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US Men's National Team (8 Viewers)

I think if we assume everyone is healthy then I'd bet on ..... Pulisic. Gio. Dest. Adams...........McKennie.

I don't think Swag will be on the level of the other 4 and I think with the other 4, if they all stay healthy then you'll be able to argue any of them depending on which position you think is most valuable.  I do think the other 3 have quite a bit of catching up to do with how Pulisic has started his career.  He's already got a lead in production at the club level and a HUGE lead in production at the national team level.  If he got hurt and never played another USMNT game, he'd still make my top 10 list for best USMNT players of all time.  What he's done from 17-21 is quite insane.  I HOPE Gio is in line to follow those footsteps.

 
NewlyRetired said:
his hold up game and work rate should be just enough against an average Concacaf team since we know most of our offense is likely to be coming from our wide players but how he plays against a Hex level team is certainly a big question for me.
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Fwiw, I don't think his hold up play is enough, even against regional teams who tend to have big, quick CBs. 

 
And for me... I think Gio has the deuce dgaf attitude that will take him past CP. Dest could better than either of them if he lands on a giant BM or Barca type team and finds success. Adams next for versatility and heart and then Swag for the same. 

 
NewlyRetired said:
I agree.  As Floppo said yesterday he is clearly not the answer at the void we have at center forward.

However, with the cub-bard so bare, he is actually the only striker we have playing in a big league and at just 20, I am thinking he is going to get plenty of chances to prove us wrong at the national team level.  Unless a miracle happens and Jozy finds a way to stay healthy even though he is on the wrong side of 30 now.
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I’ll just say he’s still 20 and putting in competent performances in the BL.  Unless you are a world class striking talent like Haagland, that’s pretty good.  He has spatial awareness that’s hard to teach and if he grows into his body he’ll be fine physically.  I won’t be surprised if he ends up McBridish which frankly is probably fine given the other attacking options developing.  If he can pull CBs even the slightest bit out of position, CP and the like  will take advantage of that space. 

 
Gio got hit with 3 or 4 BIG shots in his short cameo. Just straight up got wrecked on tackles. Freaking child abuse man....

 
TLEF316 said:
Gio got hit with 3 or 4 BIG shots in his short cameo. Just straight up got wrecked on tackles. Freaking child abuse man....
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This ties back to an earlier discussion we had about free kick takers. 

I really hope some one from the younger generation emerges (assuming Mendez doesn't) to be a free kick specialist because I think having players who can dribble like KDF, Uly, Pulisic, Dest, Gio etc, we are going to draw a lot of fouls.

 
Sammy3469 said:
I’ll just say he’s still 20 and putting in competent performances in the BL.  Unless you are a world class striking talent like Haagland, that’s pretty good.  He has spatial awareness that’s hard to teach and if he grows into his body he’ll be fine physically.  I won’t be surprised if he ends up McBridish which frankly is probably fine given the other attacking options developing.  If he can pull CBs even the slightest bit out of position, CP and the like  will take advantage of that space. 
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I don't see McBride with him- lacks the aerial ability, where brian was legit. Ching, maybe, in that regard. I worry that his defined lack of any physical top gear will limit what kind of role he can best be used for with the US. if the US is on the front foot- yeesh... can we even hope for that any more?... he's a great complimentary player to those other attacking assets the US has; smart, solid runs, working off the ball to open space and defend, and quite good at combining. but the second the US is on the back foot and/or needs a guy up front to win the ball consistently and either hold it or produce from it without help... he's not that guy. yet.

but... a bundesliga coach keeps giving him opportunity in pretty much that latter role... so there must be more going on than we're seeing on our TV screens.

 
NewlyRetired said:
This ties back to an earlier discussion we had about free kick takers. 

I really hope some one from the younger generation emerges (assuming Mendez doesn't) to be a free kick specialist because I think having players who can dribble like KDF, Uly, Pulisic, Dest, Gio etc, we are going to draw a lot of fouls.
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or be a beast on set pieces like boca, mcbride, deuce or the tall CB with the Scandinavian last name

 
El Floppo said:
or be a beast on set pieces like boca, mcbride, deuce or the tall CB with the Scandinavian last name
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Richards has scored 3 goals this year as a CB with his head so he has promise.  I think Swag has some real strength in the air too.

I am blanking on which CB you are talking about....I will list every one I remember as a primary CB for more than just a few caps...

