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US Men's National Team (16 Viewers)

NewlyRetired said:
Lewis is getting a ton done in minimal minutes in both these games.  

Lima has probably made the biggest impression to be on the A squad but Lewis as a late game offensive change up is going to be interesting to see if he can get more chances.
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I suppose people with memories might already have had Lletget somewhere in the top 23, but he's been a game changer in both games too.  A guy who can receive between the lines and do stuff on the turn.  

 
first half was barely a 4 out of 10 but second half was wonderful, I give the team an 8.5 in that half.  5 goals in that half would not have been out of question.

 
I hope Mihalovic fits in the picture when the big guns are available.  He seemed to take the beating he took in stride.  No throwing up his hands and pleading with the ref, none that I saw anyway.  It's also nice to see Lleget returning to form. Won't be hurt if I never see Lovitz representing the US again. 

 
This is a nice look for Berhalter's in game management to see such an improvement after half time.

Now we need to see how the March friendlies go which should be A squads for both teams.

 
Charlie Steiner said:
I hope Mihalovic fits in the picture when the big guns are available.  He seemed to take the beating he took in stride.  No throwing up his hands and pleading with the ref, none that I saw anyway.  It's also nice to see Lleget returning to form. Won't be hurt if I never see Lovitz representing the US again. 
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IMO, I think Mihalovic won't be with the main squad this summer unless he tears it up in MLS play.  I think he will be a key player for Olympic qualifying.

 
NewlyRetired said:
IMO, I think Mihalovic won't be with the main squad this summer unless he tears it up in MLS play.  I think he will be a key player for Olympic qualifying.
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Seems like he was getting beat up and just kept coming back for more.  I'd like to see more of that, and that kind of mentality belongs on the team, but yeah we seem to be pretty deep with MFs this cycle. At the very least, I'll be watching the Chicago Fire when they're on.

 
Charlie Steiner said:
Was surprised Lewis had that much time so close to the goal.  

Lima has been very impressive in both of these games, and he seems more 'dynamic' than Yedlin.
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I think Lewis's first step is off the charts and likely causes defenders to give him more room than normal.

From Shaq Moore, Cannon and Lima, I think Lima has shown the most to at least be considered as Yedlin's back up.   I still don't think Yedlin can play the same tactical way Berhalter asks Lima to do but we should see in March.

 
So, last two games, combined...

Hard to take too much from the Panama game since everyone had time to down a cup of tea between receiving the ball and passing it back off, but CR put a bit more pressure on and my observations didn't change a whole lot.

Winners:

Berhalter - we look like a proper team again.  They all seem to understand what the plan is and what they're supposed to do.  This was something we always excelled at until Jurgen, so it's nice to observe.  He also put a team out there that can move the ball quickly.  Again, hard to give too much credit given the quality of opposition, but they kept it rolling and found space even when they didn't have much time.  A+ as far as early impression of the new coach.

Lima - it's a little bit of the classic USMNT dilemma wrt Yedlin or Lima in terms of choosing elite athleticism or quality soccer skills, except at first glance Lima's not as much a liability on the former as we typically see.  B or B- athleticism with quality defending and ++ skill is better than our normal tradeoff.  Not sure he doesn't win the role outright over time.  Either way, I'd be surprised if he doesn't stick around.

Roldan - I feel like I should know more about him (I'm sure I've heard his name for awhile), but this was the first time I've seen him in extended play and he looks like a decent two-way player, especially going forward.  A lot of guys were able to find the quick one-touch pass into space, but his stood out.  And that left-footed volley off the post showed some flash too.  Definitely want to see more.

Lletget - impressive all-round, even before the goal.  Did a lot of good things in both games.  Again, the vision and feel for the open pass/space is nice to see.

CBs - Not sure any one guy really stood out and neither opponent was able to really test our defense, but I felt like our CBs collectively did a good job on the ball in both games and were able to start the play and find some of the same quick, one-touch passes as the rest of the team.  It was good to see.  All ten field players able to play.

