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US Men's National Team (21 Viewers)
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El Floppo
Footballguy
yeah... love the positive play- always taking his first touch towards attacking position when it's there. also loved how involved he was- credit to the MF for spraying the ball out to him repeatedly.
the only con- despite getting himself into good positions a ton in the first half, he wasn't able to get by that defender on him. some nice touches and zig-zaggy moves, but the defender used a bit of quickness and strength to block the move, cross or shot (other than the goal off the corner). but hopefully he'll get a step and a bit of muscle as he ages... still SO young!
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
What I liked was the switch to playing more early balls in the second half. I didn't mind the fact that he tried a lot of one on one moves in the first half that didn't come off, but I do think that it's important for him to show the variety that will enable him to get to the byline more often as defenders have to respect the early cross. What stood out most to me was his Pulisic's first touch was almost always productive. The chest past the defender that the GK was barely able to get to smother was a good example. I also didn't realize how good the first touch that made space for his shot on the goal was until I saw the replays. That's just an extremely positive sign.
Ned
Footballguy
Agree with all of this! I caught the replay on FS2 last night and really enjoyed watching him play. I saw the same con, but like you said...he's only 17! He'll get bigger/stronger/faster with time :fingerscrossed:
El Floppo
Footballguy
agree with all of that. haven't seen the second half yet... but I love that he's going at guys. I don't care about the moves not entirely working- and to be fair to him, my criticism of the defender seeming to win the day- the kid still won corners and forced the defender to be on the back foot repeatedly. can't ask for much more than that.
and yeah- his first touch is very... professional and positive. it's not just that he's controlling the ball with it- he's controlling it to where he needs to be and go to force the action. I'm happy with jozy or zardoz just not skying or rocky-raccooning their first touch, let alone producing something with it. along with that, pusilic's passing is equally positive- the ball is going with the right weight and location to allow the teammate to be positive themselves. another thing I see from US players- they just hit the pass hopefully towards their teammate too often, not to the spot that leads them just right so they can create with their first and second touches.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
The view from behind the goal really showed how classy this goal was.
It did not seem like much from the side view but the touch and finish (the finish with I believe his off foot) was top notch.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
From ESPN
=========================
Don't look now, but the striker competition within the United States national team is beginning to get interesting. Assuming head coach Jurgen Klinsmann selects the usual four forwards to the 23-man roster he'll name next month ahead of June's Copa America Centenario, two of Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Jordan Morris, Bobby Wood, Chris Wondolowski and Gyasi Zardes won't be on the squad.
Granted, one should never assume anything when it comes to Klinsmann, even if Altidore, Dempsey and Wood look like no-brainers. After all, the unconventional coach picked five frontrunners -- all of the above except Morris -- for last month's World Cup qualifying home-and-home against Guatemala. He's also used Zardes, who was listed as a forward in March, on the wings more often than not.
Still, it's hard to see all six surviving Klinsmann's final cut. That could leave ballyhooed MLS rookie Morris battling against domestic league lifer Wondolowski for the final spot over the next four weeks, an intriguing competition to be sure.
Both players are coming off notable games last weekend. They aren't alone. Youngster Christian Pulisic continues to make headlines in Germany, with his stature growing by the day. And a number of U.S. regulars returned to action last weekend after significant layoffs. Others, meanwhile, are down on their luck at the worst possible time. The biggest movers on either side of the divide make up our latest Hot List.
See where they stand below:
Warming up
John Brooks, D, Hertha Berlin (Germany)
Why he's here: The sore knee that sidelined him last month healed enough for the 23-year-old to start and go 90 minutes in Friday's 2-1 loss to Hoffenheim, Brooks' first match since Mar. 19.
What this means: Provided he's healthy -- injuries have cost Brooks caps on several other occasions, too -- the imposing German-American is a first choice center back for Klinsmann.
