I tried this before, and got a few bites but those got lost in the server changeover. I thought I'd wait until the WC was over. It is, so I'll try again. Who do you think is: the best US goalkeeper ever? the best US outfield player ever? Although I believe that Brian McBride is the finest striker we've ever produced, and that Tab Ramos [when not injured] was the classiest and smoothest on the ball I've ever seen in a USA shirt, my choices are: Goalkeeper: Brad Friedel Outfield player: Claudio Reyna Anyone else? Anyone? Bueller?
I am going against the grain when I say that I do not and have not ever liked Claudio Reyna much. I know he has been a mainstay in the US team for a long, long time, but I have just never seen it all that much with this guy. I know you like him a lot Don, but for me he seems to be an above-average American player that has done very few things other than pick up a paycheck playing in the Premiership and the Scottish Premier League. I do think Friedel has been the best keeper in my mind and in terms of outfield players, Brian McBride comes to mind. I am not just saying that as he plays for Fulham, but he has been tremendous in MLS and in his stints in England with Fulham, Everton and Preston North End. I guess I like to look at players from a perspective of their work rate and efficiency on the pitch. While McBride had a World Cup to forget, a big part of me thinks that is because Mr. Reyna and the rest of the midfield were unable to get him the ball in any kind of attacking position to score. Who knows? I do not claim to be even close to an expert in evaluating the best the US has offered in soccer over the years and that is why I have stayed away from this thread. Thus, my final thing is this......I am not sure if Brian McBride would be considered the best player the US has produced, but I do not know that I DON'T think it is Claudio Reyna. I must be missing something with him and blind to his skills, but as Everett said to Norman Dale during the movie, "Hoosiers," "I ain't seein' it."
Tony Meola & Eric Wynalda Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, just kiddin'. For real: Brad Friedel & Reyna, but not for much longer.
Goalie: Friedel Defender: Alexi Lalas Midfielder: Freddy Adu (Jury's still out) Striker: Brian McBride 8)
I going to say best keeper is Brad Friedel. Outfield player: Tab Ramos I started watching the US team since the '90 World Cup in Italy, Ramos was the one (perhaps the only one) player that I enjoyed watching from the US team. He was fiesty and talented--much more than current Golden Boy. If Donovan had half the fight Ramos had, there would be no one making fun of Landycakes right now. (Nick, what's up with the little Bear holding a couple of jars of honey?)
Well, it's the worlds strongest bear, and the jars of honey contains his secret. It's the Super-Honey that makes him strong :shock: If anyone besides him and his grandma eats it they get terrible stomach aches. His name is Bamse and he's one of the most famous kids cartoons in Sweden. I just like the fact that everytime I see him it takes me back to my childhood and brings a smile to my face, so no reason other than that for using him as my avatar for now
Heath, talk about avatars! You need to loan yours your comb. Tom, I think the Claudio we saw this WC and since he blew out his knee when he was with Sunderland has been a shadow of what he was. But I still think he edges out Tab Ramos for me. Nick, sideways?
Always have been a fan of Keller....field player, nobody (and not just b/c of his current club), but NOBODY can match the work, hustle, heart, and will to want to win for the TEAM that McBride has to offer....if players such as a certain _______ in the state of California and other up and coming USMNT'ers would adopt his ethic to soccer.....then it doesnt secure a win, but the display at WC '06 will not be around again..... viva la Klinsman
I'd say Keller and Wynalda. Wynalda because he was one of the few (maybe only one?) playing in the Bundesliga before soccer became more popular in the US due to the 94 World Cup.
Friedel is the best keeper, Pope the best defender, and as much as it pains me Donovan best midfielder. The best striker is McBride.
Im only 21, so I never seen Ramos and Wynalda play for the US, I have only watched the last two world cup players play.
Well, that's probably good enough. He was successful in inspiring and raising the level of participation for thoussands of kids in the US. He got a lot of mainstream sport press.
This used to fascinate he Brits I'd drink with in the 6 or 7 thousand locals I've "had a pint in." I'd tell them it was akin to Bobby Charlton's son taking up baseball. Rote was the only recognizable American star in the NASL, and he was very important to soccer recognition in the press because his name is legendary. As a player, though, it would be hard to argue that he ranks with McBride, Claudio, or Tab Ramos in skill, committment, or accomplishment.
