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US Men's National Team (17 Viewers)

US v Turkeyyay presale goes live shortly... friends and I trying to figure out how much the cost will be when it opens up to general on Friday. any ideas?

Current range is from around $60 to $250. If it sells out, I'd guess 1.5x minimum for resale.
Thanks... I just logged in, but didn't have the pre-sale code. those were the prices I saw as well... I'm definitely in for when they go on sale later this week.
 
He's insane.

We can't even be counted on to beat top 15 countries and we are going to be behind only the top 10-15 clubs?
Players are distributed very differently among clubs and countries. Not sure that changes things, but I do think it's really tough to equate countries and clubs without looking player by player.

Given how USMNT players are key components of teams like AC Milan, Juventus, PSV, Bournemouth, etc...I don't think it's crazy to say that we'd be competitive with those teams...so probably a little bit further down than top 10 or 15...but maybe somewhere between top 20-top 50?
Our best ever US player is the 3rd or 4th best player on his club team... They're in 8th place in Serie A. Lalas is an idiot.... like normal.
Which 2-3 guys do you see as better on Milan?

Leao, Theo... Reijnders?
Leao is for sure. Maignan and Theo are having down years, but both are considered top 10 at their respective positions. CP is not(at least not amongst the footballing world).

Reijnders has scored 11 goals from midfield this year and is tied with CP for second most MOTM behind Rafa. Could see many managers preferring him over CP.

CP would be above everyone else for sure.

You're focusing on the wrong point though. CP is the greatest US men's player of all time and he's not the best player on his team. The only player we have that would be considered in or near the top 10 at their position is Jedi and while LB is important, it's not where you find the game changers needed to reach the top of the big leagues.
I think you have to really stretch to argue that Theo and Maignan have been better players than Pulisic since Pulisic joined the club. Yes, they had much bigger international reputations, as did Leao. And I can understand the argument that Leao's advanced stats show that he's been better than Pulisic even if Pulisic has been as productive by traditional metrics. Even though Leao has alienated multiple managers and is definitely a defensive liability in a way that Pulisic isn't even if Pulisic isn't an elite defensive winger.

Maignan and Theo have not played up to their reputations. Theo, in particular, has also alienated multiple managers without having the performances to justify it. Which means I think Pulisic is, at worst, the third best player on Milan. And maybe better over the course of his run, as Reijnders was much more inconsistent last season (though Giroud was still there last season and one of their better players). In terms of production, Pulisic has among the most goal contributions in Serie A over the last two seasons. And even if Milan is struggling, it's hard to find a Serie A team where I don't think he'd start.

All of which kind of goes to Lalas' point. Is Christian Pulisic better than the best player on Bournemouth (who is, what, Kluivert?). Probably.
 
Nations League Roster out:

Biggest "snubs" are probably Aaronson and Zendejas.

Biggest surprise is probably Luna. Or that Musah is listed as a forward. I guess Poch intends to play a true 10 (Gio or Luna) and he rates Musa over Zendajas or Aaronson as winger. And Johnny over Aaronson as an 8.

Guess Dest isn't considered rehabbed enough. Scally and Fossey at RB. BIg Pat on the roster as the second out and out striker behind the Ginger Ninja.
 
He's insane.

We can't even be counted on to beat top 15 countries and we are going to be behind only the top 10-15 clubs?
Players are distributed very differently among clubs and countries. Not sure that changes things, but I do think it's really tough to equate countries and clubs without looking player by player.

Given how USMNT players are key components of teams like AC Milan, Juventus, PSV, Bournemouth, etc...I don't think it's crazy to say that we'd be competitive with those teams...so probably a little bit further down than top 10 or 15...but maybe somewhere between top 20-top 50?
Our best ever US player is the 3rd or 4th best player on his club team... They're in 8th place in Serie A. Lalas is an idiot.... like normal.
Which 2-3 guys do you see as better on Milan?

Leao, Theo... Reijnders?
Leao is for sure. Maignan and Theo are having down years, but both are considered top 10 at their respective positions. CP is not(at least not amongst the footballing world).

Reijnders has scored 11 goals from midfield this year and is tied with CP for second most MOTM behind Rafa. Could see many managers preferring him over CP.

CP would be above everyone else for sure.

You're focusing on the wrong point though. CP is the greatest US men's player of all time and he's not the best player on his team. The only player we have that would be considered in or near the top 10 at their position is Jedi and while LB is important, it's not where you find the game changers needed to reach the top of the big leagues.
I think you have to really stretch to argue that Theo and Maignan have been better players than Pulisic since Pulisic joined the club. Yes, they had much bigger international reputations, as did Leao. And I can understand the argument that Leao's advanced stats show that he's been better than Pulisic even if Pulisic has been as productive by traditional metrics. Even though Leao has alienated multiple managers and is definitely a defensive liability in a way that Pulisic isn't even if Pulisic isn't an elite defensive winger.