Alejandro Bedoya, Nantes (France)
Why he's here: The U.S. vet had been out since suffering an ankle injury in Guatemala City last month, but Bedoya returned to action for his Ligue 1 club in Sunday's 2-0 loss to Montpellier.
What this means: It's the second time the 28-year-old's career season has been interrupted after returning from international duty (an illness forced him to miss all of October), but that actually could benefit the U.S. if the hard-running Bedoya's legs are fresher than normal heading into the summer.
Matt Besler, D, Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
Why he's here: The concussion he sustained just before the first of last month's two qualifiers forced Besler to miss both matches and the first three games in April for his club. But the 29-year-old was back in the heart of SKC's defense for Sunday's 2-1 loss at FC Dallas.
What this means: Recovering from a concussion can be tricky, so seeing Besler -- a 2014 World Cup starter who is slated to back up Brooks this June -- on the field again is a big relief for the U.S.
Jermaine Jones, M, Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Why he's here: In his first game back following a six-match suspension for shoving an official during last year's MLS playoffs, when he was a member of the New England Revolution, Jones led the Rapids to a 2-1 win over the New York Red Bulls in his debut for the club.
What this means: Now that he's playing again, there is no reason to think that Jones, now 34, won't man his usual central midfield spot for the U.S. during the tournament.
Jordan Morris, F, Seattle Sounders (MLS)
Why he's here: The highly touted rookie scored his first professional goal in his sixth MLS game (eight in all competitions) in Saturday's 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union.
What this means: Morris remains in a dogfight to make the Copa roster and probably needs to add to his tally to stay in the hunt. That said; the 21-year-old should be more relaxed in front of goal after opening his account in Seattle.
Christian Pulisic, M, Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
Why he's here: The 17-year-old made his second consecutive Bundesliga start and became the fourth-youngest scorer in the history of Germany's top flight when he got BVB off the mark in Sunday's 3-0 over Hamburg.
What this means: With 10 appearances in all competitions since making his pro debut Jan. 30, Pulisic has gone from Copa America roster long shot to possible U.S. starter -- IF he keeps playing for Dortmund. Now that the club is eliminated from the Europa League, it will be interesting to see if Pulisic keeps his place for Wednesday's DFB Cup semifinal versus Hertha.
Tim Ream, D, Fulham (England)
Why he's here: The slick-passing lefty, who lost his place with the Cottagers following the late December arrival of new manager Slavisa Jokanovic, has gone the distance in each of Fulham's last four league games.
What this means: Fulham were routed 5-0 by Brighton in Ream's most recent start, and the American was involved in two of the goals against. But if Ream keeps his lineup spot in West London, he could still warrant a first-hand look from Klinsmann before the May 20 roster deadline.
Chris Wondolowski, F, San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Why he's here: Wondolowski has started yet another MLS season on fire, with a league-topping six goals from his first seven games in 2016.
What this means: The 33-year-old is making a serious case for inclusion, and Klinsmann adores his attitude and work ethic. Bet against Wondo at your peril.
Cooling down
Timmy Chandler, D, Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany)
Why he's here: With U.S. technical advisor Berti Vogts watching from the stands, Chandler had a rough outing in Eintracht's 3-0 defeat at Bayer Leverkusen, picking up a second-half yellow card and getting beaten on two of the host's goals.
What this means: Poor form hasn't kept Klinsmann from calling in Chandler and others before, so don't be surprised if the 26-year-old gets an in-person audition when the European-based players report to Miami the week before the coach's final cut.
Omar Gonzalez, D, Pachuca (Mexico)
Why he's here: The 27-year-old suffered an undisclosed injury and was substituted in the second half of Saturday's 1-0 win versus Morelia.
What this means: The former L.A .Galaxy star has been terrific in Liga MX since joining the Tuzos in January, but Gonzalez's international future is unclear after he marked his U.S. return with a subpar showing in Guatemala. Getting hurt now won't help.
