US Men's National Team

[Todd from Utah 149]

Ugh, just a total career destroying situation. That really sucks.

[NewlyRetired 17,321]

The Pulisic transfer rumors are starting.  This sounds like the reporter is just making stuff up here but who knows

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eu1nMXsXAAgFOi6?format=jpg&name=large

[The Z Machine 5,390]

32 minutes ago, Todd from Utah said:

Ugh, just a total career destroying situation. That really sucks.

Let's hope not.  He's still relatively young at 26, so a comeback isn't out of the question.

[NewlyRetired 17,321]

26 minutes ago, The Z Machine said:

Let's hope not.  He's still relatively young at 26, so a comeback isn't out of the question.

Very true.  Nips himself just came out of a very bad knee injury at 25 and looks no worse for ware.

In reading, he hurt his left knee this time and in 2018 it was his right knee so that may be a minor positive.

There is a good chance though his time with the USMNT may be at an end.  He will be missing a significant portion of qualifying unless he has a miraculous recovery period.  If he misses out on this cycle, he is not likely see to see any time in the run to 2026.

Edited February 22 by NewlyRetired

[Todd from Utah 149]

26 minutes ago, The Z Machine said:

Let's hope not.  He's still relatively young at 26, so a comeback isn't out of the question.

I mean, he'll probably play again. But if he's really as hurt as they say he is, it will probably be a year and half before he's right again.  And there's still a decent chance he will have lost a step.

I'd be surprised if he ever gets a shot at at a permanent European transfer now 

[The Z Machine 5,390]

1 minute ago, Todd from Utah said:

I mean, he'll probably play again. But if he's really as hurt as they say he is, it will probably be a year and half before he's right again.  And there's still a decent chance he will have lost a step.

I'd be surprised if he ever gets a shot at at a permanent European transfer now 

Quite possible.  Really terrible timing for the guy.

[El Floppo 29,086]

"Pirlo has told reporters when offering a fitness update on his walking wounded ahead of a clash with Crotone on Monday: “McKennie is also not 100% fit, he has a hip problem, but he is a rock and he grits his teeth because we haven’t got many players available.” "

[encaitar 2,022]

Francis Jacobs join Rangers next year.

15, soon to be 16 year old kid currently playing in the USL.  He is actually the youngest American to ever get a pro contract(for USL team Orange County).  He'll be joining Rangers this summer.... he has a UK passport, so no issues with work permits.

[BassNBrew 11,599]

13 hours ago, NewlyRetired said:

Sargent - $25

Zardes - $18

Weah - $10

Hoppe - $10

Dike - $5

SomeGuyWeHaveNeverTalkedAboutBefore: $32

Sargent - $4

Zardes - $41

Weah - $10

Hoppe - $15

Dike - $5

SomeGuyWeHaveNeverTalkedAboutBefore: $25

[CletiusMaximus 9,335]

3 hours ago, NewlyRetired said:

The Pulisic transfer rumors are starting.  This sounds like the reporter is just making stuff up here but who knows

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eu1nMXsXAAgFOi6?format=jpg&name=large

I guess we just have to expect the constant rumors - its part of playing on the big stage.  The connection to Bayern reminds me of an email conversation I had many years ago with a good German friend of mine, a Bayern Munich season ticket holder.  I was questioning Bayern's acquisition of Arjen Robben who had spent most of his years at Chelsea and Real Madrid in the trainers room. He replied, in that way that only a Bayern Munich supporter can, that Bayern's doctors and training methods are so superior to the English or Spanish clubs that he was not concerned about Robben's injury history.  In retrospect, I guess maybe he was right.  If Bayern really needs a winger, and Chelsea is actually interested in selling, I suppose this might not be a terrible destination. That said, its hard to forget the utter disrespect and disdain Kalle and Beckenbauer, et al had for Donovan during his loan year there.

 

[NewlyRetired 17,321]

Hoppe said today he has 100% intention to stay with Schalke even if they relegate.

[NewlyRetired 17,321]

Busio will wear the number 10 for KC this season

Edited February 22 by NewlyRetired

[NewlyRetired 17,321]

This loan is going awfully well for Richards.  Made the Bundesliga team of the week for one of the publications in Germany.