Maignan and Theo have not played up to their reputations. Theo, in particular, has also alienated multiple managers without having the performances to justify it. Which means I think Pulisic is, at worst, the third best player on Milan. And maybe better over the course of his run, as Reijnders was much more inconsistent last season (though Giroud was still there last season and one of their better players). In terms of production, Pulisic has among the most goal contributions in Serie A over the last two seasons. And even if Milan is struggling, it's hard to find a Serie A team where I don't think he'd start.

All of which kind of goes to Lalas' point. Is Christian Pulisic better than the best player on Bournemouth (who is, what, Kluivert?). Probably.
I have the same thoughts re Milan.

Leao is the highest ceiling... But so inconsistent and seemingly uncaring that it's hard to rate him higher than CP from an overall production standpoint (including doing the little things on both sides of the ball).

Theo is the same- and I've seen him not track back so many times, I have to wonder if he's just given up. Especially as a FB.

Reijnders thrives in ACM role but less so if he's in that double pivot. Arguments both ways for his position relative to CP.

Maignan has been super jittery the last 4-5 months. Enough genuine howlers to lower him down a bit, even though he was incredible team MVP in my eyes the year plus before that.
 
Nations League Roster out:

Biggest "snubs" are probably Aaronson and Zendejas.

Biggest surprise is probably Luna. Or that Musah is listed as a forward. I guess Poch intends to play a true 10 (Gio or Luna) and he rates Musa over Zendajas or Aaronson as winger. And Johnny over Aaronson as an 8.

Guess Dest isn't considered rehabbed enough. Scally and Fossey at RB. BIg Pat on the roster as the second out and out striker behind the Ginger Ninja.

GOALKEEPERS (3): Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; 3/0), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids; 30/0), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/ENG; 49/0)


DEFENDERS (8): Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic/SCO; 18/0), Marlon Fossey (Standard Liege/BEL; 1/0), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA; 17/0), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 67/1), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 23/1), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 50/4), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 19/0), Auston Trusty (Celtic/SCO; 4/0)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/ENG; 42/2), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/ESP; 18/0), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake; 3/0), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 58/11), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund/GER; 31/8), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyon/FRA; 6/0)

FORWARDS (6): Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC; 2/2), Yunus Musah (AC Milan/ITA; 45/1), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/ITA; 76/32), Josh Sargent (Norwich City/ENG; 27/5), Timothy Weah (Juventus/ITA; 42/7), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN; 3/1)
 
Pretty good roster overall, but kind of weird distribution of positions...

3 strikers
3 wings
3 outside backs
5 center backs
3 attacking mids
3 defensive mids

I get that we have some guys with positional flexibility, but still a bit odd.

Particularly wondering why we need 5 CBs, when they rarely get subbed. And if we were going to burn one roster slot to bring a fifth CB, I would have liked to see Banks included.

Also, who is our backup LB if Scally starts at RB and gets hurt? Can Fossey play on the left? Weah has played LB a bit in the past, but I think only RB for the past year or two.

I love that we brought Luna. And I like that we brought Agmeyang OR White...but not sure we really need both.
 
Also, who is our backup LB if Scally starts at RB and gets hurt? Can Fossey play on the left? Weah has played LB a bit in the past, but I think only RB for the past year or two
Yeah and/or Swag.

Eta.. and I think some of those CBs are playing in a 3man back line.. might be able to shift wide.
 
My thoughts are similar to everyone else's

* Surprised more by Zendejas missing than Aarsonson.

* Seeing that Trusty was rostered I would have made the decision to swap Ream for Banks. The simple gamble is that Ream won't be good enough come WC2026 and that Banks will be good enough by that time. I don't expect Ream to start over McKenzie but it seems clear Poch loves the guy so who knows

* Reynolds must give the worlds worst phone interviews or something. Multiple US coaches just ignore him

* Luna was a smart roster choice IMO. Not because I think he is on field play necessarily makes him a automatic choice but as a coach you have to reward the fringe guys who looks like they would die for you on the field. Plus if he plays a minute, Mexico can't try and use him in the future.

* I agree that both White and the big boy seem to be a bit over kill.

* Unless Gio becomes the Gio we want, that midfield is dramatically lacking in creative players.

* Someone asked about who we could use at LB if Scally and Jedi both get hurt/suspended. Ream has been playing a lot of LB in MLS but from what I have read he has been marginal at best. I guess in an absolute emergency you put Weston there and tell him to stay at home.
 
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Only 2 traditional wingers? This looks like a 5-3-2 to me.
anybody know what our backline players are used to playing at club? FBs and CBs....

TIA
Richards and McKenzie have both been playing on the outside of a back 3.

Scally has experience in a back 3 (outside) and at traditional RB (this is where most of his minutes come from I believe).

Fossey has been a RB

Jedi a LB

Trusty and CCV have been CB partners quite often in a 4 man back line

Ream has been playing LB but we really don't want that in any way. I could see him be useful in the middle of a 3 man back line or as a traditional LCB.
 
so if every one is healthy, is this correct? (am I missing anyone injured?)

Pepi and Balogun in place of Agy and White

Tillman in place of Luna

Dest in place of Fossey
 
Some Pooch quotes today:

Mauricio Pochettino on Gio Reyna:

"I think his talent is there, and it's good to feel and see how he can help. I think one of the reasons to call him is because was a great opportunity. If not, it's going to be difficult to see him. Everyone recognizes that he's talented and, of course, he's improving and he needs to improve. Of course, he can do better. We need to push him, but, secondly, we need to understand how he thinks, what he likes, what he doesn't like. I think it's important to create this relationship for the future. We want to win this competition, and I think he can help

Mauricio Pochettino on Tyler Adams:

"We know him very well as a player. He's a player we wanted to sign at Chelsea because he's a very good player. He needs to prove that he's better than the others. We have a good competition in midfield with Tessmann, Cardoso, Musah and McKennie, who all play that position. This is a good opportunity for us to see [Adams] and it's great to have him here again. This last month, he was performing really well with his team and I think he deserves an opportunity. For us, it's a great opportunity to get to know him."


Mauricio Pochettino on some notable USMNT players not getting called up like Brenden Aaronson:

"Sometimes it's not about a player having to improve. It's just about numbers. I think we have too many players for only one position and this was a possibility to provide balance. When you have 23 players to call in a competition for two games in a short space of time, balance is important. It's only really 20 players because you have three keepers, of course. We talk about [Brenden], but we can talk about many other players and we are disappointed we cannot call all of them. In our mind, Brenden is still a player that we consider so highly, but he'll have to wait until the next one."
 
Oh damn,,,,,,a planned US Belgium friendly for this summer was scrapped due to scheduling issues.
speaking of... my stupid daughter is in a musical- the weekend of US v Turkey.

waiting to hear how many shows, when, etc... I never like missing anything my kids do, but dammit- I really I want to see the US play.
 
Oh now this is VERY interesting.

Lucho Acosta is now saying his paper work for citizenship is close to being complete.

He is 30 and should be young enough to play a couple of years for the US if he fits in.

Being Argentine is very likely to get Poch to give him a look.

For those unfamiliar with Lucho here are some highlights. These are much watch. We have no one who plays like this and he could be a fascinating change of pace off the bench.

The comparisons to Giovinco are easy to see.

 
Oh now this is VERY interesting.

Lucho Acosta is now saying his paper work for citizenship is close to being complete.

He is 30 and should be young enough to play a couple of years for the US if he fits in.

Being Argentine is very likely to get Poch to give him a look.

For those unfamiliar with Lucho here are some highlights. These are much watch. We have no one who plays like this and he could be a fascinating change of pace off the bench.

The comparisons to Giovinco are easy to see.

Looks very similar to Gio Reyna...in Papa Reyna's head.
 
Some Pooch quotes today:

Mauricio Pochettino on Gio Reyna:

"I think his talent is there, and it's good to feel and see how he can help. I think one of the reasons to call him is because was a great opportunity. If not, it's going to be difficult to see him. Everyone recognizes that he's talented and, of course, he's improving and he needs to improve. Of course, he can do better. We need to push him, but, secondly, we need to understand how he thinks, what he likes, what he doesn't like. I think it's important to create this relationship for the future. We want to win this competition, and I think he can help
I'm reading this as he better put up otherwise I'm done with him like everyone of his other coaches.
 
Oh now this is VERY interesting.

Lucho Acosta is now saying his paper work for citizenship is close to being complete.

He is 30 and should be young enough to play a couple of years for the US if he fits in.

Being Argentine is very likely to get Poch to give him a look.

For those unfamiliar with Lucho here are some highlights. These are much watch. We have no one who plays like this and he could be a fascinating change of pace off the bench.

The comparisons to Giovinco are easy to see.

Looks very similar to Gio Reyna...in Papa Reyna's head.
I was gonna say the guy I thought was Gjorgee. Milovic?
 
Oh now this is VERY interesting.

Lucho Acosta is now saying his paper work for citizenship is close to being complete.

He is 30 and should be young enough to play a couple of years for the US if he fits in.

Being Argentine is very likely to get Poch to give him a look.