Alfredo Morales, M, Ingolstadt (Germany)
Why he's here: Morales was an ever-present for the Bundesliga club until he lost his place in early February, and then got hurt. He's now gone more than two months since his last start for Ingolstadt, and hasn't come off the bench since mid-March.
What this means: Playing in one of the world's elite leagues was supposed to make Morales into a U.S. regular, but it hasn't worked out that way. "We're still waiting for Alfredo," Klinsmann said recently. Unless things change soon, the wait figures to continue.
Danny Williams, M, Reading (England)
Why he's here: Williams was already out of favor with Klinsmann, who left the German-American defensive midfielder off of his last two full-strength rosters dating to last November. Now Williams is serving a three-match ban for scuffling with a teammate during last week's loss to Middlesbrough.
What this means: With mainstays Jones and Kyle Beckerman aging but still serviceable, the odds of Williams making the Copa squad were slim to begin with. Now they've slimmer, even if Williams will be available for the Royals' last two games of 2015-16.
=========================
Don't look now, but the striker competition within the United States national team is beginning to get interesting. Assuming head coach Jurgen Klinsmann selects the usual four forwards to the 23-man roster he'll name next month ahead of June's Copa America Centenario, two of Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Jordan Morris, Bobby Wood, Chris Wondolowski and Gyasi Zardes won't be on the squad.
Granted, one should never assume anything when it comes to Klinsmann, even if Altidore, Dempsey and Wood look like no-brainers. After all, the unconventional coach picked five frontrunners -- all of the above except Morris -- for last month's World Cup qualifying home-and-home against Guatemala. He's also used Zardes, who was listed as a forward in March, on the wings more often than not.
Still, it's hard to see all six surviving Klinsmann's final cut. That could leave ballyhooed MLS rookie Morris battling against domestic league lifer Wondolowski for the final spot over the next four weeks, an intriguing competition to be sure.
Both players are coming off notable games last weekend. They aren't alone. Youngster Christian Pulisic continues to make headlines in Germany, with his stature growing by the day. And a number of U.S. regulars returned to action last weekend after significant layoffs. Others, meanwhile, are down on their luck at the worst possible time. The biggest movers on either side of the divide make up our latest Hot List.
See where they stand below:
Warming up
John Brooks, D, Hertha Berlin (Germany)
Why he's here: The sore knee that sidelined him last month healed enough for the 23-year-old to start and go 90 minutes in Friday's 2-1 loss to Hoffenheim, Brooks' first match since Mar. 19.
What this means: Provided he's healthy -- injuries have cost Brooks caps on several other occasions, too -- the imposing German-American is a first choice center back for Klinsmann.
Alejandro Bedoya, Nantes (France)
Why he's here: The U.S. vet had been out since suffering an ankle injury in Guatemala City last month, but Bedoya returned to action for his Ligue 1 club in Sunday's 2-0 loss to Montpellier.
What this means: It's the second time the 28-year-old's career season has been interrupted after returning from international duty (an illness forced him to miss all of October), but that actually could benefit the U.S. if the hard-running Bedoya's legs are fresher than normal heading into the summer.
Matt Besler, D, Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
Why he's here: The concussion he sustained just before the first of last month's two qualifiers forced Besler to miss both matches and the first three games in April for his club. But the 29-year-old was back in the heart of SKC's defense for Sunday's 2-1 loss at FC Dallas.
What this means: Recovering from a concussion can be tricky, so seeing Besler -- a 2014 World Cup starter who is slated to back up Brooks this June -- on the field again is a big relief for the U.S.
Jermaine Jones, M, Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Why he's here: In his first game back following a six-match suspension for shoving an official during last year's MLS playoffs, when he was a member of the New England Revolution, Jones led the Rapids to a 2-1 win over the New York Red Bulls in his debut for the club.
What this means: Now that he's playing again, there is no reason to think that Jones, now 34, won't man his usual central midfield spot for the U.S. during the tournament.