Bundesliga and Europa League minutes are exactly what he needed.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eu02bY4XAAAiC-y?format=jpg&name=large

Edited February 22 by NewlyRetired

[The Z Machine 5,390]

6 minutes ago, NewlyRetired said:

Hoppe said today he has 100% intention to stay with Schalke even if they relegate.

Until Schalke is forced to sell, or a really big team comes a-callin'.

[The Z Machine 5,390]

2 minutes ago, NewlyRetired said:

This loan is going awfully well for Richards

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eu02bY4XAAAiC-y?format=jpg&name=large

What the hell kind of formation is that?

[NewlyRetired 17,321]

4 minutes ago, The Z Machine said:

What the hell kind of formation is that?

3-4-3 where they could not fit the names of the midfielders in a single line

[NewlyRetired 17,321]

38 minutes ago, El Floppo said:

"Pirlo has told reporters when offering a fitness update on his walking wounded ahead of a clash with Crotone on Monday: “McKennie is also not 100% fit, he has a hip problem, but he is a rock and he grits his teeth because we haven’t got many players available.” "

Weston starts.  https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eu2gX8gWYAoFvqh?format=jpg&name=medium

It is amazing how when we get closer to friendlies, our players start picking up various injuries

Edited February 22 by NewlyRetired

[NewlyRetired 17,321]

Just now, NewlyRetired said:

It is amazing how when we get closer to friendlies, our players start picking up various injuries

Julian Green just tested positive for Covid

[El Floppo 29,086]

Swag with the goal off the corner..loose ball.

[NewlyRetired 17,321]

1 minute ago, El Floppo said:

Swag with the goal off the corner..loose ball.

https://streamwo.com/699467ef

[El Floppo 29,086]

He's looked a little low key, and probably not on the stat sheet much today other than the goal...but he's made a ton of strong defensive runs to provide cover, or close a man on the break all game. Just gobbles up space.

[ChiefD 19,794]

2 hours ago, NewlyRetired said:

Busio will wear the number 10 for KC this season

Yeah, saw that today.  Good for him, but I was hoping they would move him overseas (if opportunities were available).

[Ned 10,621]

7 minutes ago, NewlyRetired said:

https://streamwo.com/699467ef

MaaaaaaaaKennie  

[El Floppo 29,086]

1 minute ago, Ned said:

MaaaaaaaaKennie  

Chicken dance goal celebration was good too.

[El Floppo 29,086]

14 minutes ago, NewlyRetired said:

https://streamwo.com/699467ef

Have you been watching?

Seems like he's kind of in a box to box 10 role, with ramsey doing more of the Pirlo style quarterbacking. Swag there to cover ground, create shape and release the ball quickly and easily, not create.

[El Floppo 29,086]

Which would be interesting role in front of Adams and next to a Gio or Aaronson who would do the creation.

[NewlyRetired 17,321]

12 minutes ago, El Floppo said:

Have you been watching?

Seems like he's kind of in a box to box 10 role, with ramsey doing more of the Pirlo style quarterbacking. Swag there to cover ground, create shape and release the ball quickly and easily, not create.

Watched a decent amount.  He is playing the same way he has all season and your description is very accurate.

Weston does not really have the quarterback mentality which I think requires more calmness in play style, like maybe Adams has.

And yes, his non stop work rate and movement should fit in really well considering the skill level of the players who should be around him once the full team is together.  His need and willingness to get into the box will be welcome as well, as we are not blessed with many natural goal scorers.

Edited February 22 by NewlyRetired

[NewlyRetired 17,321]

5th goal for Weston this season and 4th in the league.  The 4 league goals makes him the highest scoring American in Serie A history surpassing Bradley.

Bradley played 76 Serie A games, and Weston has only played 19.

[NewlyRetired 17,321]

29 minutes ago, ChiefD said:

Yeah, saw that today.  Good for him, but I was hoping they would move him overseas (if opportunities were available).

Hopefully this will be his year to shine and move on if things go well.

[El Floppo 29,086]

1 minute ago, NewlyRetired said:

Watched a decent amount.  He is playing the same way he has all season and your description is very accurate.

Weston does not really have the quarterback mentality which I think requires more calmness in play style, like maybe Adams has.

And yes, his non stop work rate and movement should fit in really well considering the skill level of the players who should be around him once the full team is together.  His need and willingness to get into the box will be welcome as well, as we are not blessed with many natural goal scorers.

Thanks...wasn't really sure if his actual position. Feel like I've seen him all over the field for juve, but mostly in the middle in the advanced box to box role he had today.

Interesting take on Adams...I think of him as being a straight up Kante clone, but in a RB mold- cleaning up the space, winning balls and really quickly identifying and releasing the attack. Not as much a play-maker, but a play-facilitator.

I think they're both capable of seeing the cutting pass, but With either of them, I feel like we need a guy who can more regularly open things up offensively...Good and Aaronson both seem like good options.

[NewlyRetired 17,321]

3 minutes ago, NewlyRetired said:

5th goal for Weston this season and 4th in the league.  The 4 league goals makes him the highest scoring American in Serie A history surpassing Bradley.

Bradley played 76 Serie A games, and Weston has only played 19.

Weston has also already matched the 5 goals he scored for Schalke in 91 games.

[NewlyRetired 17,321]

3 minutes ago, El Floppo said:

Thanks...wasn't really sure if his actual position. Feel like I've seen him all over the field for juve, but mostly in the middle in the advanced box to box role he had today.

Interesting take on Adams...I think of him as being a straight up Kante clone, but in a RB mold- cleaning up the space, winning balls and really quickly identifying and releasing the attack. Not as much a play-maker, but a play-facilitator.

I think they're both capable of seeing the cutting pass, but With either of them, I feel like we need a guy who can more regularly open things up offensively...Good and Aaronson both seem like good options.

agreed.

I think Musah and Weston both play a very similar style but Weston is more advanced due to his experience level.

GGG is going to have some interesting options on how he uses the various skill sets vs different level opponents.  I almost feel like we have some players who are going excel against a Concacaf bunker vs others who are going to excel when we are on the back foot.

[El Floppo 29,086]

32 minutes ago, NewlyRetired said:

agreed.

I think Musah and Weston both play a very similar style but Weston is more advanced due to his experience level.

GGG is going to have some interesting options on how he uses the various skill sets vs different level opponents.  I almost feel like we have some players who are going excel against a Concacaf bunker vs others who are going to excel when we are on the back foot.

Musah. Would be a nice option to have... Hope he chooses the UD

[The Z Machine 5,390]

1 hour ago, NewlyRetired said:

5th goal for Weston this season and 4th in the league.  The 4 league goals makes him the highest scoring American in Serie A history surpassing Bradley.

Bradley played 76 Serie A games, and Weston has only played 19.

Weston also plays for a team that scores more goals, but doing it 4x faster is something else.

[El Floppo 29,086]

Damn phone.

Yes...hope musah chooses university of denver.

[El Floppo 29,086]

1 minute ago, The Z Machine said:

Weston also plays for a team that scores more goals, but doing it 4x faster is something else.

Yeah. Goes without saying having that crew around you helps just a little bit.

[gianmarco 29,092]

Dike vs Bristol City

He's a big, big man.

[gianmarco 29,092]

What I love about our top players at this point is how varied and complementary their skillsets are.

[encaitar 2,022]

1 hour ago, gianmarco said:

Dike vs Bristol City

He's a big, big man.

He's got strength and power.  Really would like to see less heading on attempts and more using that huge body to position himself to pull down those long balls.

I'm not sure what kind of coach Barnsley has, but if they could work on his positioning and that hold up play, he'd be very good.

[The Z Machine 5,390]

2 hours ago, gianmarco said:

Dike vs Bristol City

He's a big, big man.

The American Lukaku?

[El Floppo 29,086]

41 minutes ago, The Z Machine said:

The American Lukaku?

Aka, Jozy.

Just me or did Dike lose more than he won there? Nice to see him so involved, but sloppy. Will be good to see him settle in and get more experience there, as encaitar mentioned...learn more about hold up play. The balls he was getting played in that clip weren't there to be held for the most part...just launched up for him to get a touch on or for his team to win the second ball.

[gianmarco 29,092]

42 minutes ago, El Floppo said:

Aka, Jozy.

Just me or did Dike lose more than he won there? Nice to see him so involved, but sloppy. Will be good to see him settle in and get more experience there, as encaitar mentioned...learn more about hold up play. The balls he was getting played in that clip weren't there to be held for the most part...just launched up for him to get a touch on or for his team to win the second ball.

Yeah, I wasn't impressed either. I still have yet to watch any clips of him that gets me that excited. He has the physical tools, but at this point, I still far prefer the likes of Sargent or Weah (and Morris before the injury).

[Dinsy Ejotuz 13,389]

6 hours ago, El Floppo said:

Which would be interesting role in front of Adams and next to a Gio or Aaronson who would do the creation.

Adams-McKennie-Aaronson is about as good a pure 6-8-10 as we've ever dreamed about IMO.  Seems like teams tend to go with two 8s more these days, so maybe not a great idea -- but the roles pick themselves and you'd have mids capable if chipping in with goals.

[NewlyRetired 17,321]

5 hours ago, The Z Machine said:

Weston also plays for a team that scores more goals, but doing it 4x faster is something else.

Roma was no slouch when Bradley played for them.  They scored 143 goals in the 2 seasons Bradley played with them, or 71.5 on average.

Juventus is on pace for 72 goals this season.

[NewlyRetired 17,321]

Dike is so raw it is hard to say what he will be but he is far from the finished product IMO.

Remember that he has only 20 professional league appearances in his life (not 20 starts, only 20 appearances, many of which were as a sub) and that includes his time at Barnsley.  He is basically still a fresh faced rookie even at 20 years old when I evaluate him.

He might be a more interesting candidate come the 2026 cycle I think.

Edited February 23 by NewlyRetired

[NewlyRetired 17,321]

Obviously I am not expecting him to start but at least he is dressing this week

======================\

Yanks Abroad

@usmnt_abroad

Tuchel: “I’m very happy that both Kai and Christian are in the group. They trained with us earlier and had no complaints. They will travel with us and they are in the squad for tomorrow.”

[Ned 10,621]

7 hours ago, NewlyRetired said:

13 hours ago, The Z Machine said:

Weston also plays for a team that scores more goals, but doing it 4x faster is something else.

Roma was no slouch when Bradley played for them.  They scored 143 goals in the 2 seasons Bradley played with them, or 71.5 on average.

Juventus is on pace for 72 goals this season.

I think Z was talking about Schalke, but that's still a great point.  

[The Z Machine 5,390]

1 hour ago, Ned said:

I think Z was talking about Schalke, but that's still a great point.  

No, this was a Serie A comment. I was really referring to Juve vs. Roma.  The caliber at Juve is obviously superior to where Roma was a decade ago, but I was surprised that Roma was nearly on par with Juve.

[NewlyRetired 17,321]

2 hours ago, Ned said:

I think Z was talking about Schalke, but that's still a great point.  

He quoted the Bradley post when he made that comment which is why I talked about Roma.

It is absolutely correct Schalke was a low scoring team, even when they came in second in the Bundesliga when Weston was there.

[NewlyRetired 17,321]

Concacaf has released the (huge) preliminary rosters for Olympic qualifying.  In a unique situation, Efra is listed on both the US and Mexican preliminary rosters.

It is a pdf file

https://mcusercontent.com/78d3589fb61466b549ff752e5/files/6d38119e-be56-4a2b-b461-387ad3f10f46/Preliminary_Rosters_MOQ.pdf

The list is huge if you can't see it.  For the US it includes, among many others, Aaronson, Araju, Bello, Busio, Konrad, Johnny, Ebobisse, Jesus, Klinsmann, Lewis, Uly, Pepi, Parks, Reynolds, Robinson, Soto, Vines, and Yueill

Edited February 23 by NewlyRetired