NewlyRetired
Footballguy
yes! Mistake on my part.
Two games in October: Ecuador and Australia
Two games in November: Paraguay and Uruguay
All 4 teams have already qualified for the WC.
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US Men's National Team (10 Viewers)
- Thread starter Premier
- Start date
Two games in October: Ecuador and Australia
Two games in November: Paraguay and Uruguay
All 4 teams have already qualified for the WC.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
The Balogun - Pepi choice is going to be an interesting one.
I feel like Balogun is a much more complete player but Pepi is a natural goal scorer.
In any case, if both are healthy, I expect both are going to play a lot going forward. Sargent may have used up his last chance.
I feel like Balogun is a much more complete player but Pepi is a natural goal scorer.
In any case, if both are healthy, I expect both are going to play a lot going forward. Sargent may have used up his last chance.
TLEF316
Footballguy
Obviously Japan rotated out their starters, but it was still a really nice performance from the guys. Gotta be fair.
Freese was solid. Still has the leg up to start going forward
Richards just constantly in good spots and making poised plays. He's really coming along nicely. It will be interested to see if he can make another move after the WC (Assuming he plays well. Is full time starter at Palace his ceiling?) Ream did Ream stuff I guess. Just hate that he's basically a locked in starter at his age. No idea why they needed to see Blackmon get two full games while Banks rides the pine and then gets on a flight back to Germany. VERY weird.
Agree with the earlier post that Aarfstan and Freeman are basically two two halves of what would be a really solid fullback. Aarf does some nice stuff going forward but you just know he's gonna get toasted (playing him as a wingback rather than a fullback obviously helps this) on D against good teams if exposed. Freeman seems to have better athleticism and defensive skills but no technical attacking ability to speak of.
Adams was his normal self, I guess. Nothing flashy. Roldan certainly seems to have improved from 3-4 years ago but I still dont want him anywhere near the A team when it counts. He's a JAG at best.
CP turned it on in the 2nd half. Balogun still has holes in his game but he's got the high level ability to combine with CP and make goals happen. Zendejas finish was obvious world class and I'm glad he's bouncing back after some rough performances. Will be interesting to see if he can earn a spot over guys like Haji and Luna. Wont be room for all of them probably.
Some good moments for Luna, Dest and McGlynn after they came in. Not enough time to evaluate Downs (although he probably should have scored). This SHOULD be Luca's last camp. He aint it.
Freese was solid. Still has the leg up to start going forward
Richards just constantly in good spots and making poised plays. He's really coming along nicely. It will be interested to see if he can make another move after the WC (Assuming he plays well. Is full time starter at Palace his ceiling?) Ream did Ream stuff I guess. Just hate that he's basically a locked in starter at his age. No idea why they needed to see Blackmon get two full games while Banks rides the pine and then gets on a flight back to Germany. VERY weird.
Agree with the earlier post that Aarfstan and Freeman are basically two two halves of what would be a really solid fullback. Aarf does some nice stuff going forward but you just know he's gonna get toasted (playing him as a wingback rather than a fullback obviously helps this) on D against good teams if exposed. Freeman seems to have better athleticism and defensive skills but no technical attacking ability to speak of.
Adams was his normal self, I guess. Nothing flashy. Roldan certainly seems to have improved from 3-4 years ago but I still dont want him anywhere near the A team when it counts. He's a JAG at best.
CP turned it on in the 2nd half. Balogun still has holes in his game but he's got the high level ability to combine with CP and make goals happen. Zendejas finish was obvious world class and I'm glad he's bouncing back after some rough performances. Will be interesting to see if he can earn a spot over guys like Haji and Luna. Wont be room for all of them probably.
Some good moments for Luna, Dest and McGlynn after they came in. Not enough time to evaluate Downs (although he probably should have scored). This SHOULD be Luca's last camp. He aint it.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Mauricio Pochettino on Alejandro Zendejas:"With this type of performance, he’s in the race for the roster for the World Cup."
El Floppo
Footballguy
Couple thoughts before bed
Whether it was the formation or the personnel, where everybody ahead of the ball was static vs SK there was decent movement tonight.