Losers:

Jurgen Klinsmann - I give him more credit than most people do, and his results in big tournaments back that up, but this team is a rebuke to his views about MLS.  Good players rise to the occasion when they play with other good players and there are plainly guys here who deserved an earlier look.

Baird - I've seen enough.  I'm sure he did some good things, but he was way too loose on the ball for me.  Especially vs Panama I got tired of watching him dribble into traffic and lose the ball or make a poor pass.

Not really a loser at all and I'm guessing he'll be hot for another minute or two, but I'm not buying Mihalovic.  He seems exactly like the kind of USMNT player who will be out of his depth and exposed when the quality ramps up another notch or two.  Obviously, would love to be wrong, but I'll take bets that I'm not.

Want to See More:

Steffan, Zimmerman, Long, Trapp, Lewis

 
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Dinsy Ejotuz said:
So, last two games, combined...

Hard to make too much from the Panama game since everyone had time to down a cup of tea between receiving the ball and passing it back off, but CR put a bit more pressure on and my observations didn't change a whole lot.

Winners:

Berhalter - we look like a proper team again.  They all seem to understand what the plan is and what they're supposed to do.  This was something we always excelled at until Jurgen, so it's nice to observe.  He also put a team out there that can move the ball quickly.  Again, hard to give too much credit given the quality of opposition, but they kept it rolling and found space even when they didn't have much time.  A+ as far as early impression of the new coach.

Lima - it's a little bit of the classic USMNT dilemma wrt Yedlin or Lima in terms of choosing elite athleticism or quality soccer skills, except at first glance Lima's not as much a liability on the former as we typically see.  B or B- athleticism with quality defending and ++ skill is better than our normal tradeoff.  Not sure he doesn't win the role outright over time.  Either way, I'd be surprised if he doesn't stick around.

Roldan - I feel like I should know more about him (I'm sure I've heard his name for awhile), but this was the first time I've seen him in extended play and he looks like a decent two-way player, and especially good going forward.  A lot of guys were able to find the quick one-touch pass into space, but his stood out.  And that left-footed volley off the post showed some flash too.  Definitely want to see more.

Lletget - impressive all-round, even before the goal.  Did a lot of good things in both games.  Again, the vision and feel for the open pass/space is nice to see.

CBs - Not sure any one guy really stood out and neither opponent was able to really test our defense, but I felt like our CBs collectively did a good job on the ball in both games and were able to start the play and find some of the same quick, one-touch passes as the rest of the team.  It was good to see.  All ten field players able to play.

Losers:

Jurgen Klinsmann - I give him more credit than most people do, and his results in big tournaments back that up, but this team is a rebuke to his views about MLS.  Good players rise to the occasion when they play with other good players and there are plainly guys here who deserved an earlier look.

Baird - I've seen enough.  I'm sure he did some good things, but he was way too loose on the ball for me, especially vs Panama I got tired of watching him dribble into traffic or make a poor pass.

Not a loser at all and I'm guessing he'll be hot for another minute or two, but I'm not buying Mihalovic.  He seems exactly like the kind of USMNT player who will be out of his depth and exposed when the quality ramps up another notch or two.  Obviously, would love to be wrong, but I'll take bets than I'm not.
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I would add Lovitz to your 'losers' list if I were you...

 
I didn't watch the game (although my son saw the last goal while I was grocery shopping). Did CR play a cynical game like most Central American teams play against the US?  That's what these young guys need to learn. Break down the bunker, don't get beat on a counter or make a bad pass in your own box. And rise above the cynical bull####.

 
The Z Machine said:
I didn't watch the game (although my son saw the last goal while I was grocery shopping). Did CR play a cynical game like most Central American teams play against the US?  That's what these young guys need to learn. Break down the bunker, don't get beat on a counter or make a bad pass in your own box. And rise above the cynical bull####.
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CR had much more bite in midfield than is typical in a January friendly, but it stopped short of CONCACAF-Y ####housery.

 
Christian Araos‏ @CEAraos

A source with direct knowledge of the situation says there is a path for Jonathan Lewis to be a full #USMNT regular if he gets regular minutes at the club level. They said there are multiple MLS teams that are ready to give him those minutes if #NYCFC does not

 
encaitar said:
I'm still 100% sure that Chandler is our best bet there for at least the first part of the cycle, even given his troubles in the heat.  No one is even close to his level unfortunately IMO.
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I am not as sure.

1) Chandler was a barely average right back in Concacaf play when he was at his peak and that is by far his preferred position compared to the left side

2) He suffered a major knee injury this year and has not appeared for a single minute in any game.  Over the winter break Frankfurt purchased a new RB and signed him to a 4 year deal.

He would have to show full recovery from this injury and reclaim some playing time before I would call him.

 
NewlyRetired said:
Christian Araos‏ @CEAraos

A source with direct knowledge of the situation says there is a path for Jonathan Lewis to be a full #USMNT regular if he gets regular minutes at the club level. They said there are multiple MLS teams that are ready to give him those minutes if #NYCFC does not
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this twitter handle says Lewis can leave on a free after this season so maybe NYCFC might be interested in trading him if they don't intend to use him.  His profile has gone up thanks to these games and NYCFC might get a decent return for him.

 
Speaking of left back, George Bello started for Atlanta today in their friendly win. 

Atlanta put out a strong team (Pity, Joseph, Gressel, Barco, Parkhurst, Guzan and many other regulars).  I am unsure if ATL has LB injury issues or Bello is impressing De Boer in training.

Hopefully it is the latter, especially with Champions League right around the corner.

 
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So... what does your 23 for 2022 look like today?

Altidore, Sargent, Weah, Wood(?), Zardes(?)

Pulisic, Lletget, Arriola, Roldan(?), Reyna(?), Lewis(?)

Bradley, Trapp, McKennie, Adams, Acosta(?)

Brooks, Miazga, Ream, CCV, Zimmerman(?), Long(?)

Yedlin, Lima, Robinson(?), OMG!

Steffan, Horvath, Hamid(?)

Definitely some spots up for grabs.  Feels like only 18-20 spots are remotely obvious if you had to pick right now and several of the guys with (?)s would make my squad.  Plus probably a player or two that's even further off the radar that I'm forgetting.

 
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Dinsy Ejotuz said:
So... what does your 23 for 2022 look like today?

Altidore, Sargent, Weah, Wood(?), Zardes(?)

Pulisic, Lletget, Arriola, Roldan(?), Reyna(?), Lewis(?)

Bradley, Trapp, McKennie, Adams, Acosta(?)

Brooks, Miazga, Ream, CCV, Zimmerman(?), Long(?)

Yedlin, Lima, Robinson(?), OMG!

Steffan, Horvath, Hamid(?)

Definitely some spots up for grabs.  Feels like only 18-20 spots are remotely obvious if you had to pick right now and several of the guys with (?)s would make my squad.  Plus probably a player or two that's even further off the radar that I'm forgetting.
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definitely are plenty of spots up for grabs which makes the cycle very interesting.   Heck, I can't even list a team for the Gold Cup this summer. 

I will list my locks (assuming healthy) first.

GK: Steffan, Horvath

D - Yedlin, Brooks, Miazga

M: Pulisic, Adams, McKennie

F: Sargent

Next, these are the players that are likely close if they have a good Gold Cup camp this summer

D - Robinson, Lima, Zimmerman, Long, CCV

M - Weah, Lletget

F - Wood, Jozy (Jozy's age is the only thing that makes him not a lock for me)

I may be wrong but I just don't see Bradley as a viable choice in 2022 when he will be 35.5 years old,  especially with all the midfielders we should have at that time.

The fun of the cycle though is looking for the next set of break throughs. 

Dest, Mendez and Bello are the three most interesting prospects that might break through to their clubs first teams in the next 12 months.  But I need to acknowledge this stuff changes quickly.  A year ago barely anyone was talking about Mendez and one year later he because one of the best prospects in the program.

March friendlies should also give us our first look at Duane Holmes who will be in direct competition with wide players like Nips and Amon.

Of all the players you listed, I think Acosta appears to be the furthest away.  To be sent home from Camp Cupcake is not a good sign.  He is likely going to have to tear up the league this season to get another look from Berhalter given the clutter in the midfield.

 
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Future USMNT‏ @FutureUsmnt

After spending winter break with the Hannover first team, Sebastian Soto was back with their U19s today and bagged the final goal as they defeated TSV Havlese U19s 4-1. In Soto's 15 games with the U19s this season, he now has 11 goals and 5 assists

 
Charlie Steiner said:
Re: someone to protect our player when they get beat up on:  My vote goes to Miazga.  After the last friendly vs. Mexico, I think he belongs on the roster until he retires.
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JK's main problem was that he had only one tactical view on the game, but he was not wrong in saying that US players needed to be nastier.   It is not a natural American soccer trait, at least amongst our international level players, which is why Germany Jones assumed the role for so long.

Both Miazga and Zimmerman seem to have enough of the A hole gene to suffice but in general, you want your enforcer to be a midfielder, where they can give a hard foul and not put the team in jeopardy.

We never talk about it but an underlying factor to the disaster in Trinidad was Pulisic getting kicked out of the Honduras game, which left him hurt for the T@T game (even if he was still the best player that day).

I honestly don't know how to protect him.  Concacaf teams are dirtier than any club teams in Europe and the Concacaf refs don't give a damn.

 
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Future USMNT‏ @FutureUsmnt

After spending winter break with the Hannover first team, Sebastian Soto was back with their U19s today and bagged the final goal as they defeated TSV Havlese U19s 4-1. In Soto's 15 games with the U19s this season, he now has 11 goals and 5 assists

 
NewlyRetired said:
JK's main problem was that he had only one tactical view on the game, but he was not wrong in saying that US players needed to be nastier.   It is not a natural American soccer trait, at least amongst our international level players, which is why Germany Jones assumed the role for so long.

Both Miazga and Zimmerman seem to have enough of the A hole gene to suffice but in general, you want your enforcer to be a midfielder, where they can give a hard foul and not put the team in jeopardy.

We never talk about it but an underlying factor to the disaster in Trinidad was Pulisic getting kicked out of the Honduras game, which left him hurt for the T@T game (even if he was still the best player that day).

I honestly don't know how to protect him.  Concacaf teams are dirtier than any club teams in Europe and the Concacaf refs don't give a damn.
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I do remember Swag with a cynical foul in the France friendly after they scored, that drew him a yellow card; that's probably along the lines of what you mean? I suppose it makes sense for a MF to be in a better spot to goon things up, but when I think of goonish play, Sergio Ramos and Diego Costa are at the top of my list, but neither are MFs, correct?  I just don't think US players can get away with that behavior as easily as players for powerhouse countries.

 
El Floppo said:
They played him there a couple times recently. Thought we talked about it at the time... Definitely didn't look comfortable, but gave his all. Spoke vvolumes about the teams reliance on him that rather than go with a true forward, they wanted to keep him on the field.
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I believe this was the first time as a lone striker.  The other times were more in a number ten role.

 
El Floppo said:
:shrug: I saw him play as lone striker
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here is my uninformed opinion on this matter

* I love jack knife players for tournaments.  I think giving one spot to a player who can play multiple positions is very very useful

* but I don't want my jack knife player to be one of my core players (which is how I view Weston).

* I also, selfishly, want my core players for the National team playing relatively the same position for their club team

I think it speaks a lot to Weston's game that his coach is willing to use him all over the field but I am not convinced it is the best case scenario for the US team.  That being said, minutes are minutes so playing time any where on the field trumps being on the bench for a preferred position.

 
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NewlyRetired said:
here is my uninformed opinion on this matter

* I love jack knife players for tournaments.  I think giving one spot to a player who can play multiple positions is very very useful

* but I don't want my jack knife player to be one of my core players (which is how I view Weston).

