I'm much more pessimistic about Gale than I am about Opara. Opara hasn't really had a chance to get his feet under him as a pro due to injuries. He may never really develop that soccer brain, but he hasn't had the chance yet. Gale on the other hand has simply been struggling every where he has played.
I had Mccarty in my 23 but then Beckerman & RSL got knocked out by Seattle. Because of this... I really doubt we see any new midfielders for Russia with Torres, Kljestan, Jones, Bradley, Williams, Zusi, & Beckerman all being available..
I hope Jurgen leaves the regular emergency plug in guys like Torres, Beckerman, Goodson home..We know Torres is a decent versatile backup, and we know Goodson and Beckerman are not, leave them home for a friendly and give someone new a look
furthermore theyre both 30. I'm a proponent of calling the younger guys in this time. I just dont know if it'll happen. From the looks of things, I am thinking Jurgen wants what seems to be his best possible atm in his eyes. This would include Torres &/or Beckerman. I dont think we'll see Goodson though. He seems to be dropping off already at 30.
Was Deleon ever apart of the youth national teams? He doesn't seem to have any apparent defect (lack of straight line speed, small size, etc.) that would deter the typical American soccer coach from choosing a player. Obviously someone was watching him because he was drafted in the first round but it's rare for a guy that was even the son of a relatively famous player to have literally no contact with substantial contact withU.S soccer. His strength on the ball reminds me off a Lavezzi or Marcelo. You just don't see that in American soccer players. I could really see him doing something with the national team. Its sort of a shame he started his career late but I hope to see him in the GC.
i pose the same question to Silva and Berry, i dont recall seeing them in the youth setup at all.....
Dax is not international quality. He's just a career MLSer who's had good season and pretty poor seasons. If there's any mid who clearly needs a look, it's Bedoya. He had a great goal the other day in a high pressured game, whereas Dax sent a great look about 10ft over the crossbar yesterday which would have tied it, under little pressure, and was a significant part of NY's choke job. I'd tremble at the idea of having either Dax or Beckerman in our mid field against a Russian a-team. There's also no way I'd run Dax out at Honduras in Feb. Nor at Costa Rica. Nor against Mex, home or away. If a player can't handle the level of those teams, which Dax cannot imo, he's not an international.
While some players simply never did enough to warrant it, if you're in college, it's very difficult to get the Youth coaches to bother with you.
In my opinion Bedoya is not an international quality player either. I'd consider it a close race between he and McCarty.
Bedoya was pretty good last Gold Cup. Sweden isn't a particularly high level though and he didn't feature much for Rangers when he was there.
I'll have to disagree. He's slow and didn't really show a high technical ability. The caveat is that he was often played out of position on the wing. That might be irrelevant though, since he's not displacing any of the central midfielders.
Dax has statistically been the best passer in MLS this season. Bedoya is a joke of a player to bring up if you're going to say "if anyone should get called up". Theyre pretty much on the same level. Thats not even justifiable. This is the best season of Dax's career in which he showed excellent passing ability. This is why he deserves a call. Even though I regard Bedoya as a player on a similar level, I wouldnt say a specific facet of his play stands out enough to say he's special enough to be a part of the NT..
McCarty's problem is the position he plays. I can't see him on the team unless he unseats someone. Personally I think Beckerman should be dropped and a winger should be added. Too many CM's in the squad which makes options off the bench limited.
I'd disagree with that, but that's what forums are for. I do think Bedoya is better on the ball, has more pace and is tactically superior/better movement than Dax. Also doesn't mind getting stuck in, even though I'd say Dax is the better defender. I'm not sure where Dax would be on the NT depth chart, but I'd put Bedoya as high as fourth as far as our 8's go, behind MB, Jones and Kljestan, and I'd prefer Jones at the 6 on top of that. Mix might have something to say about that in a couple years though. Don't think Dax could play the 8 internationally, and as a 6, I'd put Williams, Jones, Edu ahead, as well as Cameron and MB if they were to play there. I'd put him behind Beckerman as well.
i agree with this. If there's anything that's annoyed me about klinsmann callups its the fact that his rosters are too unbalanced, especially when it comes to getting suitable wingers on the roster.
Disagree, dude. Don't think Dax is international quality nor will he ever be. If he proves me wrong, great.
1) then Bedoya certainly isnt & 2) You are disagreeing with stats. If you cant get called to the NT for being the best passer in MLS, then there must really be no hope for American players in MLS...
How am I disagreeing with stats? They play in two different leagues. I never denied Dax's statistical achievements this year. MLS stats don't equate to international success. I don't think Wondo is an international level player either, and if you take that as there's no hope for American players in MLS, that's your translation of it. I've called for a number of MLS players to be called. I'd also say Dax is not the best passer in MLS, despite you relying on his stats.
Let me be clear, I don't think either of them are near good enough to be in consideration for a serious roster spot. I only would consider them in roughly the same area talent wise. NOt really sure who is better.