I mentioned the runs Balo was making vs sk, that nobody fed...his goal tonight was exactly the kind of run he was making over and over last game- finding an inch of space off the shoulder or between the defenders and attacking it- vertically or diagonally. Its also where ive seen him thrive for club scoring his goals. Poch needs the guys to get used to each other to exploit exactly these kind of strengths in each other...get his teammates to understand his timing and see what hes seeing. Outside of needing a while to find his touch (some unfortunate clangers), he certainly pushed Sarge down the ladder.
Roldan felt like old caillou. So smart with the space and veteran anticipation of whats next, and a relentless engine. That said, he was off the international pace too much for me, despite his smart play.
Zendejas...wow. so lively and positive in his play. They desperately needed somebody to not just pass in the direction they were facing after 1 or 2 touches. Appreciated how quickly he was changing direction and pace and trying to turn the ball upfield.felt pacier first step wise than Luna. Defended ok too.
And it was nice to watch this team and go- ok..i finally see that theyre trying to do something. Work the ball around the back, find the ball wide and create a triangle through the mf with support ahead and behind...allowing the ball to go square, back or further upfield. I loved when they got the FBs...Freeman mostly... going with a line bypassing vertical ball. It didnt always pan out under pressure- still not enough quality on the ball. But Arf and Freeman did well in their roles...and thought Dest didnt in his sub minutes (not worried...given some time, its perfect for him). Even Blackmon wasnt horrible (still dicey though)
Somebody for Blackmon (Scally, CCV or Mak), Dest for freeman, jedi for arf, Weah for Zen, hell...two of MMA and its a nice 3-4(ish)-2-1 that showed it works...and could work better with better players.
Whether it was the formation or the personnel, where everybody ahead of the ball was static vs SK there was decent movement tonight.
I mentioned the runs Balo was making vs sk, that nobody fed...his goal tonight was exactly the kind of run he was making over and over last game- finding an inch of space off the shoulder or between the defenders and attacking it- vertically or diagonally. Its also where ive seen him thrive for club scoring his goals. Poch needs the guys to get used to each other to exploit exactly these kind of strengths in each other...get his teammates to understand his timing and see what hes seeing. Outside of needing a while to find his touch (some unfortunate clangers), he certainly pushed Sarge down the ladder.
Roldan felt like old caillou. So smart with the space and veteran anticipation of whats next, and a relentless engine. That said, he was off the international pace too much for me, despite his smart play.
Zendejas...wow. so lively and positive in his play. They desperately needed somebody to not just pass in the direction they were facing after 1 or 2 touches. Appreciated how quickly he was changing direction and pace and trying to turn the ball upfield.felt pacier first step wise than Luna. Defended ok too.
And it was nice to watch this team and go- ok..i finally see that theyre trying to do something. Work the ball around the back, find the ball wide and create a triangle through the mf with support ahead and behind...allowing the ball to go square, back or further upfield. I loved when they got the FBs...Freeman mostly... going with a line bypassing vertical ball. It didnt always pan out under pressure- still not enough quality on the ball. But Arf and Freeman did well in their roles...and thought Dest didnt in his sub minutes (not worried...given some time, its perfect for him). Even Blackmon wasnt horrible (still dicey though)
Somebody for Blackmon (Scally, CCV or Mak), Dest for freeman, jedi for arf, Weah for Zen, hell...two of MMA and its a nice 3-4(ish)-2-1 that showed it works...and could work better with better players.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Was Japan missing starters? How did it compare to their game against MEX?
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
They changed their entire starting lineup from the Mexico game. They were anemic against Mexico as well offensively.
I don’t know their team very well but I think there were only a couple of regulars starters who started against the US but this was still mostly their first choice roster.
If you factor in that the US did not start Dest, Jedi, Tillman, Weah, and Weston, it was probably fairly close in relative first team strength.
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The Z Machine
Footballguy
That's promising then.
I'm not sold on the 3 man back line. Scally would seem to be in consideration there on the RCB. Jedi on left and Dest on Right?
----------------- ??? GK -----------------
----- Scally --- ??? --- Richards -----
Dest --- Johnny --- Adams --- Jedi
---- Weah ---- Balo ---- Puli -----
That would allow Johnny to play the double pivot with Adams, allowing Puli to combo with Jedi and Weak to Combo with Dest. Lack of creativity in the center, but if chasing a goal, this could flex into a 4-3-3 with Tillman sub for ??? and sit as the tip of a midfield triangle, pushing Weah and CP wider. Could also use Wes in place of Johnny, depending on matchups. I guess it's not terrible and leverages the strengths of the key players like Dest and Johnny. But it puts a 3rd CB on the field, where the US currently lacks depth.
