He's a decent player and I wouldn't be in a hurry to deal him. If he were on a team like Portland or RSL he'd thrive as a spot starter & impact sub. But since the Union midfield exists only as a rumor, most of his ability is wasted. cf every tempo-setting player the Union has ever employed. I think Marfan's last-minute All-Star appearance was probably the worst thing that could have happened for him, as it convinced everyone that he was at that level, when the truth is it was a matter of convenience.
No, but they do have DC United's second round pick that they picked up for Casey Townsend. So at this point that would be #20, which might as well be a first rounder! I'd gladly fork over one of our hispanic players for that pick? How about we re-unite the wonder twins for it? Actually I'd give them their pick of any of our players that fit in to their "plan".
Farfan played best at RW. He hasn't really gotten a chance to play there since 2011. He needs space to operate. I never understood why Hack seriously thought Marfan could be a CAM. You would think that Hack would have learned from Piotr's mistakes. Marfan as a CAM was partially responsible for our poor form at the beginning of last year, and Marfan played his way out of that spot. I still think he gives us a good wing option. He's a support guy, not the puppetmaster we need.
Personalities aside, they're cut from the same managerial cloth. I feel like it can be attributed to their time together with the USMNT.
Remember when Torres was the best player on the team during the preseason? How many minutes has he even played this season (friendlies, MLS, and US Open Cup)?
I'm not a Hackworth apologist, but Torres was the "best player on the field" in preseason games against Toronto's second team and against Orlando City in a draw. He saw minimal time in a 4-0 loss to Columbus (30 minutes), a 2-0 loss to DC (8+ minutes) and a draw against Montreal (15 minutes). He did not play in the other game against DC.
I think it's strange that just about every observer of the Union recognizes that we've generally lacked creativity in the midfield and are a mediocre offensive team (currently tied for 11th in goals scored with Houston and Colorado). Our top 4 assist providers include two defenders, a forward, and Le Toux. Yet Roger Torres has played less than a half of soccer this year and Kleberson has only 280 minutes. Compare that with the 3,300 minutes given to Keon Daniel and Michael Farfan (who have combined for 1 goal and 2 assists). Clearly, Hack & Co are making this decision with defense in mind but we've also been mediocre defensively this year (tied for 10th in goals conceded with Columbus and RSL). I find it hard to believe that there weren't at least a few more situations where a creative midfielder might have helped. This is why Burke's comments about acquiring a #10 in the off-season strain credibility.
He needed room for Danny Cruz! So basically Farfan was no longer a RM and had to be constantly moved around and he has suffered for it. There is a much better line-up in this roster than is being put out week to week!!
Wait, that's the reason that you think his comments strain credibility? Not the fact that the team has allowed a manager to commit fraud on their watch, the constant lies, or the fact that they're claiming we're playing good soccer right now? The reason is because we haven't used a creative middie this year? For realz?
Yes, those are evidence of a pattern of dishonesty that goes back to the Nowak era. I've commented on it in the past. But I'm not sure what you're really getting at here to be honest. Are you arguing that the fact that we haven't used a creative midfielder this year has no bearing on attempts to evaluate the truthfulness of statements that the team is looking to acquire a #10 this off-season? It sure seems relevant...even if it's only one more brick in the wall the team seems to be building between itself and some of the fans.