Jordan Morris, F, Seattle Sounders (MLS)
Why he's here: The highly touted rookie scored his first professional goal in his sixth MLS game (eight in all competitions) in Saturday's 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union.
What this means: Morris remains in a dogfight to make the Copa roster and probably needs to add to his tally to stay in the hunt. That said; the 21-year-old should be more relaxed in front of goal after opening his account in Seattle.
Christian Pulisic, M, Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
Why he's here: The 17-year-old made his second consecutive Bundesliga start and became the fourth-youngest scorer in the history of Germany's top flight when he got BVB off the mark in Sunday's 3-0 over Hamburg.
What this means: With 10 appearances in all competitions since making his pro debut Jan. 30, Pulisic has gone from Copa America roster long shot to possible U.S. starter -- IF he keeps playing for Dortmund. Now that the club is eliminated from the Europa League, it will be interesting to see if Pulisic keeps his place for Wednesday's DFB Cup semifinal versus Hertha.
Tim Ream, D, Fulham (England)
Why he's here: The slick-passing lefty, who lost his place with the Cottagers following the late December arrival of new manager Slavisa Jokanovic, has gone the distance in each of Fulham's last four league games.
What this means: Fulham were routed 5-0 by Brighton in Ream's most recent start, and the American was involved in two of the goals against. But if Ream keeps his lineup spot in West London, he could still warrant a first-hand look from Klinsmann before the May 20 roster deadline.
Chris Wondolowski, F, San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Why he's here: Wondolowski has started yet another MLS season on fire, with a league-topping six goals from his first seven games in 2016.
What this means: The 33-year-old is making a serious case for inclusion, and Klinsmann adores his attitude and work ethic. Bet against Wondo at your peril.
Cooling down
Timmy Chandler, D, Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany)
Why he's here: With U.S. technical advisor Berti Vogts watching from the stands, Chandler had a rough outing in Eintracht's 3-0 defeat at Bayer Leverkusen, picking up a second-half yellow card and getting beaten on two of the host's goals.
What this means: Poor form hasn't kept Klinsmann from calling in Chandler and others before, so don't be surprised if the 26-year-old gets an in-person audition when the European-based players report to Miami the week before the coach's final cut.
Omar Gonzalez, D, Pachuca (Mexico)
Why he's here: The 27-year-old suffered an undisclosed injury and was substituted in the second half of Saturday's 1-0 win versus Morelia.
What this means: The former L.A .Galaxy star has been terrific in Liga MX since joining the Tuzos in January, but Gonzalez's international future is unclear after he marked his U.S. return with a subpar showing in Guatemala. Getting hurt now won't help.
Alfredo Morales, M, Ingolstadt (Germany)
Why he's here: Morales was an ever-present for the Bundesliga club until he lost his place in early February, and then got hurt. He's now gone more than two months since his last start for Ingolstadt, and hasn't come off the bench since mid-March.
What this means: Playing in one of the world's elite leagues was supposed to make Morales into a U.S. regular, but it hasn't worked out that way. "We're still waiting for Alfredo," Klinsmann said recently. Unless things change soon, the wait figures to continue.
Danny Williams, M, Reading (England)
Why he's here: Williams was already out of favor with Klinsmann, who left the German-American defensive midfielder off of his last two full-strength rosters dating to last November. Now Williams is serving a three-match ban for scuffling with a teammate during last week's loss to Middlesbrough.
What this means: With mainstays Jones and Kyle Beckerman aging but still serviceable, the odds of Williams making the Copa squad were slim to begin with. Now they've slimmer, even if Williams will be available for the Royals' last two games of 2015-16.
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
With MLS continung to expand the number of teams in the league, would you guys have any problem if US soccer raised the number of international players per roster limit?
On the one hand, this would lower the percentage of Americans in the league but on the other hand' with the greater number of teams, the total number Americans should remain strong.
With more foreign players the level of the league should rise but will also make it harder for the americans in the league to get playing time.
