The depth in the midfield during the 2010 cycle is arguably the best the United States has ever had. The players represent some of the biggest leagues in the world (English Premier League, German Bundesliga) and actually play vital roles on their respective squads. Bob Bradley definitely has some interesting decisions to make.
Midfield: Landon Donovan, Maurice Edu, Jose Francisco Torres, Stuart Holden, Benny Feilhaber, Ricardo Clark, Michael Bradley, DaMarcus Beasley, Clint Dempsey
Cut: Alejandro Bedoya (much to my chagrin), Robbie Rogers, Sacha Kljestan
Projected Starting 4: Donovan, Edu, Bradley, Holden
The two leaders of the midfield, Donovan and Bradley, will play integral roles on the team. Both of them are absolute locks to start June 12th v England. The other two positions are somewhat up for debate however. I could easily see Clark starting in place of Edu due to his experience on the national team but I give Maurice the slight edge due to his recent form at Rangers. Holden gets the nod at outside mid in place of Dempsey. This isn't due to a lack of form from Clint, but just based on need. He'll likely be paired up top opposite Jozy Altidore. Holden came back from a gruesome tackle via Dutch defender Nigel de Jong in February and played his only match since March in the Bolton finale. When healthy he brings pace and good crossing ability. Feilhaber is an essential lock to make the team as a sub who brings creativity, and Torres might be the most technically gifted midfielder on the team as he has a way of manipulating the ball and putting it where he wants it to go. Torres also has the propensity to launch shots from outside the 18, which has been lacking in the past from the midfield. While Rogers has played decently for his club side the Columbus Crew, the speedy winger doesn't have the overall technical ability nor the confidence to play at this level. Kljestan will be left out as one of the last cuts. He had such a promising future after scoring the brace against Sweden in 2008, but since his rumored move to Celtic failed, his game took a significant hit as he looked simply lackadaisical on the pitch in 2009. The Chivas USA man has enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance this year but not enough to ensure him a place on the final 23.
In the case of Beasley and Bedoya, Bob Bradley has an interesting choice. Essentially Beasley and Bedoya will be fighting for the final roster spot.A big question is whether Bradley goes for youth or experience for the final spot, and this ultimately is where I feel experience will preside. Beasley has had a rocky late period with the national team in which he's made horrific mistakes in crucial games (Brazil in the Confederations Cup) and his sporadic featuring for his club side Rangers has hindered his overall game. He did however look like a real threat against the Dutch and he has loads of experience playing alongside Dempsey and Donovan, so that bodes well for DaMarcus. In addition, all reports indicate that Beasley has had a very good camp and has looked 'quick' and 'sharp', so it might be his job to lose at this point. Bedoya came on to the scene rather late as this completely unknown player applying his trade for Orebro in the Swedish Allsvenskan. He has since impressed for his club side and many consider him to be the best player on his team, as he's rumored to be moving to a bigger league imminently. The diminutive midfielder impressed many against the Dutch as he showed no hesitation and had imaginative play on the ball, often making sharp passes and darting runs. I would love to see Bedoya make the team as I feel he would add something to the midfield, but I can't see Bradley passing on Beasley. He's chalk full of experience and if his form in the camp is better, he will make the team as a pacy left footed player on the flank.
Questions: Will Clint Dempsey play up top alongside Jozy Altidore or in the midfield? Bedoya or Beasley?
The friendly tomorrow v. the Czech Republic will be a great test for many players, and it could quite possibly be a final tryout between Bedoya and Beasley for that final spot. The collection of players at Bradley's disposal allows for him great versatility. It will be interesting to see if Bradley keeps Dempsey up top or out on the right flank where he's more comfortable. He could also quite possibly have Dempsey and Holden on the wings with Donovan starting up top, although Landon is better as a distributor on the wing.
Next: Forwards
JOGA BONITO
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Analysis: Defense
The reports out of Princeton seem to be rather positive, but there isn't much information coming out of Bob Bradley in terms of roster choices. He's being rather discreet, and rightfully so. I'll attempt to come up with his final 23. Here is the first installment...
Goalkeepers: Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Marcus Hahnemann
No surprises here, and the only point of contention would be the backup to Howard. I would give a slight nod to Hahnemann. He's started the majority of the season and played well for Wolves in the EPL. Guzan played sparingly for Aston Villa and he should look forward to a loan next year to get some seasoning and actual play time.
Defenders: Steve Cherundolo, Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Bornstein, Oguchi Onyewu, Jonathan Spector, Jay Demerit, Clarence Goodson, Heath Pearce.
Cut: Chad Marshall
Projected Starting 4: Bocanegra, Onyewu, Demerit, Spector
Out of every level on the pitch for the Americans, the defense has been decimated by injury the most. Uncertainty and nervousness has to be the theme in the center of the defense for Bradley, where both Onyewu (ruptured patella tendon) and Demerit (eye surgery) suffered serious injuries. Demerit suffered from a freak eye infection and he up to this point has only retained 85% of his vision. Onyewu hasn't played in a competitive match since October 14, 2009. Bocanegra just recently under went hernia surgery and has been rehabilitating well, according to reports.
With all of that said, the defensive quartet of Bocanegra, Onyewu, Demerit, and Jonathan Spector played extremely well in the Confederations Cup. They know how to play with each other and more importantly play very well collectively as a unit. As for roster choices, I see the much maligned Bornstein stealing possible play time over Pearce. The pacy Bornstein is a known Bradley favorite (from their Chivas USA days together) and has played more of a role on the National Team than Pearce has recently. Lets just hope that Bornstein doesn't play a prevalent role in the tournament. He looked completely overmatched and out of his league against the Dutch and has made huge mistakes in games. Pearce will provide depth on the flanks. He has been playing well for FC Dallas and that solid form has the Turkish Champions Bursaspor pursuing him, according to reports. Cherundolo will bring experience, a veteran grit, and great leadership to the backline off the bench, and I could possibly see him starting on the outside depending on the matchup. Spector should get the nod on the outside opposite Bocanegra, although he's had a very challenging year at West Ham. What Spector lacks in overall pace he makes up for with intelligence and positioning. He's also adept at making the overlapping runs and crossing the ball in, as seen in the Confederations Cup as he set up a goal scored by Dempsey on a deft display of service. Goodson has played very solid for the National Team of late and provides a threat in the box due to his aerial ability and height. Marshall is coming off of a hamstring injury and hasn't been in great form in the MLS this season.
Questions: How will Demerit, Bocanegra, and Onyewu respond from injury? Will this group of frequently-injured defenders come together and play well?
It all comes down to injuries for this part of the team. The friendly vs. the Czech Republic will give Onyewu a much needed game and will be a great indicator to Bradley as to how Onyewu's conditioning and overall form is. No doubt this isn't the ideal situation injury wise for Bradley to have three projected starters coming off of injury with South Africa right around the corner, but this group does have great experience and a history of banding together to provide the squad a close-knit unit that is tough to score against for many opponents.
Next: Midfield
JOGA BONITO
Goalkeepers: Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Marcus Hahnemann
No surprises here, and the only point of contention would be the backup to Howard. I would give a slight nod to Hahnemann. He's started the majority of the season and played well for Wolves in the EPL. Guzan played sparingly for Aston Villa and he should look forward to a loan next year to get some seasoning and actual play time.
Defenders: Steve Cherundolo, Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Bornstein, Oguchi Onyewu, Jonathan Spector, Jay Demerit, Clarence Goodson, Heath Pearce.
Cut: Chad Marshall
Projected Starting 4: Bocanegra, Onyewu, Demerit, Spector
Out of every level on the pitch for the Americans, the defense has been decimated by injury the most. Uncertainty and nervousness has to be the theme in the center of the defense for Bradley, where both Onyewu (ruptured patella tendon) and Demerit (eye surgery) suffered serious injuries. Demerit suffered from a freak eye infection and he up to this point has only retained 85% of his vision. Onyewu hasn't played in a competitive match since October 14, 2009. Bocanegra just recently under went hernia surgery and has been rehabilitating well, according to reports.
With all of that said, the defensive quartet of Bocanegra, Onyewu, Demerit, and Jonathan Spector played extremely well in the Confederations Cup. They know how to play with each other and more importantly play very well collectively as a unit. As for roster choices, I see the much maligned Bornstein stealing possible play time over Pearce. The pacy Bornstein is a known Bradley favorite (from their Chivas USA days together) and has played more of a role on the National Team than Pearce has recently. Lets just hope that Bornstein doesn't play a prevalent role in the tournament. He looked completely overmatched and out of his league against the Dutch and has made huge mistakes in games. Pearce will provide depth on the flanks. He has been playing well for FC Dallas and that solid form has the Turkish Champions Bursaspor pursuing him, according to reports. Cherundolo will bring experience, a veteran grit, and great leadership to the backline off the bench, and I could possibly see him starting on the outside depending on the matchup. Spector should get the nod on the outside opposite Bocanegra, although he's had a very challenging year at West Ham. What Spector lacks in overall pace he makes up for with intelligence and positioning. He's also adept at making the overlapping runs and crossing the ball in, as seen in the Confederations Cup as he set up a goal scored by Dempsey on a deft display of service. Goodson has played very solid for the National Team of late and provides a threat in the box due to his aerial ability and height. Marshall is coming off of a hamstring injury and hasn't been in great form in the MLS this season.
Questions: How will Demerit, Bocanegra, and Onyewu respond from injury? Will this group of frequently-injured defenders come together and play well?
It all comes down to injuries for this part of the team. The friendly vs. the Czech Republic will give Onyewu a much needed game and will be a great indicator to Bradley as to how Onyewu's conditioning and overall form is. No doubt this isn't the ideal situation injury wise for Bradley to have three projected starters coming off of injury with South Africa right around the corner, but this group does have great experience and a history of banding together to provide the squad a close-knit unit that is tough to score against for many opponents.