FWIW, I don't rate Luna, Luca, Blackmon, Freeman, Down, McGlynn, or Sebb and could see none of those except maybe Luna making the WC26 roster.
I'm not sold on the 3 man back line. Scally would seem to be in consideration there on the RCB. Jedi on left and Dest on Right?
----------------- ??? GK -----------------
----- Scally --- ??? --- Richards -----
Dest --- Johnny --- Adams --- Jedi
---- Weah ---- Balo ---- Puli -----
That would allow Johnny to play the double pivot with Adams, allowing Puli to combo with Jedi and Weak to Combo with Dest. Lack of creativity in the center, but if chasing a goal, this could flex into a 4-3-3 with Tillman sub for ??? and sit as the tip of a midfield triangle, pushing Weah and CP wider. Could also use Wes in place of Johnny, depending on matchups. I guess it's not terrible and leverages the strengths of the key players like Dest and Johnny. But it puts a 3rd CB on the field, where the US currently lacks depth.
FWIW, I don't rate Luna, Luca, Blackmon, Freeman, Down, McGlynn, or Sebb and could see none of those except maybe Luna making the WC26 roster.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Note that while we have been listing this as a 3-4-3, in reality it plays significantly more like a 3-4-2-1 where the 2 are playing all over the field and are not just wide players. In this specific role, I think Tillman is better suited than Weah as it gives us some of the creativity we need.
Weah will be able to provide good depth as one of the wing backs as I think he would be significantly stronger than Freeman at this point and Weah has a lot more experience in that spot as well.
Who slots in next to Adams is going to be very interesting. Weston, Johnny, Tessman and Morris all should be considered.
I feel like we are going to learn a ton next window unless Poch continues to troll every one with his roster choices.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
The 3-4-3 -- with both wide mids/wingbacks being natural fullbacks -- might be the only lineup where I'd want to see Dest on the field. It's perfect for him IMO and you have enough defense on the field to support it. Especially with two back-foot mids in-between the outside guys. Rock solid, with a ton of natural cover.
We're committing to a wide game if we do that, since any of our prospective ~defensive mids are mostly useless going forward and our #9s aren't link up guys, but true center forwards. The risk is that we end up with a black hole in the center of the field, with zero connection between the center mids and the front line, but it plays to the strengths of Dest and Jedi. I think I like it. We'll have to resist the urge to put a more offensive player in the central midfield, or the whole thing falls apart and we're swiss cheese out of possession.
GK, two of the backline, one of the central mids and the #9 are still question marks IMO, but at least there's a solid framework that fits the strengths of the squad, and you're just trying to fill it now.
---CP -- Balogon?? -- Weah/Zendejas
Antonee-----Musah------Adams-------Dest/Weah
--------Richards-----??------??
------------------??
We're committing to a wide game if we do that, since any of our prospective ~defensive mids are mostly useless going forward and our #9s aren't link up guys, but true center forwards. The risk is that we end up with a black hole in the center of the field, with zero connection between the center mids and the front line, but it plays to the strengths of Dest and Jedi. I think I like it. We'll have to resist the urge to put a more offensive player in the central midfield, or the whole thing falls apart and we're swiss cheese out of possession.
GK, two of the backline, one of the central mids and the #9 are still question marks IMO, but at least there's a solid framework that fits the strengths of the squad, and you're just trying to fill it now.
---CP -- Balogon?? -- Weah/Zendejas
Antonee-----Musah------Adams-------Dest/Weah
--------Richards-----??------??
------------------??
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Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Musah's ball progression might still be a decent fit for the spot next to Adams now that I think about it. He's pretty good defensively, covers a lot of ground and can carry the ball. I'd kill for a Mac Allister type -- a true two-way mid with toughness -- in that spot though.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
I think the 2 are essentially playing as mezzale. Though I think one drifts out wide more if the wingback is staying back. But they're essentially mobile, attacking 8s. Once that clicked for Christian, he was very dynamic in the second half. I could see Weston in that position. I could see Weah play it as a more traditional wide player if we wanted one wingback to be more defensive. Obviously Tillman and Gio are possibilites in that role (though I think I see Gio transitioning into a more deep-lying role like his Dad if he can handle the workrate).