For those unfamiliar with Lucho here are some highlights. These are much watch. We have no one who plays like this and he could be a fascinating change of pace off the bench.

The comparisons to Giovinco are easy to see.

The technique and quickness combo is like nothing the US has. Only thing close is Gio but Lucho is quicker and Gio has not progressed like we hoped. Brenden Aaronson might be close too, but he loses the ball a ton and can't strike the ball with the finesse shown in those clips.

Love it and hope to see Lucho in stars and stripes soon.
 
Some Pooch quotes today:

Mauricio Pochettino on Gio Reyna:

"I think his talent is there, and it's good to feel and see how he can help. I think one of the reasons to call him is because was a great opportunity. If not, it's going to be difficult to see him. Everyone recognizes that he's talented and, of course, he's improving and he needs to improve. Of course, he can do better. We need to push him, but, secondly, we need to understand how he thinks, what he likes, what he doesn't like. I think it's important to create this relationship for the future. We want to win this competition, and I think he can help
I'm reading this as he better put up otherwise I'm done with him like everyone of his other coaches.
Hes balled out for the US.

but if he keeps riding pine for club, I worry that he won't be able to bring that level going forward. hopefully his level is there when he gets to camp and Poch can use him. if it's not, I trust Poch not to muck around.
 
Some Pooch quotes today:

Mauricio Pochettino on Gio Reyna:

"I think his talent is there, and it's good to feel and see how he can help. I think one of the reasons to call him is because was a great opportunity. If not, it's going to be difficult to see him. Everyone recognizes that he's talented and, of course, he's improving and he needs to improve. Of course, he can do better. We need to push him, but, secondly, we need to understand how he thinks, what he likes, what he doesn't like. I think it's important to create this relationship for the future. We want to win this competition, and I think he can help
I'm reading this as he better put up otherwise I'm done with him like everyone of his other coaches.
Hes balled out for the US.

but if he keeps riding pine for club, I worry that he won't be able to bring that level going forward. hopefully his level is there when he gets to camp and Poch can use him. if it's not, I trust Poch not to muck around.
One thing I feel we can say about Poch is I don’t get the feeling he has any sense of loyalty to the players, nor should he.

To him these are all brand new players and he is on a very short timeline. I have to assume you either impress him quickly or he will move on.
 
Gio with a 9 minute sub appearance as Dortmund advance in Champions League

Speaking of which...I'm very glad he switched agents. Pretty sure his last agent (who I think he had just switched to before last season's horrible loan) did not have Gio's best interests in mind when he arranged a loan to a lousy team, coached by another client of the agent, where they clearly had no intention of playing him much.
 
My usual game-buddies are all out for the US v Turkey game.

Anybody here going? :cornhole:

I'm tempted to go solo... but also concerned a holiday weekend right before HS graduation might be problematic.
 
My usual game-buddies are all out for the US v Turkey game.

Anybody here going? :cornhole:

I'm tempted to go solo... but also concerned a holiday weekend right before HS graduation might be problematic.
I was considering it but I am on pretty much full time elderly care right now for my mom so I don't think I can chance buying and not being able to attend.
 
Malik Tillman has returned to PSV after his rehabilitation in Germany. Now he has to get match fit. It remains to be seen whether he makes it for the PSV vs Ajax match on March 30th, but if the recovery is not bad, nothing is impossible.

[ @RikElfrink]
 
Bad news guys...Seattle Sounders players won't be available for the Gold Cup: https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/...miss-gold-cup-for-club-world-cup/82270152007/
The interesting part of this article for me was that Poch did not say they were intending to go with a C/B level team to begin with and losing Weah and Weston would not be an issue.

I hope this is pointing to Poch wanting to use whom ever is healthy and available to play and not want to give every one a rest when this one of the last times he is going to get an elongated camp with the team (could be a max of 8 games total if they make the finals, and includes the two friendlies).
 
There was some talk that Nathaniel Brown might get a German call up but he is not on their roster released today.
in the stalker category, some one posted an American flag to Brown's instagram and Brown "liked" the post.

More hard hitting news later tonight...........................
 
UCL: Barcelona (Diego Kochen) vs Borussia Dortmund (Gio Reyna/Cole Campbell*).

UEL: Lyon (Tanner Tessmann) vs Manchester United.

UECL: Real Betis (Johnny Cardoso) vs Jagiellonia Białystok (this is a mouthful....never heard of them before)


* Campbell has not been dressing for the first team very often since the injured players came back
 
Dortmund will release Mathis Albert for the international window to play for the U17’s.

Cavan and many others are missing again from the roster.
 
I missed this news. Looks like Johnny got hurt. He did not dress today and he may miss Nations League.

If this is true, I think the simplest change is to call up Zendejas at wing and move Musah back to the midfield.
 

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