Next: Midfield
JOGA BONITO
Ryan's Final World Cup Roster
So due to the upcoming World Cup in South Africa, the first thing we should do is discuss who U.S. head coach Bob Bradley should choose as our final 23 man roster. Currently there are 30 guys in camp fighting for a spot, and with some injuries impacting our key players, this camp along with our two friendlies leading up to SA, will really give a chance for newcomers like Alejandro Bedoya, Herculez Gomez and Edson Buddle (all three have had an incredible run of recent form) to step into the picture and impress. All three of these players have had under three caps for the National team and are looking to prove that they deserve a spot. These aren't the only people fighting for a place with the team though, veteran players like DaMarcus Beasley, and guys on the fence like Sacha Kljestan and Heath Pearce are going to have to show that their young legs can provide speed and delivery for our players up top.
For me personally, I'm still trying to get past the fact that Charlie Davies won't be playing in the World Cup. After such a horrific car accident leaving him with the chance of never being able to walk properly again (Davies suffered fractures to his face, elbow, femur, tibia, and fibula, as well as a lacerated bladder), he returned to training remarkably after only 7 months after the accident. Now, to me, he could have gotten the invite to camp and tested his ability, but his French club didn't sign off. Oddly enough though, defender Oguchi Onyewu was invited to camp having not played a game since his injury also in October.
Along with Gooch's injury, Jay Demerit, and captain Carlos Bocanegra also have issues affecting their play. Regardless, I believe all three will be ready and fit to play come time for June 12th when we open our World Cup play against England (a blog that will come in the near future). So now without further delay, here is my 23 man roster for the World Cup:
Keepers (3): Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Marcus Hahnemann
Defenders (7): Carlos Bocanegra, Jay Demerit, Oguchi Onyewu, Jonathan Spector, Steve Cherundolo, Jonathan Bornstein, Clarence Goodson
Midfielders (9): Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Maurice Edu, Ricardo Clark, Stuart Holden, Alejandro Bedoya, Jose Torres, DaMarcus Beasley
Forwards (4): Jozy Altidore, Brian Ching, Herculez Gomez, Eddie Johnson
Now this was hard for me to choose because I have some issues with some of these guys, but I'll work with what I have. I tried to leave out as many MLS players as I could simply because I just don't like to see them playing on a level that players like Jozy, Tim, Carlos, Bradley, etc. play on. Beasley was really tough for me to put on the team based on his poor performance in last summer's Confederations Cup and lack of play time with club team Rangers. Reports say he's been competing and training harder than ever to make this team, and his experience can help a young midfield.
As for the players I cut; our defense is our strongest position on the team and when healthy, they are a strong, fast, and tough defense to get through. The best scenario is to have, not necessarily in this order, Demerit, Bocanegra, Onyewu, and Spector in the back, with Cherundolo, Bornstein and Goodson as subs. I don't see room for Heath Pearce to show he deserves a spot, and lets be real, Chad Marshall has no place on our final roster.
Our midfield has some of the best abroad Americans in it: Michael Bradley, Dempsey, and Edu have had amazing seasons this past year with Edu winning another Scottish league title, Dempsey helping Fulham to the Europa League Final (as well as some spectacular goals throughout the season), and Bradley securing a place in the Bundesliga for the second straight year. Benny Feilhaber, Robbie Rogers, and Sacha Kljestan are not going to make the cut. Feilhaber hasn't done enough to impress for his team Aarhus (who have been relegated to the second division of Denmark's league. They've been in the top flight for 65 straight years). Kljestan can be solid at times, but has had some recent poor forms for club as well as country, and I don't see Bob Bradley taking a risk on him. Robbie Rogers, just no. Not a chance.
Probably what might be most controversial out of my picks is the exclusion of Edson Buddle, but let's be real: he's had a great start to the season, but it isn't enough to deserve a call up. Yes we are in need of a forward because of Davies accident, but I'd rather have a 50% Davies than a 100% Buddle. He won't be able to cut it on a national stage, and he doesn't have that competitive level of play like his nat. teammates do. He'd work well with Landon since they play club together, but he just won't perform to the expectations we want. Robbie Findley was just embarrassing in his last national team game. He has the speed, but he lacked confidence with the ball, and looked too nervous. He has potential, and if he makes the team, he brings the speed and agility that Davies had, but he just can't handle the ball as well as we need.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE SELECTION, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE, WHO IS YOUR STARTERS? LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW AND REMEMBER....
JOGA BONITO
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Welcome to Off The Pitch!
We are in the process of getting the site up and running. We will be adding our thoughts soon on the World Cup, The United States changes of advancing, and much more...
We are in the process of getting the site up and running. We will be adding our thoughts soon on the World Cup, The United States changes of advancing, and much more...
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