On the one hand, this would lower the percentage of Americans in the league but on the other hand' with the greater number of teams, the total number Americans should remain strong.
With more foreign players the level of the league should rise but will also make it harder for the americans in the league to get playing time.
El Floppo
Footballguy
tbh, I don't mind the competition for the US players. we're at a point where guys should be good enough to win spots- if not, give them to the guy who's better.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Mark Pulisic, Christian's dad, did a podcast interview this week and revealed that his son's meteoric rise through the Dortmund system was anything but smooth.
In fact he said that Christian struggled so much integrating into the culture that he asked to return home to the US. I think this is when his dad moved over and provided a support system for him and the things turned around for his son.
I remember Landon had the exact same problems which did eventually cause him to return home.
In fact he said that Christian struggled so much integrating into the culture that he asked to return home to the US. I think this is when his dad moved over and provided a support system for him and the things turned around for his son.
I remember Landon had the exact same problems which did eventually cause him to return home.
blend
Footballguy
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
3-4-3 was the name I read. I did not listen to it but read about the interview on another site.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
It is odd that Ale has to ask the question that every media reporter should be asking here. This was a tweet to Carli Loyd
================================================================
Alejandro Bedoya ✔@AleBedoya17
Carli, huge fan. Just curious. Would you give up your guaranteed salary + benefits for same bonus structure as men?
================================================================
Alejandro Bedoya ✔@AleBedoya17
Carli, huge fan. Just curious. Would you give up your guaranteed salary + benefits for same bonus structure as men?
dparker713
Footballguy
It really is an apples and oranges arrangement. Yet no one in the press spent the time to figure any of it out. Well, I saw someone on deadspin actually post on this, but no one else. The women may have a valid case, but the base OMG argument is just off.
ETA: Hate the new board software. Apparently it's been a while since I posted in here. Meant to quote NR's post on Ale's tweet.
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I know this is a dead horse issue but I just watched a short featurette on Benny that made me rethink why JK does not rate him.
JK has been consistent in saying that others are ahead of Benny, which never made much sense knowing the talent pool the way we do.
If you watch the short video below (9 minutes) it depicts Benny as almost what one would think of as an antithesis to a classic German no nonsense player.
You could even see Vermes alluding to the fact that Benny's personality can be off putting to some. He did not mention JK but that was the inferal I got.
http://www.sportingkc.com/post/2016/04/21/sporting-kc-midfielder-benny-feilhaber-featured-mls-insider
JK has been consistent in saying that others are ahead of Benny, which never made much sense knowing the talent pool the way we do.
If you watch the short video below (9 minutes) it depicts Benny as almost what one would think of as an antithesis to a classic German no nonsense player.
You could even see Vermes alluding to the fact that Benny's personality can be off putting to some. He did not mention JK but that was the inferal I got.
http://www.sportingkc.com/post/2016/04/21/sporting-kc-midfielder-benny-feilhaber-featured-mls-insider
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Pulisic gets another start today.
This situation could not have played out better for him. Dortmunds spot in the league has been secure for weeks allowing the coach to easily experiment.
And to think, Pulisic almost came home and would never have seen this opportunity.
This situation could not have played out better for him. Dortmunds spot in the league has been secure for weeks allowing the coach to easily experiment.
And to think, Pulisic almost came home and would never have seen this opportunity.
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Sebowski
Footballguy
Neymar picked Olympics over Copa, Cheecharooney picked Copa over Olympics. Maybe it's a good thing we didn't qualify for the Olympics. We can really focus on the Copa now.
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
Not a great sign for Matt Miazga today, as Chelsea manager selects a right back and a midfielder (Ivanovich and Mikel) as his two center backs with a healthy Miazga on the bench, against a weak opponent in AFC Bournemouth.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
As a related question, I know teams are required to release players for Copa. Are they required to release for Olympics?
I am thinking no for Olympics and Barca told Neymar to pick one and if Olympics they would release him.
gianmarco
Footballguy
Ted Lange as your Bartender
Footballguy
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Hype overdrive
Ted are you watching the game? From the highlight it does not look like he is playing LW today. Do you know what position he is in?
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
whoscored is showing to be on the lw in a 4-1-4-1 but it must be very fluid seeing where he was on the rebound.
https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/969903/Live
https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/969903/Live
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
oh and that goal sets another milestone for Pulisic.
According to Fox, he is now the youngest player in Bundesliga history to score 2 goals. Bundesliga started in 1963.
According to Fox, he is now the youngest player in Bundesliga history to score 2 goals. Bundesliga started in 1963.
Ted Lange as your Bartender
Footballguy
Americans crushing the Bundesliga today.
Alfredo Morales nets one for Ingolstadt
http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/video/alfredo-morales-opens-the-scoring-for-ingolstadt-2015-16-bundesliga-highlights-042316?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
Alfredo Morales nets one for Ingolstadt
http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/video/alfredo-morales-opens-the-scoring-for-ingolstadt-2015-16-bundesliga-highlights-042316?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
Sebowski
Footballguy
That is exactly what happened. With the Olympics in Rio Brazil is putting The Focus on that.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
There are going to be 3 friendlies before the Copa starts so he needs to make a good impression in those games. There should be plenty of minutes for him even if he comes in for 30 minutes as a second half sub in some games.
He has a chance to ingrain himself in the team with a good showing over these 6 games (min 6, might be more if the US can get out of the group) how ever he is used.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Don't see any reason not to give him minutes at this point since Dortmund >> US Team. Work him in and see where he fits.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
After a really rough start, Morris has scored his second in 2 games
http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/04/23/goal-jordan-morris-slots-one-back-post-past-zac-macmath?autoplay=true
Zardes with a gorgeous goal tonight
http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2016-04-23-la-galaxy-vs-real-salt-lake/details/video/63111
Germany Jones continues his hot start with another goal tonight
http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2016-04-23-colorado-rapids-vs-seattle-sounders-fc/details/video/63063
http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/04/23/goal-jordan-morris-slots-one-back-post-past-zac-macmath?autoplay=true
Zardes with a gorgeous goal tonight
http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2016-04-23-la-galaxy-vs-real-salt-lake/details/video/63111
Germany Jones continues his hot start with another goal tonight
http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2016-04-23-colorado-rapids-vs-seattle-sounders-fc/details/video/63063
El Floppo
Footballguy
gianmarco
Footballguy
Yeah, it was a Shader post if I'm not mistaken. I just don't remember when it was or how to find it.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I am pretty sure Sebowski has been hitting on this for a couple of years and it slowly turned into a soccer thread meme in the past 12 months now.
gianmarco
Footballguy
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
These are some interesting stats on Yedlin highlighting his strengths and weaknesses in the EPL. The dispossession stat is particularly encouraging to me.
===
Going forward, the American still hasn’t mastered that final ball yet. He’s shooting on average a woeful every 459 minutes – the second worst rate for a league full-back, and nowhere close to van Aanholt’s 69 minute average. Worse still is the player’s chance creation; he’s put in only 9 chances all season at a rate of one in every 153 minutes. Van Aanholt, in comparison, offers a chance every114 minutes, whereas Liverpool’s Alberto Moreno has already created over 50 chances. As for assists, Yedlin’s one and only is also not great. His first touch is also poor with an unsuccessful touch every 68 minutes – the league worst rate for a full-back. Finally, his crossing accuracy is one every 275 minutes, the sixth worst in the league.
So there are a few dozen negatives there. Surely he must be doing something right, right?
Fortunately, yeah, he is. Firstly, though he has a bad touch now and then, it’s safe to say that dispossession is not something DeAndre Yedlin f***s about with. He’s been dispossessed only four times all season – the second best in the league for full-backs. Compare that with van Aanholt too; he’s lost the ball over 25 times! Proper soft stuff. Yedlin’s rate of dispossession, at every 344 minutes, is also the league’s third best. Danny Rose, ironically, has the worst.
Defensively, the right-back is ... okay with interceptions. His blocking is spot on; blocking shots at a rate of every 229 minutes (which is all right), blocking crosses every 98 minutes (which is very good), and blocking a pass every 62 minutes (the league best rate for a full-back). Elsewhere, in attack, Yedlin’s dribbling success rate averages at one in every 65 minutes, making him the fifth best full-back for successful one-v-one take-ons.
===
Going forward, the American still hasn’t mastered that final ball yet. He’s shooting on average a woeful every 459 minutes – the second worst rate for a league full-back, and nowhere close to van Aanholt’s 69 minute average. Worse still is the player’s chance creation; he’s put in only 9 chances all season at a rate of one in every 153 minutes. Van Aanholt, in comparison, offers a chance every114 minutes, whereas Liverpool’s Alberto Moreno has already created over 50 chances. As for assists, Yedlin’s one and only is also not great. His first touch is also poor with an unsuccessful touch every 68 minutes – the league worst rate for a full-back. Finally, his crossing accuracy is one every 275 minutes, the sixth worst in the league.
So there are a few dozen negatives there. Surely he must be doing something right, right?
Fortunately, yeah, he is. Firstly, though he has a bad touch now and then, it’s safe to say that dispossession is not something DeAndre Yedlin f***s about with. He’s been dispossessed only four times all season – the second best in the league for full-backs. Compare that with van Aanholt too; he’s lost the ball over 25 times! Proper soft stuff. Yedlin’s rate of dispossession, at every 344 minutes, is also the league’s third best. Danny Rose, ironically, has the worst.
Defensively, the right-back is ... okay with interceptions. His blocking is spot on; blocking shots at a rate of every 229 minutes (which is all right), blocking crosses every 98 minutes (which is very good), and blocking a pass every 62 minutes (the league best rate for a full-back). Elsewhere, in attack, Yedlin’s dribbling success rate averages at one in every 65 minutes, making him the fifth best full-back for successful one-v-one take-ons.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
The dispossession stat and the chance creation stat go hand in hand. You can't praise him for not getting dispossessed and then complain that he isn't creating chances. Players involved in creating chances, like Danny Rose, will get dispossessed more often.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Interesting comments from Pappa Pulisic. I don't think we will ever be able to overcome this cultural gap we have, at least in my life time. This gap can be best closed by the domestic league being the most important but with the great breath of soccer leagues that Americans follow, I don't ever foresee MLS getting big enough.
==========================
"We felt putting him into a culture of football would help his development. In Europe, especially Germany — not that other countries aren’t all about soccer — he would be able to soak up an environment. And that’s what attracted us about Dortmund, because Dortmund is football. The city is just yellow and black.
"Everyone’s always asking me: well, what’s the training tools? What do they do different? Do the kids train more? Do they do this, do they do that? Are the coaches better? Why is it so much better there?
"There’s no special training. There’s no special coaches. The coaches aren’t necessarily better qualified or more technicians or understand the game more.
"It’s basically the culture. It’s what the kids only know. They only know their favorite players on the weekend that are going to play. And they’re going to the game, they’re going to watch the game. If they’re not going to go to they game they’re going to make sure they’re sitting in front of the TV with their parents. And that’s what they’re waiting for. And that’s all they want to be.
"And when they train — they can be 9 or 10 year olds — that’s what they’re training to become: they’re training to become players of the Borussia Dortmund first team. And there’s a lot less distractions in their lives that are affecting them.
"(Un)fortunately in America there are very many distractions for these kids to ultimately reach a higher level of football — when I say football I mean soccer.
"To me it’s the culture. You can’t replicate the culture in America like you can here, of living and breathing the sport. And I don’t think you ever will.