Balboa, Boca, Lalas, Pope, Dooley, Gooch, Cam, Doyle, Omar, Windischmann, Goodson, Besler, GGG, Brooks, Long, Miazga, Trittschuh, Vanney, Llamosa, DeMerit, Califf, 

 
NewlyRetired said:
Richards has scored 3 goals this year as a CB with his head so he has promise.  I think Swag has some real strength in the air too.

I am blanking on which CB you are talking about....I will list every one I remember as a primary CB for more than just a few caps...

Balboa, Boca, Lalas, Pope, Dooley, Gooch, Cam, Doyle, Omar, Windischmann, Goodson, Besler, GGG, Brooks, Long, Miazga, Trittschuh, Vanney, Llamosa, DeMerit, Califf, 
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Zimmerman?

 
Even with quality players with a head for the goal, you still need to be able to deliver those dangerous in-swingers and such to give the big, athletic players a chance to nod one in.  That's one of the reasons Sergio Ramos has the number of goals he does. He's been blessed with some of the best set piece delivery teammates ever. 

 
The Z Machine said:
Even with quality players with a head for the goal, you still need to be able to deliver those dangerous in-swingers and such to give the big, athletic players a chance to nod one in.  That's one of the reasons Sergio Ramos has the number of goals he does. He's been blessed with some of the best set piece delivery teammates ever. 
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That plus his head seems to be full of rocks instead of brains.

 
Holy crap

============

Former United States national team player and current Red Bull Salzburg head coach Jesse Marsch is one of two potential candidates to potentially replace Lucien Favre at Borussia Dortmund this summer. Sport Bild reported about Dortmund's interest in the Wednesday issue.

 
NewlyRetired said:
Holy crap

============

Former United States national team player and current Red Bull Salzburg head coach Jesse Marsch is one of two potential candidates to potentially replace Lucien Favre at Borussia Dortmund this summer. Sport Bild reported about Dortmund's interest in the Wednesday issue.
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Makes a lot of sense actually.  Favre hasn't delivered the title Dortmund wants and Marsch has had huge success in Austria.  Plus, he likes an aggressive, attack oriented game which is what Dortmund is known for.  Add that he already has ties to Dortmund's newest rising star in Halaand and it seems like a perfect fit.

I hope he gets it.  He deserves it and if he does well in Dortmund his career will skyrocket.

 
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Reactions: Ned
encaitar said:
Makes a lot of sense actually.  Favre hasn't delivered the title Dortmund wants and Marsch has had huge success in Austria.  Plus, he likes an aggressive, attack oriented game which is what Dortmund is known for.  Add that he already has ties to Dortmund's newest rising star in Halaand and it seems like a perfect fit.

I hope he gets it.  He deserves it and if he does well in Dortmund his career will skyrocket.
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I wonder if it has anything to do with American born players' growing impact on the league...perhaps a more attractive destination for America's top talent?

 
I feel like Marsch is a product of the RB system more than the other way around. Would that direct approach translate to BVB or even at all outside of the RB universe? Cool he's being considered...and would be amazing if he gets selected and succeeds.

 
El Floppo said:
I wasn't really aware of him before that US yute team run where he scored some goals. Struck me even then as being a soccer smart guy.

Lots of physical/athletic goal scorers in youth play who lose that edge moving up against men and then just disappear. Hopefully Sarge can continue to extract the most he can out of a his middling athleticism, and can continue to grow into the adult game.

I've also noticed his chances limited by his team, and their tactics. They've been on the back foot a lot, leaving him isolated against 2 or 3 defenders. Have also noticed they lack cohesion going forward- whether that's on him, or his teammates, dunno. But for instance...bettincourt today had a few opportunities around the box and never once looked for a teammate, including Sarge who had made decent runs.
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My sons were both 6'2" plus defenders.  Sargent wasn't that difficult to shut down in youth play if you had size and speed.  Morris was an unstoppable terror.  To put it in perspective, they would say Carlton fell in between.  Of course youth play has nothing to do with professional performance.  Morris was slow out of the gates, maybe Sarge will just take so time to develop.

 
NewlyRetired said:
Holy crap

============

Former United States national team player and current Red Bull Salzburg head coach Jesse Marsch is one of two potential candidates to potentially replace Lucien Favre at Borussia Dortmund this summer. Sport Bild reported about Dortmund's interest in the Wednesday issue.
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With Red Bull behind him it's hard to put him in this category since he has a lot of resources, but Marsch has them playing really interesting soccer.

I love the guys who do a lot with teams that aren't already powerhouses:  Ferguson winning three Scottish League titles and a European Cup Winners Cup at Aberdeen; Mou taking down a UEFA Cup and CL at Porto; Klopp getting Mainz into the BL then winning two league titles and a CL runners-up at Dortmund and now turning Liverpool around.

 
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BassNBrew said:
With all the high praise of Gio around here, I'm really looking for forward to seeing him play on the USMNT.
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The hype will be so high the first time we see the full team on the field at the same time they'll probably lay an egg.  And they haven't had any time together at all.  Assuming Berhalter even starts all of them.

 
Popeyecon said:
With Red Bull behind him it's hard to put him in this category since he has a lot of resources, but Marsch has them playing really interesting soccer.

I love the guys who do a lot with teams that aren't already powerhouses:  Ferguson winning three Scottish League titles and a European Cup Winners Cup at Aberdeen; Mou taking down a UEFA Cup and CL at Porto; Klopp getting Mainz into the BL then winning two league titles and a CL runners-up at Dortmund and now turning Liverpool around.
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I mentioned it earlier, but I thought the interesting soccer he has them playing...and he had NY playing...was a RB top down system thing more than a Marsch thing. I have no memory of his year starting Montreal's MLS life...and whether he was experimenting with that high pace direct play there and helped install it at RB or the other way around. I worry whether he has other tactics up his sleeve or needs to take that system with him to succeed. But tbh...it's a system that works, and BvB could use to a higher level.

 
Popeyecon said:
The hype will be so high the first time we see the full team on the field at the same time they'll probably lay an egg.  And they haven't had any time together at all.  Assuming Berhalter even starts all of them.
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zardoz has played with most them, so they should be good to go.

 
El Floppo said:
I mentioned it earlier, but I thought the interesting soccer he has them playing...and he had NY playing...was a RB top down system thing more than a Marsch thing. I have no memory of his year starting Montreal's MLS life...and whether he was experimenting with that high pace direct play there and helped install it at RB or the other way around. I worry whether he has other tactics up his sleeve or needs to take that system with him to succeed. But tbh...it's a system that works, and BvB could use to a higher level.
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https://totalfootballanalysis.com/article/jesse-marsch-rb-salzburg-201920-tactical-analysis-tactics

For some comparison, here's a BVB write-up:

https://themastermindsite.com/2020/04/08/lucien-favre-borussia-dortmund-tactical-analysis/

I'd note that the NYRB (at least in his last 2 years when I paid more attention to them) almost exclusively played BWP up top by himself and were frequently in some form of a 3-4-2-1 or 4-5-1.  So he has some positional flexibility, but he always ends up with the same tactics.  I don't see why it wouldn't work with some of the best young attacking players in the world.  

 
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BassNBrew said:
My sons were both 6'2" plus defenders.  Sargent wasn't that difficult to shut down in youth play if you had size and speed.  Morris was an unstoppable terror.  To put it in perspective, they would say Carlton fell in between.  Of course youth play has nothing to do with professional performance.  Morris was slow out of the gates, maybe Sarge will just take so time to develop.
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Your sons shut down Sargent?

 
Yeah, I can't imagine the hype the first time (or ya know....if we EVER) see something like......

                                                    Steffen

                 Cannon        Brooks              Long                  Dest

                                   Westy                    Adams

                               Gio            Llanez            Pulisiic

                                                  Jozy(still our best option)

In a real game that counts.

 
Popeyecon said:
The hype will be so high the first time we see the full team on the field at the same time they'll probably lay an egg.  And they haven't had any time together at all.  Assuming Berhalter even starts all of them.
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One of the media guys on twitter was speculating that the next game we see the US play might be a qualifier, which is scary given how little any one has played together.  Hopefully the time together on the youth national teams will help.

I would love a friendly or two before the qualifiers start.

 
TLEF316 said:
Yeah, I can't imagine the hype the first time (or ya know....if we EVER) see something like......

                                                    Steffen

                 Cannon        Brooks              Long                  Dest

                                   Westy                    Adams

                               Gio            Llanez            Pulisiic

                                                  Jozy(still our best option)

In a real game that counts.
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That is pretty much our best lineup imo, skill wise.  (Brooks and Long will switch, as would probably Llanez and Gio).

