday.