Shaq. uh... this is GGG going with a known commodity over other players who are playing better. that said- shaq has looked consistently decent playing under GGG, so what do I (and his other coaches) know. Does he have the edge over Scally as backup? I mean- I doubt Shaq sees a minute.
Morris. I get the idea that he's a different beast than Nips, who is more like other guys on the squad already. but he's looked plodding for club and country this season- vs a spritely and at the top of his game Nips. add Nips' partnership with Jesus, and I think it was an opportunity lost to bank that form and chemistry the way Ream/Jedi might work.
Haji vs Prefok vs Pepi vs Vasquez.
I really didn't see enough of Vasquez to say much about him... highlight packages looked awesome, but of course don't tell the whole picture- especially regarding important defensive capabilities. From what I've seen, I wouldn't have been upset if he had been included (which goes for all of these guys, tbh). Pepi has found his form in Holland. for me... I get GGG"s comments about england style vs holland and that favoring his main competition in Sarge, considering they're both in form. Honestly- I like Pepi least of this group... and I like him fine. Prefok has to be playing well and improved to be doing well in the bundie... still hard for me to get that Mex taste out of my mouth though... but I see him do a lot of nice fox in the box stuff to get those goals. That said- and I'm absolutely a bit of a homer with Haji because I've been watching him since u15s (where he was the best player on the field)- I think Haji brings all of those same abilities that Prefok does being able to score in different ways in and around the box- but I've seen Haji do better showing/holding and being more of a target player (not prototypical though- uses those long legs and body more than strength to win and play balls). I like how he combines too- and I like his history with the core group of young players on this team. I think he could make some noise here with a boxy/foxy goal or two if they're chasing.
I like Roldan a lot- another guy who had a great year for club and country. he's a low ceiling, high floor guy who you know isn't going to **** things up and will be able to provide cover in a lot of areas of the field if needed. I can't imagine a scenario outside of team-wide covid where it will be needed, and don't see him stepping onto the field. because of that, I think this was an opportunity lost to bring Tillman into the fold- a guy with a much lower floor, but glimpses of higher ceiling. another guy that shouldn't ever be seeing the field outside of calamity, so I'm not too turned up about it. but it would've shown other duals that they have a shot... for next time.
CBs... I mean- whatchergunnado? I like EPB probably the most of the group... but as has been said by you guys, none of these guys are going to elevate or diminish vs any of the others in any substantive way, so I'm not too concerned. CCV vs EPB is kind of a tossup... but I think EPB has a bit more pace/anticipation, so I prefer him. Like you all, Long is the worst of the group... but it's not like he's stunk up the joint when playing with Zimm. hasn't lit it up either, but I don't think anybody but Miles has. Happy Ream is there though- and would be interested/terrified to see him start to take advantage of both his reltaionship with Jedi as well as his ability to break lines with the pass.