But, sadly I can't see Gregg doing this especially with no time to prepare.

My guess, based on his conversation with the Athletic where he broke down each position, he is leaning towards this (which I like less, as it puts Weston in a spot where he is not suited IMO).

                                                    Steffen

                 Cannon        Long              Brooks                  Dest

                                   Yuiell                  Adams

                                               Weston

                Morris                            Jozy                     Pulisic

 
NewlyRetired said:
That is pretty much our best lineup imo, skill wise.  (Brooks and Long will switch, as would probably Llanez and Gio).

But, sadly I can't see Gregg doing this especially with no time to prepare.

My guess, based on his conversation with the Athletic where he broke down each position, he is leaning towards this (which I like less, as it puts Weston in a spot where he is not suited IMO).

                                                    Steffen

                 Cannon        Long              Brooks                  Dest

                                   Yuiell                  Adams

                                               Weston

                Morris                            Jozy                     Pulisic
Click to expand...
I suspect that you may be right.  I actually think using Llanez off the bench is excusable, but not starting Gio would be a crime.

 
NewlyRetired said:
That is pretty much our best lineup imo, skill wise.  (Brooks and Long will switch, as would probably Llanez and Gio).

But, sadly I can't see Gregg doing this especially with no time to prepare.

My guess, based on his conversation with the Athletic where he broke down each position, he is leaning towards this (which I like less, as it puts Weston in a spot where he is not suited IMO).

                                                    Steffen

                 Cannon        Long              Brooks                  Dest

                                   Yuiell                  Adams

                                               Weston

                Morris                            Jozy                     Pulisic
Click to expand...


Yeah, forgot about the brooks being left footed thing. And i guess Gio is probably better suited to play centrally than Llanez

Totally agree that Weston should not be the main central play maker. Not his strength at all.  But at the same time, as talented as he is....giving that responsibility to a 17/18 year old in one of his first couple of caps aint ideal either.

Agree that Morris is the logical choice to start right now. (although Llanez may get in there eventually). And based on his most recent performances, he's earned it.

Yuiell doesn't excite me at all.

 
TLEF316 said:
Yeah, forgot about the brooks being left footed thing. And i guess Gio is probably better suited to play centrally than Llanez

Totally agree that Weston should not be the main central play maker. Not his strength at all.  But at the same time, as talented as he is....giving that responsibility to a 17/18 year old in one of his first couple of caps aint ideal either.

Agree that Morris is the logical choice to start right now. (although Llanez may get in there eventually). And based on his most recent performances, he's earned it.

Yuiell doesn't excite me at all.
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This is where the friendlies would have helped.  Pulisic was able to give the team a lift when he was the same age as Gio and I think/hope Gio could do the same if he could get some time with the team, but I think it is unlikely that he starts in a qualifier as his cherry breaker.   But if he is good enough to come off the bench for Dortmund in a knock out round champions league game, he better damn well be the first choice sub IMO, no matter how green he might be.

I am not a fan of Yuiell either.  I would rather Swag and Adams be at the 6's together and let a more skilled player go in the middle in a more advance role.

 
With MLS finally coming back and Germany in full swing, we will be in a good positioned where a large amount of our players are getting back on the field.

 
Werder Bremen (Sargent) have another almost must win game today at 2:30 on FS2.   Bremen has picked up 7 of their last 9 points, which keeps their hopes alive to get out of the relegation zone.  A win today and they move into a tie at 3rd from bottom (with all teams level on games played).

 
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Saw an article about Ian Harkes trying to drum up USMNT interest. Helped Dundee United gain promotion back into the SPL as a starting MF (not sure where in the MF)..and at 25 still youngish.

 
If Chelsea land Timo Werner as rumored, things are going to get a bit crowded up front for Pulisic, with Hakim Ziyech arriving this summer. He was on such a fantastic run there for a while, their best attacking player over a month-long period, then the injury ... 

 
CletiusMaximus said:
If Chelsea land Timo Werner as rumored, things are going to get a bit crowded up front for Pulisic, with Hakim Ziyech arriving this summer. He was on such a fantastic run there for a while, their best attacking player over a month-long period, then the injury ... 
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Apparently CP is wearing 10 in training today. :shrug:  

 
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