For what it's worth, I'd like Edson Buddle, sacrificing a midfielder, of course, not literally, of course. Yesterday, Buddle has shown a tremendous work rate, eclipsing his country's first partner, Eddie Johnson. But this is not the only reason I'd choose. Johnson's withdrawal from the equation, if you take a look at the front left (Altidore, Gomez, Ching, and pull the dog), Buddle is uniquely qualified to replace Altidore pace, energy and work rate, which is essential behind not only defense but also to put pressure on defenders. It would be wrong once again for its support to pull the cord now. Please, not now. His pace and energy could be useful in South Africa.
Last night in Hartford, Connecticut, USA men's national team lost 4-2 and a friendly match against World Cup warm-up for the czech Republic. Nothing particularly friendly place on the ground. In fact the match was a familiar feel as hostile to friendly matches in the United States.
The United States has established a side chain largely seconds, leaving aside starters Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, Carlos Bocanegra and Michael Bradley, Bob Bradley and gives fans of the United States the opportunity to learn more about the players on the verge of World Cup team. So what have we learned? Well, I learned that Bocanegra apparently did not eat for months how he attacked, chicken wings in the following important people during the game (thank you ESPN Camera Guy). Here are some other things I learned:
U.S. still has only two forms of attack in a 4-4-2, the United States currently has two dynamic midfielders with the ability to create and assists, Benny Feilhaber and Jose Torres. Last night, Torres got the first time, showing some nice touches and an overview of the vision and the delivery are often lacking in our midfield. Both players know how to find space to hold the ball and have the ability to see and play dangerous balls into the future. Could be great assets in the U.S. if the team was able to use them properly.
The United States in general, likes to play with two relatively defensive central midfielder. The most likely against England on June 12, the two central miidfielders is Michael Bradley and Maurice Edu. In our 4-4-2, our midfielders are being accused of attacking, creative, and help the defense. Against England, which will have more defensive responsibilities than usual given the power to attack England. Landon Donovan, one of Stuart Holden, DaMarcus Beasley and Clint Dempsey is likely to occupy the center of the field outside the functions.
This system usually gives us two offensive options: 1) wing leading-cons, and 2) hoofing the ball up forward like a wall, hoping that the recipient forwards can control the ball and play in the midfield support, or whether it's Jozy Altidore, tower and beat the defender with pace. These two attack options banning the spread of our two midfielders in defensive duties or holding, which has a practical sense with Bradley and Edu because neither strong enough to quickly turn the road and play the sound of bullets front or wings. Do not get me wrong, both are great players, but none of them are playmakers in itself.
Given the predictability of our style of play, the teams will to close the wings and back and central midfield to beat them. We have seen in recent years how it can be frustrating when our two offensive options are not working. We have other options, but unfortunately we are not used as well.
The problem is that even when we introduce a Feilhaber or Torres, we always play as we play with two defensive midfielders relatively, often without their creativity, although they have a better eye for playing the ball and dictate the pace entering the game. It is as if America has not thought about how to change the tempo or play on the strengths of aa diverse set of midfielders. This is a problem that comes to haunt us in South Africa, not if, but when our two offensive options do not meet the requirements of a struggle.
Players like Torres and Feilhaber has the ability to use Donovan and Altidore slightly differently than we're used to seeing them. Feilhaber and Torres has the ability to take creative tasks and distribution away from Donovan, for example, and allow it to focus on making short-hazardous. Altidore may need to be more similar to an exit. But with more than one output requires intelligent distribution from midfield. Sometimes you have to give responsibility for the creation of other players to free up the ability to attack. The U.S. needs to spend time working on this solution because it will need to promote South Africa.
Hercules, Hercules, Hercules (Applause.) In my book, Hercules Gomez should definitely go to South Africa. In fact, in other friendlies (assuming it makes the cut) will be interesting to see what Gomez and Altidore look together. Last night, at least has done enough to avoid Eddie Johnson on the depth map.
The reason that Gomez should be the final list is simple. He has the momentum and in tournaments, the dynamics issues. In addition, Gomez took a half for his arguments, and that half, he did what you prefer to do - score. For comparison, a year of opportunity to impress Eddie Johnson has always underwhelmed. Now it's time for a player like Gomez, who led the Mexican League in points and just showed that he will work as hard for the U.S. national team. Oh yeah, and I repeat, he scored last night in his true chance to shine. He took his chance and should count.
For what it's worth, I'd like Edson Buddle, sacrificing a midfielder, of course, not literally, of course. Yesterday, Buddle has shown a tremendous work rate, eclipsing his country's first partner, Eddie Johnson. But this is not the only reason I'd choose. Johnson's withdrawal from the equation, if you take a look at the front left (Altidore, Gomez, Ching, and pull the dog), Buddle is uniquely qualified to replace Altidore pace, energy and work rate, which is essential behind not only defense but also to put pressure on defenders. It would be wrong once again for its support to pull the cord now. Please, not now. His pace and energy could be useful in South Africa.