* I also, selfishly, want my core players for the National team playing relatively the same position for their club team

I think it speaks a lot to Weston's game that his coach is willing to use him all over the field but I am not convinced it is the best case scenario for the US team.  That being said, minutes are minutes so playing time any where on the field trumps being on the bench for a preferred position.
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I would be more concerned if he wasn't already established at his 'best' position, and he's already demonstrated how f'in good he is at his 'best' position.

 
Charlie Steiner said:
I would be more concerned if he wasn't already established at his 'best' position, and he's already demonstrated how f'in good he is at his 'best' position.
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What position? I haven't seen it yet. And I like the kid and his game, but I haven't seen a great defensive MF or a guy great at going forward. He's shown a lot of really good in both realms, which I guess is why his coach has him bopping around the field. 

 
Re: CR game...

I thought CRs speed of play undid the US early, and in particular, the shape felt off with the partnerships through the MF leaving too many gaps that CR was able to quickly exploit. Bunch of guys were a little off too- jordji and of course zardoz.

But as the 1st half wore on, they rightedthe ship in terms of spacing, even if guys were still a little off with touch and final ball. 

2nd half...color me impressed with team shape and how players were quickly finding and playing the right spaces. Looked like really good understanding individually and collectively of where they needed to be and where to play the ball. Also was freaked, but interested in the commitment to possessing and playing it out of the back...some scary passes back there, but it all worked out.

CR B's was a Better team with a different, quicker, more pressing approach than that Panama outfit...but still not an opponent we'll learn much from.

Nips looked good. Lima too. Lletget too...great to see him back. Jorji sees passes other guys don't, but wasn't sharp. Baird was invisible. Zardoz with the usual good stuff to go with the clanger touch. I liked seeing the CBs eat up the balls in the air.

I'm not a results guys for friendlies, but thought they clearly deserved the win, and was great to see them put the attack together as well as they did.

 
El Floppo said:
Re: CR game...

I thought CRs speed of play undid the US early, and in particular, the shape felt off with the partnerships through the MF leaving too many gaps that CR was able to quickly exploit. Bunch of guys were a little off too- jordji and of course zardoz.

But as the 1st half wore on, they rightedthe ship in terms of spacing, even if guys were still a little off with touch and final ball. 

2nd half...color me impressed with team shape and how players were quickly finding and playing the right spaces. Looked like really good understanding individually and collectively of where they needed to be and where to play the ball. Also was freaked, but interested in the commitment to possessing and playing it out of the back...some scary passes back there, but it all worked out.

CR B's was a Better team with a different, quicker, more pressing approach than that Panama outfit...but still not an opponent we'll learn much from.

Nips looked good. Lima too. Lletget too...great to see him back. Jorji sees passes other guys don't, but wasn't sharp. Baird was invisible. Zardoz with the usual good stuff to go with the clanger touch. I liked seeing the CBs eat up the balls in the air.

I'm not a results guys for friendlies, but thought they clearly deserved the win, and was great to see them put the attack together as well as they did.
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It's hard to get too excited about these B team friendlies unless we see someone pop off the screen.  I don't think anyone really did that with Lima being the closest to doing that for me.  Lewis' COP is insane, though.  If NYCFC want to trade him, I'll take him in Philly.

 
Ned said:
It's hard to get too excited about these B team friendlies unless we see someone pop off the screen.  I don't think anyone really did that with Lima being the closest to doing that for me.  Lewis' COP is insane, though.  If NYCFC want to trade him, I'll take him in Philly.
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Typically, yeah. Hard to know what's what with this batch of maybe to unlikelies. But this is allowing us to get a glimpse at what barehalters direction is- at least in an ideal where the US gets to dictate things. I really liked the shape of the team in attack- always width and always numbers around the ball.

Don't know whether it was the players or bearharbors tactics, but I also really liked how quickly they were moving the ball once they established their spacing. and it seemed positive and purposeful more than possession for it's own sake- short, short to draw defenders in and open up the ball wide.