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
Roldan is going to give everybody an ayeurism again when he makes the World Cup squad over someone like Johnny or something. But coaches can trust him to do his job. He'll leave plays on the table, but he won't switch off. And until Johnny shows the same with the USMNT, I totally get preferring someone like Roldan. You need piano players and piano movers and all that.
El Floppo
Footballguy
it's SOOO nice to be talking about a viable formation and then having too many players for it... at least through the MF and F... and having a discussion about how guys fit into it rather than: WTF is going on WTF are they trying to do out there?!
still waiting for Steffen to pop, or one of the youths (Kochen, Gaga). Freeze doesn't do a lot for me- although he had a good night v Japan. sad to have GK be one of the bigger roster spots questions.
I think between Richards (locked), Ream (semi-locked), Scally, Makenzie, CCV (has been playing CL ball) and maybe a Trusty or Banks if they step up this year, we have the guys for the 3 man back line. But they need time to gel as a unit. Off the pot time, Poch.
Who plays the double pivot is a real question. Adams, Swag, Musah, Johnny, Morris, Tessman, Roldan... that's 7 guys for 2 spots. I feel like in form Swag is the guy who can translate the hybrid 6/8 role optimally. Musah has those capabilities too, but needs to find his form with the new team. hell... ALL of them need to take this club season and smash it- making themselves undeniable for selection with the US. they're all capable but also some key guys riding a knife-edge with PT vs no PT. (Roldan- we already know what we're getting with the high floor and low ceiling).
CP and Balo (until Pepi comes back) are locked. CP's partner in the 2 of the 3-4-2-1... Weah, Tillman, Gio, Zen- all good options for one spot, at least one of whom also hopefully takes off with their new team this season to solidfy their spot.
look at us! we're talking tactics and players and not just gnashing our teeth and rending our hair!
still waiting for Steffen to pop, or one of the youths (Kochen, Gaga). Freeze doesn't do a lot for me- although he had a good night v Japan. sad to have GK be one of the bigger roster spots questions.
I think between Richards (locked), Ream (semi-locked), Scally, Makenzie, CCV (has been playing CL ball) and maybe a Trusty or Banks if they step up this year, we have the guys for the 3 man back line. But they need time to gel as a unit. Off the pot time, Poch.
Who plays the double pivot is a real question. Adams, Swag, Musah, Johnny, Morris, Tessman, Roldan... that's 7 guys for 2 spots. I feel like in form Swag is the guy who can translate the hybrid 6/8 role optimally. Musah has those capabilities too, but needs to find his form with the new team. hell... ALL of them need to take this club season and smash it- making themselves undeniable for selection with the US. they're all capable but also some key guys riding a knife-edge with PT vs no PT. (Roldan- we already know what we're getting with the high floor and low ceiling).
CP and Balo (until Pepi comes back) are locked. CP's partner in the 2 of the 3-4-2-1... Weah, Tillman, Gio, Zen- all good options for one spot, at least one of whom also hopefully takes off with their new team this season to solidfy their spot.
look at us! we're talking tactics and players and not just gnashing our teeth and rending our hair!
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Ream is a real problem.
We all want to see him as nothing more than a back up and yet he still remains our best passer out of the back and Poch clearly loves him.
But he is a ticking time bomb, especially playing on the outside of the CB’s. I would feel better with him in the middle defensively.
We all want to see him as nothing more than a back up and yet he still remains our best passer out of the back and Poch clearly loves him.
But he is a ticking time bomb, especially playing on the outside of the CB’s. I would feel better with him in the middle defensively.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Poch has been gushing over Arfsten. I am bracing myself that he may prefer him to Jedi.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Arf looked pretty comfy in that formation- suited his strengths as an attacker and covered some of his deficiencies as a defender. A guy who can cut in for the shot or make the cross while having the skills to take a guy on to creat either...nice thing to have. Even if Arf may have a slight skill edge, Jedi has the overall edge, along with just having the wheels and motor and day in comfort level playing against WC level opponents.
encaitar
Footballguy
This is likely just because Poch hasn't gotten a lot of time with a healthy Jedi. Wait until after the November window and then if he's still preferring Arfsten you can worry. I do think, based on his comments, that Arfsten seems to be the clubhouse leader for being Jedi's backup.
Desert_Power
Footballguy
He's also looked a lot better in the center than when he was out left for Charlotte. It was a similar issue too, where they needed his passing to create/start further up the field. Getting Canadian LB Marshall-Rutty has freed him up.
He's been really good since the Gold Cup though.
encaitar
Footballguy
Agree with this. Not sure why we aren't doing this. Ream should be involved if we go back 3, just for his leadership and distribution... but I thought he worked best in the middle. It's why I'm a really disappointed we played Blackmon again and didn't go with a Banks/Ream/Richards backline. I think Banks is our best hope to take over at LCB as I don't see any other of our CBs having a good enough left foot. Really hope we get to see Banks given a chance in the next window.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Trusty is a natural LCB but he may also be one of the lowest on the depth chart.
The good news is that more times than not Richards plays on the left for CP. If he can ball out in the EPL at LCB we should be able to trust him there.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
so lets talk about something tricky.
There are currently 3 players who would normally be easy roster players, and maybe even pushing for starting positions.
Musah, Weston and Gio
However, all 3 are not playing at club level. I believe that if any of these three do not receive playing time at their club at more than a cameo level, they will not be included.
The silver lining though is that Musah and Gio are both in brand new situations and there may be opportunities for them to shine. And while it is painful to see Weston yet again tossed aside, for it feels like the 4th straight season, he continues to have 9 lives so maybe he can do it again.
There are currently 3 players who would normally be easy roster players, and maybe even pushing for starting positions.
Musah, Weston and Gio
However, all 3 are not playing at club level. I believe that if any of these three do not receive playing time at their club at more than a cameo level, they will not be included.
The silver lining though is that Musah and Gio are both in brand new situations and there may be opportunities for them to shine. And while it is painful to see Weston yet again tossed aside, for it feels like the 4th straight season, he continues to have 9 lives so maybe he can do it again.
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Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
0.0% IMO
Robinson might be the best player in our pool right now AND fits this formation like a dream.
Gio might have a hard time making the team -- he's barely played in... years? Since the last World Cup?
Weston has to be a lock though. Even if he's not a perfect fit for this 3-4-3, we don't have 25 more useful players than him.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
no question we see it that way and I believe that is the correct number. My fear is that Poch does not yet.
Hopefully that changes next month.
Note that Jedi has not played even one game for Poch yet.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
If it is a 26 man roster it would be foolhardy to leave off a Swiss knife like Weston even if he was not playing much at club level.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Like many of you, I see Freese as Just Another Keeper. There is nothing specifically wrong with him per say but it feels awful that we don't have one obvious stud keeper.
Steffen is the only player who would be ready for next summer that has elite skills but between his injury history and some blunders, Poch may feel safer with a bland player like Freese.
Steffen is the only player who would be ready for next summer that has elite skills but between his injury history and some blunders, Poch may feel safer with a bland player like Freese.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
The US out shot SK and Japan by a combined 36 to 16.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
This was probably the most important thing that came out of camp. Either that it was not as big an issue as was first made out to be or Poch does not hold grudges (the second of which is more important to me).
=====================
Christian Pulisic on his relationship with Mauricio Pochettino: "There’s probably not as much drama as you guys think there is. We have good conversations, honestly. Probably what you guys experience, and what the media sees, is not exactly what we experience. Things are good. We spoke, we had a normal camp, and everything is good between us, good between the team."
=====================
Christian Pulisic on his relationship with Mauricio Pochettino: "There’s probably not as much drama as you guys think there is. We have good conversations, honestly. Probably what you guys experience, and what the media sees, is not exactly what we experience. Things are good. We spoke, we had a normal camp, and everything is good between us, good between the team."
El Floppo
Footballguy
Im going to go with the bolded being the biggest thing to come out of camp (ftr, i didnt care or even buy othat there was a CP v Poch issue)...from ESPN:
-------------------------------------
((this is exactly what I saw watching live vs SK)) "Even before [his goal], Balogun made a lot of good runs, a lot of good timed runs, being able to get in behind when the pressure's coming onto the midfielders and onto the defenders when we have the ball," said U.S. defender Tim Ream. "So he brings that know-how, and the timing of his runs and to be able to put defenders on the back foot and running back towards their goal helps us massively."
One might expect Balogun's goal to offer a bit of relief after waiting for so long, but the forward indicated that's not what he's feeling at the moment. Pochettino won't allow it.
"[Pochettino] wants more from us, and he even said that no place is guaranteed for the final roster leading up to the World Cup," Balogun said. "So that's just going to get rid of complacency and keep everybody grounded."
Also keeping the U.S. grounded was a change to a formation with three center-backs, call it a 3-4-3, though Pulisic and Zendejas were occupying pockets of space underneath Balogun. Japan did threaten on occasion, but that was due more to U.S. carelessness with the ball in its own half rather than being broken down.
"Very, very clearly defined roles," said Ream about the formation, which the U.S. deployed in the last half hour of Saturday's loss to South Korea. "We did not do much work on it other than in game and talk about it during a few meetings, and I think all of us felt really comfortable." ((damn skippy they did- "comfortable" is exactly how they played, even under some good pressure from japan. surprised they didn't practice it... but once they do, and implement it in games- the individual players will begin to understand eachother better in their "clearly defined roles" and allow the collective to play better))
((CP on Zen- exactly what we all saw... and it's the positive, direct play with his quickness and cleanness that makes him viable for this team))
"[Zendejas] is a really technical player, really clean on the ball and he gives a little something different ... He has a direct style, he is really quick and he can find final passes, so I think he does a lot of things well."
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
This is a good read. I don't agree with his point about Jedi not fitting the 3-4-2-1 but other than that, I was nodding a lot
==========================
www.mlssoccer.com
==========================
USMNT: Whose stock rose or dropped after September window? | MLSSoccer.com
Ok, exhale.
www.mlssoccer.com
B Maverick
Footballguy
Mauricio Pochettino Names Four Surprise Contenders for USMNT 2026 World Cup Roster
Basically says Zendejas, Arfsten, Freeman, Roldan all might be rostered, or at least made themselves contenders.
As said above, I think the Oct and Nov windows will say a lot about who may be there if Poch is true to his word.
Basically says Zendejas, Arfsten, Freeman, Roldan all might be rostered, or at least made themselves contenders.
As said above, I think the Oct and Nov windows will say a lot about who may be there if Poch is true to his word.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
does anyone know if the rosters will be 23 or 26?
El Floppo
Footballguy
Not really surprising until we see who DOESNT get rostered.
B Maverick
Footballguy
I do not. But am curious as to who those here think might or should be included. I don't follow as closely to know all the potentials.
Robinson, Dest, Richards, CP, Adams I would think for sure.
Ream, Westin, Bologun, Weah, Tillman, Pepi, most likely.
Luna and Zedejas are probably subs (or should be).
Guessing Freese and Turner in goal?
That's 15....
Scally?
Would love to see Musah and Gio work their way back in.
Who else rounds it out?
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
In terms of rounding things out,
one or two are going to be taken from Johnny, Tessman, Morris and Roldan I think
Three keepers are usually rostered so if healthy, I assume that will be Steffen as the 3rd one
Arfsten has clearly impressed Poch and I think has almost certainly locked down the back up LB/LWB role
I expect to see at least 1 more CB (if Scally is already included), I guess from the group of Miles/Zimm/Blackmon/Banks/CCV/Trusty/McKenzie
Maybe McGlynn sneaks on as the last player in a one trick pony role?
still room for more if we are at 26
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B Maverick
Footballguy
I would guess if Ream is already one, and they go back 3, they will need a couple more CBs aside from Richards.
Hope no on Roldan, Aaronson(s), Mini-GGG,
El Floppo
Footballguy
Im sure im forgetting folk...add 3 GKs. Cant take all of these guys, but i think our final group is made up of these guys.
FB: Jedi, Dest, Arf, Freeman
CB: Richards, Ream, Scally, Makenzie, CCV, Trusty, Banks, Miles, Zimm
MF: Adams, Swag, Musah, Johnny, Morris, Tessman, Roldan (all central for the double pivot).
F: CP, Balo, Pepi, Sarge, Downs, Weah, Tillman, Gio, Zendejas, Ag, (some of these guys are MFs depending on the formation..included here as Fs in the 3-4-2-1.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
The odd part every one has to come to grips with is that Roldan looked better in these two friendlies than Johnny ever has for the US.
Now I will allow for the fact that we were worried about Tillman the same way until it finally clicked for him and become the best US player this summer. Lets hope Johnny gets a break through.
