EJ article on Y-A

OK then, you're crazy. I have my doubts about EJ.

However, since it hasn't been a question of talent too much aside from his thin build, but if his head is right, it does seem like he is making a lot of progress in that direction.

 

article doesn't tell us anything we don't know, why can't they ever ask interesting questions?

I just don't see it with Eddie Johnson. I'm probably in the minority here, but I think if this guy wasn't American, we would be calling him complete rubbish. I see him as a perennial underachiever, and think he has been awful for his country. Maybe with a full season of good coaching SOMETHING will change, but i've yet to see him look like he belongs in any way.

I hope I'm proved wrong.

 

Tovi, your sentiments are not in the minority, I think when he signed 7 of 10 on here agreed w/you (especially the 'I hope I'm proved wrong' line)

 

I'm not convinced at all.

 

Well... he's on Fulham's books now so you have to support him. Everyone should hope for the best for this guy, cause if he succeeds it can only mean good things for Fulham. Yeah, he hasn't become the greatest American striker in the history of the world, but if he was he wouldn't be at Fulham anyway.

If he fails, so what? Fulham moves on; he moves on. He's already got more balls than Landon Donovan just for sticking it out in Europe for more than a couple of weeks. If anything, show some respect for him just because he's a Fulham player.

... and irregardless of Eddie Johnson the U.S. will not be winning the next World Cup. So whoever ends up up front for the national team, failure awaits. Chances are the team won't get out of the group stages again either.

 

I get a sense that behind that uncertainty, behind that tentative nature, there is an explosion in ability just lurking beneath the surface waiting for the right manager to unearth and expose it.

In the times I've watched him play, he frequently does 85-90% of what he should do to complete a move and score a goal. When he fails in that last 10-15%, it brings one to the point of frustration and agony.

You know it is there in him. You know he is close. But can Roy and his team put the finishing touches on him to transform him into a premium striker?

 

Okay, this makes me laugh. Don why didnt Fulham management read your posts!

 

What :wow:

Didnt US Soccer set a World Cup by 2010 as their goal.

 

Yes, and immediately thereafter Bruce Arena brilliantly reminded people that Spain has NEVER won it, i.e., the U.S. won't be winning it anytime soon so get over that we suck really bad compared to true footballing nations.

 

... and Ghana, cause Ghana advanced while the Czechs didn't.

 

I think HDL nailed it for the most part. I'd just add that he appears to be way too easy to knock off the ball. Don't know if that's effort or physical strength, but it needs to improve. Especially if he's going to see 10 goals.

 

Ye of little faith - remember, we get out of the group phase when they're not played in Europe. See 1994, 2002.

 

I like the way you think andy! I'm with a lot of you guys and just hope he finds that last part that is lacking.

 

I think a lot of the dissapointment with Eddie has to due with how he started his USMNT career. I was at the WC 2006 qualifier at RFK against Panama when he came in with like 25 minutes left and scored a hat trick. He showed so much promise early and never lived up to the earlier hype. He is a very good athlete, very fast, and a good jumper. He is a little slight, but not like Beasley, I think he is a decent size. What frustrates me is I get the impression that he just lacks confidence and if he had the heart of McBride he could be a real stud. I really want him to do well, as I actually like him and think he is a very nice kid, but I am not holding my breath. Good Luck Eddie, I hope you can have a breakthrough year.

 

... maybe we won't even make it to South Africa. CONCACAF is after our butt.