If he can get the A team on the front foot and playing this way, then this camp has shown me more than any I can remember.

 
El Floppo said:
Typically, yeah. Hard to know what's what with this batch of maybe to unlikelies. But this is allowing us to get a glimpse at what barehalters direction is- at least in an ideal where the US gets to dictate things. I really liked the shape of the team in attack- always width and always numbers around the ball.

Don't know whether it was the players or bearharbors tactics, but I also really liked how quickly they were moving the ball once they established their spacing. and it seemed positive and purposeful more than possession for it's own sake- short, short to draw defenders in and open up the ball wide.

If he can get the A team on the front foot and playing this way, then this camp has shown me more than any I can remember.
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umm...  uh...  

 
NewlyRetired said:
@Sammy3469 what are the hopes for Lewis getting playing time this year at NYCFC?
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This deserves a non-snarky response, but truthfully who knows since I’m not sure what the formation will be with their signings (ie no like for like for Villa)

Having said that if it is still a 4-3-3, they essentially have 5 guys for those top 3 positions in Tajouri, Mitrita, Castellanos, Medina, and Lewis (assuming Maxi is a MF).  2 of those three are DPs and Id assume would get first look (Medina and Mitrita) with Tajouri arguably the better player than Lewis (so 4th on the depth chart).  It also isn’t clear to me who plays the center especially since none of these guys have any size.  They may end up with Mitrita playing a false 9 with Maxi as CAM. 

I also think they are done bringing in TAM quality guys, if not now, then in mid-season.  

 
El Floppo said:
If he can get the A team on the front foot and playing this way, then this camp has shown me more than any I can remember.
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The ironic thing about this B team camp was that Berhalter had so much time to teach his philosophies and tactics to the team.  But with the A squad he won't have any where near as much time since the international window in March is very small.   I wonder if the team is going to look more confused than anything in the beginning?

Even with the extended time in January, Berhalter said the reason Lletget did not start either game is that he was struggling to fully understand many of the concepts during training.   Yedlin is the biggest concern since he is going to be asked to do things the most different with very little training time.

 
NewlyRetired said:
The ironic thing about this B team camp was that Berhalter had so much time to teach his philosophies and tactics to the team.  But with the A squad he won't have any where near as much time since the international window in March is very small.   I wonder if the team is going to look more confused than anything in the beginning?

Even with the extended time in January, Berhalter said the reason Lletget did not start either game is that he was struggling to fully understand many of the concepts during training.   Yedlin is the biggest concern since he is going to be asked to do things the most different with very little training time.
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Berhalter strikes me as so ultra prepared and detail oriented, I'm not as concerned with the amount of time...I wouldn't be surprised if he's sending video guidance and the like prior to the next camp.

My biggest concern is his ability to maximize the abilities of Pulisic/Adams versus forcing a system that may not optimize their talents.

 
TripItUp said:
My biggest concern is his ability to maximize the abilities of Pulisic/Adams versus forcing a system that may not optimize their talents.
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This is one of the great age old debates in coaching for all sports.

Do you find players that fit a system, or do you find a system that fits the players?

Berhalter seems, at least so far, to believe in a system first and I bet he wants to mold his players into it.

 
NewlyRetired said:
The ironic thing about this B team camp was that Berhalter had so much time to teach his philosophies and tactics to the team.  But with the A squad he won't have any where near as much time since the international window in March is very small.   I wonder if the team is going to look more confused than anything in the beginning?

Even with the extended time in January, Berhalter said the reason Lletget did not start either game is that he was struggling to fully understand many of the concepts during training.   Yedlin is the biggest concern since he is going to be asked to do things the most different with very little training time.
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Granted Baremidriff’s 4-3-3 had some tweaks to it, but the outside backs tend to be the easiest positions.  It’s the 3 MFs that tend to have the most problems sorting themselves out in terms of cover, who goes forward, etc.  The outside backs tend to have 1 decision to make.  It’s pretty rare to have Lima pinching in, so we’ll see if that continues. 

 
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