A guy who is an auto start for a team like Atletico Madrid should not look so average playing for the US against Concacaf level teams.
B Maverick
Footballguy
For sure. A good Johnny next to Adams may work. Still think McKinnie/Adams pivot is our best option with Tillman and CP playing behind the striker. (3-4-2-1)
El Floppo
Footballguy
At least at Betis, i saw him look solid in a double pivot next to a high motor guy. I cant rmeemebr what that formation was though ...he had Isco in front of him to just hand the ball off to which makes things a bit easier.
prefontaine
Footballguy
Completely disagree. You need someone that can carry water and connect to allow the guys further up the pitch to stay involved. This is what Roldan did yesterday that really made a difference.
As long as we play Adams, we need to pair him with a progressive passer and receiver of the ball. I actually think Gio should play here but he's got to show form. Musah progresses the ball on the dribble. It can unlock defenses in the right circumstances but isn't a fit for this system.
We need to move the ball quickly through the midfield and provide easy options for the defense so they don't have to pass across multiple lines. This is not Musah's strength.
El Floppo
Footballguy
If were looking at the formation yesterday as preferred, the double pivot needs 2 guys who can defend like a 6 and at least one who can also progress like an 8.
This aint Gio. Like, at all. The progressing part, sure...in spades. But the 6? Nada. If hes on the field it should be as a partner to CP higher up the field.
Musah has done this role for Milan, albeit not tippy top from the games I've watched. Ive seen it from him in Spain and last WC, so i know its there for him...somewhere. imo, good Swag best fits that 6/8 Adams partner until i see one of Johnny, Morris, Tessman or Musah elevate their game this season. Of course, Swag may not be playing much this year...so ymmv with him too. This is part of why seeing feeaking Sebbb over and over when we should have been finding the right pairing has killed me.
SpurrierisisGod
Footballguy
Not to derail the discussion but did anyone try getting WC tickets?
Wife an i were discussing it would be cool to try and make one or 2 in Atlanta but we would have to hope for someone dumping them last minute for a decent price.
Wife an i were discussing it would be cool to try and make one or 2 in Atlanta but we would have to hope for someone dumping them last minute for a decent price.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I think there has been some chatter about this in the main soccer thread. A few people look like they are trying the lottery.
encaitar
Footballguy
You can still sign up for the Visa card lottery if you have a Visa card. You will then be entered into a lottery that will be drawn on Sept. 29th and if you win a spot you will have a chance to purchase tickets at face value.
Here's the process and it has a link to the FIFA website.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
I would think that Scally could play LCB. This way he wouldn't be asked to attack up the touchline, wouldn't be asked to distribute much, and could focus on shutting down opposing wingers, who are often the most dangerous players on the field. He's got decent height and size, is OK in the tackle too. Sure he's not a prototypical CB, but that's why you have Ream and Richards.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
If there was not a perceived issue between Poch and Scally, I would have Scally in the back 3 as well.
Scally has a lot of 3 back experience at the club level as his team often swaps from back 4 to back 3 and vice versa. He much more often used in the back 3 than he is as the RWB.
I think Scally could play either side.
Scally is a good 1 on 1 defender. He lacks an offensive skill set so a back 3 for him is quite good.
Scally would be a little bit undersized though at only 6 feet as a CB. With Ream's legs going or gone, that would leave Richards as the only one of the 3 strong in the air and that might be something opponents could exploit.
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Ideally though McKenzie would be the perfect choice but like Johnny, (and Tillman until this summer), he is one of those guys that plays so much better at club than country. He plays in a back 3 every week for his team and plays well in Ligue 1 and the team employs mostly a 3-4-2-1 like we want the US to do.
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ChiefD
Footballguy
This is how I’m gonna try.
SwampDawg
Footballguy
I was able to get in the VISA presale lottery yesterday. Once you got in you picked rounds and venues then on Sept. 29th hopefully get the email/text that you got selected and tickets are first come, first serve once the selections go out. No idea how many tickets you get the option to buy, I am assuming 2 or 4. I put in for Group Play, Round of 32 and Round of 16 (figured I'm not going to be willing to pay what they will want for anything after that. I put in for Philly, NY, Boston and Miami.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Same for all of that (no Miami). I also put in for later rounds figuring if the US is there, I'm there. If not, i can hopefully sell the tickets for a profit.