"There’s just too much there. There’s too many games, too many sports, too many things on TV. And that kind of takes the focus away from ultimately what a lot of these kids want."
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"We felt putting him into a culture of football would help his development. In Europe, especially Germany — not that other countries aren’t all about soccer — he would be able to soak up an environment. And that’s what attracted us about Dortmund, because Dortmund is football. The city is just yellow and black.
"Everyone’s always asking me: well, what’s the training tools? What do they do different? Do the kids train more? Do they do this, do they do that? Are the coaches better? Why is it so much better there?
"There’s no special training. There’s no special coaches. The coaches aren’t necessarily better qualified or more technicians or understand the game more.
"It’s basically the culture. It’s what the kids only know. They only know their favorite players on the weekend that are going to play. And they’re going to the game, they’re going to watch the game. If they’re not going to go to they game they’re going to make sure they’re sitting in front of the TV with their parents. And that’s what they’re waiting for. And that’s all they want to be.
"And when they train — they can be 9 or 10 year olds — that’s what they’re training to become: they’re training to become players of the Borussia Dortmund first team. And there’s a lot less distractions in their lives that are affecting them.
"(Un)fortunately in America there are very many distractions for these kids to ultimately reach a higher level of football — when I say football I mean soccer.
"To me it’s the culture. You can’t replicate the culture in America like you can here, of living and breathing the sport. And I don’t think you ever will.
"There’s just too much there. There’s too many games, too many sports, too many things on TV. And that kind of takes the focus away from ultimately what a lot of these kids want."
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
With Dortmund making the German Cup Final, Pulisic might have to miss the beginning of the Copa camp and the first friendly if he is called by JK.
Sebowski
Footballguy
NR has it right. It's been building from my endless #####ing about how whenever an English team loses outside the league they give the excuse that they just have their focus on the league. So it is ok to lose, and it doesn't mean they are worse than the teams they lose to over and over and over and over again in all the European competitions. Because it is impossible to focus on more than one competition. What the #### does that mean anyway? You can't play twice a week? Gator's kids play in tournaments that have multiple games ON THE SAME DAY. And pros can't play twice a week because of focus !? Go #### yourself. The real answer is that the EPL is overrated. As proven every year in all competitions. So it goes...
dparker713
Footballguy
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Depends on what he means.
realistically, soccer here is never going to be number 1 culturally because of the other sports.
My real faint hope is that MLS could eventually be the number 1 league of choice for soccer fans in the US, to help unify the fan base, but even that seems like a long shot in my lifetime.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Others have also pointed out that France is a bit of an outlier on this topic as they don't have the same high level passion for soccer as most top countries and yet they churn out world class players fairly consistently.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
I have to say that this kind of sounds like bull#### to me. I'm sure the Pulisic's being part of the Dortmund team run into lots of kids obsessed with the team. That's a selection issue right there. But more fundamentally, how does being immersed in that culture help Christian now? He didn't magically become a good player or a committed player when he went to Germany.
encaitar
Footballguy
It would be fun. European soccer is like Michigan versus Ohio State football, but every Saturday and against every opponent. It's infectious and kids can't help but want to emulate that.
Despite that, if we could get our best young athletes to consider soccer, we wouldn't need the environment to compete. It's just that there are too many other sports for our young kids to play. European kids are playing soccer as a job by the time they're 15. Our best athletes are busy playing 3 sports a year at the same age and usually soccer isn't one of them.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I can't speak for the dad but it certainly sounds like he was worried that Christian might get distracted by other things in the US and did not feel like he could focus entirely on soccer here. Whether that is true or not, I don't think it is any BS, it might be just his opinion.
Knowing that Christian wanted to come home makes these comments by the dad more illuminating to me. I wonder if the dad was afraid Christian was going to want to live the life of a normal American teenager and eventually want to go to college and maybe that scared the dad with him knowing/believing that his kid had too much talent to take that path.
I am just spitballing here.
