USMNT WC Defender Thread

:3d laughing:

 

Yeah - Sounds better to bring up some fool who can barely manage to keep MLS attackers at bay.

No, No - lets not entertain any thinking outside of the box - it makes perfect sense to stick with what doesnt work like the last world cup.

I have an idea - how about you continue to make suggestions of players that are total shit, or far past it...

:3d laughing: :3d funny: :coffee: :3d nervous: :3d tongue: :3d smile:

Oh look - I can use the emoticons too.

 

I was laughing at Don's tirade, not you. Nice rant of your own though.

It's probably time to free the hostages and move this into a more appropriate thread.

 

I got that Ag - just answering sillyness with some of my own.

You are right - all of this is related to what to do now that Gooch has the issue, but probably a separate topic.

 

Woy discusses the 3-5-2. Says a lot of the same points already mentioned. Enjoy


http://www.uefa.com/trainingground/inde ... 128/519239

 

Nice pull! Some great videos on that site - that is where I first discovered Wulfy... Beautiful Scandinavian Soccer Girls - Sign me up!

 

By the way - isnt it funny that he specifically mentions Duff? When I watched that the first time he had not picked him up - obviously he has rated him highly for some time.

I dont think I could have said it any better - Roy is classic. I would love to spend a summer with him as he negotiates the transfer market, assesses players, and creates a training plan. American Mike - Hook it up!

If anyone watches that and cares to have a discussion about what USMNT players could work in that system (Just as a hypothetical) I would like to discuss it.

If you dont care - thats fine too... I wont bring it up anymore as it appears I am the only one that thinks we may have the ingredients to at least consider it before writing it off.

 

Now THERE is an idea.

If I read the 'journo' market correctly there's plenty of candidates to select from to make a documentary about off-season goings on, in depth and up close.

It should be a classic piece of video journalism.

 

As I said before, I agree 3-5-2 could work for the US as we have a paucity of quality in the back (due to injury, etc.), and in my opinion, a pretty damn good selection of midfielders (esp if this Jones dude pans out). But if the US went 352 and STILL couldn't control possession, we'd be nicely toasted by WC quality teams.

 

I think the main point that works for me is the fact that the 3 at the back are supposed to play more central and it requires more bravery and tackling than it does speed and the ability to handle people 1v1. That seems to be one of our problems - the remaining players we have at the back are not overly quick, but I would describe them as brave and industrious.

Boca and Demerit would fall into this category. That leaves Spector, and he does have some speed, and while he is not huge, he seems to do alright in the air...

Where we are strongest in this concept is at both the defensive mid(s) and at the left outside mid because we have 2 players who have experience as a left back, but they both want to get forward... I would think they would have no problem being more attacking minded.

I am not so convinced on the right side - can Holden defend?

The number of options for the player or players protecting he back line are another strength (as has been mentioned).

I have seen this played as a 3-1-4-2 and a 3-2-3-2. I was surprised to see that the 3-1-4-2 can actually be stronger defensively because of the pressure that is put in the attacking half. The other concept in playing this way is that you try to force the ball inside everywhere but in the defensive 1/3rd... Obviously the idea is to bring the ball into pressure and away from that dangerous area identified by Roy.

Anyway - look something like this:
Spector - Demerit - Boca
Bradley
Holden - Pick your Fav CM - Demps or Lando - Pick your Fav Left Back
Demps or Lando - Jozy

Probably the best thing Roy said is about the system changing depending on who has the ball and where - and as he said, "This is merely semantics!"

I am glad the video was pointed out - I had forgotten about it, and regardless of how you feel about a certain system... Roy is great - he must be very easy to play for.

 

Also - I dont view Boca as a lock, but as the captain we are going to see him no matter what.

So perhaps the better question is this:

"With Gooch out, what system is going to bring out the best in Boca, and how can we play to his strengths?"

 

Gooch starts light training with the US MNT, and expects to re...after an injury. Either way, Come on Gooch!!

Where is my option to delete this post?

 

PF NOTE: This thread was split out from the "Goooch!" thread in Yanks over there..
I've quoted some of the last posts from that thread for continuity

I dunno, I'm a mod... are you logged in?

 

From right to left.

CHERUNDOLO: Started at RB for HANNOVER and is playing well against Hamburg.

ONYEWU: Has not seen any time at MILAN besides playing a little over last summer, in the States.

DEMERIT: Saw no time for WATFORD in their 1-1 ties against Preston North End.

BOCANEGRA: Went full 90 minutes at LB for RENNES in their 1-2 loss to Lyon.

SPECTOR: Went full 90 minutes at LB and played part in the first of Everton's goals in a 2-2 tie.

 

Frankie talks to Bradley

Yeah, I know.. Worst Nightmare for some.

Dispatch: Crew's Hejduk hopes to gain spot on the U.S. team in the World Cup

There's lots of reasons Frankie shouldnt be given one of the last spots. But, besides fitness, there's a reason why he should.
Unlike 95% of guys his age, his technique has improved as he got older.

Just a few years ago, his crossing was crap. Now he's the guy you want to have the ball in the corner.
-- - - - - - -- - - -- - - - - -- --
Of course, if BB's is even in the slightest, considering 3-5-2.... no way!

Oh... wait.. if Frankie's at RB, it IS 3-5-2!!!!

Never mind.
heh

 

No Fog, the worst nightmare is Bornstein not only making the team at LB (almost a guarantee), but actually getting on the pitch (thus taking over the title of worst US defender to play in the WC from Jeff "the Joke" Agoos).

Best news is Dolo getting back on the pitch for Hannover and playing well, fingers-crossed he can get throught the rest of the season unscathed.

 

Frankie making the plane will not shock me - but it is very near sighted... His spot should go to a younger talent so they can gain the experience of being there. Frankie would never play anyway so why bring him?