Choices on the back line are weak. Besler is obvious. Hopefully a couple of the young guys step up and proves themselves, although we can take solace in that all of our top prospects back there aren't with this camp. Only reason I'm going with Evans at RB is that we need somewhat of an experienced/veteran presence back there. Otherwise, I'd ideally like to try out a young guy back there since Evans should not be a part of our plans going forward. Maybe Acosta or Parker gets subbed on at some point
We absolutely NEED to move forward with Bradley dropped back to the #6 role and a new face in front of him. We have that option now with Nagbe. In spite of his age, Nguyen should be given more chances to get his feet wet there, too, and I'd like to see him subbed on at some point with more than just 15 minutes remaining. Bradley is not, and has not, been cutting it there, and it's been more than evident ever since the World Cup. I would really like to see the likes of Trapp, Kitchen, Acosta, Tchani, or Polster gain some experience, but it's more important that we get Bradley re-acclimated to this role (as he always used to be prone to defensive lapses when he played back there before). However, he can thrive picking out passes from deeper, and I love the idea of a midfield with him and Nagbe in the center. If we keep going to it, we'll reap the benefits later on in the cycle (until Zelalem/Pulisic/Hyndman/Gil/Soñora develop).
The only reason that's Bradley back there and not Jermaine Jones is that he's 6 years younger. As I've always said, Jermaine > Bradley.
I know there's some excitement about Finlay, and it'll be good to try him out on the wing, but my fear is that he won't be any better of an option for us than Zusi was and not really entirely cut out for the international game. What we really need is for Gyau to heal up and regain his form.
Not sure what everyone sees in Zardes, but he is clearly the best option for us with this group.
Altidore and Morris are the clear options up front. Would love to see them both shine. Khiry looked atrocious to me for the U-23's the last time out and I actually don't believe all that much in Kiesewetter, so I don't really care all that much to see them in there (Morris, Rubin, Agudelo, Perez, Gallardo, maybe even Julian Green are our future). Also, I'm of the strong belief that Zardes has more potential on the wing than as a striker and is more effective there for the Nats as it is.
Copyright ©2012-24 American Soccer Now LLC
Jeff
about 8 years
Choices on the back line are weak. Besler is obvious. Hopefully a couple of the young guys step up and proves themselves, although we can take solace in that all of our top prospects back there aren't with this camp. Only reason I'm going with Evans at RB is that we need somewhat of an experienced/veteran presence back there. Otherwise, I'd ideally like to try out a young guy back there since Evans should not be a part of our plans going forward. Maybe Acosta or Parker gets subbed on at some point We absolutely NEED to move forward with Bradley dropped back to the #6 role and a new face in front of him. We have that option now with Nagbe. In spite of his age, Nguyen should be given more chances to get his feet wet there, too, and I'd like to see him subbed on at some point with more than just 15 minutes remaining. Bradley is not, and has not, been cutting it there, and it's been more than evident ever since the World Cup. I would really like to see the likes of Trapp, Kitchen, Acosta, Tchani, or Polster gain some experience, but it's more important that we get Bradley re-acclimated to this role (as he always used to be prone to defensive lapses when he played back there before). However, he can thrive picking out passes from deeper, and I love the idea of a midfield with him and Nagbe in the center. If we keep going to it, we'll reap the benefits later on in the cycle (until Zelalem/Pulisic/Hyndman/Gil/Soñora develop). The only reason that's Bradley back there and not Jermaine Jones is that he's 6 years younger. As I've always said, Jermaine > Bradley. I know there's some excitement about Finlay, and it'll be good to try him out on the wing, but my fear is that he won't be any better of an option for us than Zusi was and not really entirely cut out for the international game. What we really need is for Gyau to heal up and regain his form. Not sure what everyone sees in Zardes, but he is clearly the best option for us with this group. Altidore and Morris are the clear options up front. Would love to see them both shine. Khiry looked atrocious to me for the U-23's the last time out and I actually don't believe all that much in Kiesewetter, so I don't really care all that much to see them in there (Morris, Rubin, Agudelo, Perez, Gallardo, maybe even Julian Green are our future). Also, I'm of the strong belief that Zardes has more potential on the wing than as a striker and is more effective there for the Nats as it is.