I don't think that's a fair assessment of Williams. For most of his matches with the USMNT he has been playing wide on the right side which is clearly not his best position. He is a true defensive mid and honestly if he continues to play consistently at Hoffenheim he could be a key part of the USMNT.
Both Jones and Williams are true #6s in the Bundesliga. Klinsmann plays them out of position on the MNT. I'd argue this is Cameron's best position too, but obviously we need him at CB.
It's quite amazing none of them have gotten a fair shot at DMid, and yet Beckerman does. And that's nothing against Beckerman who I was impressed with against Mex, but seriously, two Bund DMids, one of which is a CL level DMid, and a potential EPL DMid don't get a shot, yet Beckerman gets repeated opportunities. As I said though, it's nothing against Beckerman, but I don't think he's good enough to keep playing those three out of position. Even when Williams was hurt it was MB moved back to DMid and Jones playing the 8, when we need MB in a more advanced position and Jones kept killing the attack. I;d think given JK's schemes, he'd certainly want to figure out who our best DMid is before the WC, yet over a year in he still doesn't seem to know or even be in the process of figuring it out.
On top of all that he plays Edu at DM, which isn't really where he'd been playing most games for Rangers.
Cameron's Visa has been approved. He has been cleared to enter the UK. Pulis considers him as an option to start the FSC (8:30 AM edt) televised match Sunday. PulPulis did however, raise concerns as to whether the 27-year old would be fit enough to feature against the Gunners, having spent the past eleven days away from the Club. “We will see how Geoff is when he gets here,” he said. “We’ve been without him for a while now, which has been disappointing, so we will have to check him over when he arrives.” Should the former Houston Dynamo star be declared fit to feature, then he could fill Whitehead’s void in the centre of midfield; however, he will have to overcome competition from the likes of Wilson Palacios and Rory Delap for that starting berth. is did howe ver, raise concerns as to whether the 27-year old would be fit enough to feature against the Gunners, having spent the past eleven days away from the Club. “We will see how Geoff is when he gets here,” he said. “We’ve been without him for a while now, which has been disappointing, so we will have to check him over when he arrives.” Should the former Houston Dynamo star be declared fit to feature, then he could fill Whitehead’s void in the centre of midfield; however, he will have to overcome competition from the likes of Wilson Palacios and Rory Delap for that starting berth.
this totally sucks. I thought he was training with the club this week. I think he could start and pull it off, but I doubt he get listed as a starter.
Might be better for him in the long run - it sometimes seems in these situations integrating slowly might be a smarter way to cement a 1st team slot.
Cameron listed in the starting lineup of the Official Barclay's site for Sunday . . And actually, this means very little, but certainly is promising . . .
you are probably right. Starting your first match against Arsenal without having trained with your mates for 10 days is definitely getting thrown in the deep end!
That's what I was thinking - it's a high risk/reward move. Arse do not look very deadly at the moment, so you could look very good "holding" them, even if it's a much to do with them as you. But a big mistake or two, esp. at CD, and you look doubly bad. Of course, if your competition looks to have stuffed Arsenal in a tidy win, you risk sitting a bit longer.
I have to disagree. They looked very explosive the other day but where unlucky in their finishing. If he starts this is great news. Realistically he wont face better competition all year outside of City, United and Chelsea so this is a great game to prove yourself against the elite.
since he was in the middle of the MLS season his fitness is still probably fine. It's not like someone coming from another European league.
Stoke: Begovic; Wilkinson, Shawcross, Huth, Wilson; Pennant, Cameron, Whelan, Kightly; Walters, Crouch Looks to be starting in mid.
Bradley, Cameron and Ream (hope he pops back in). It is very impressive to watch these young Americans march over to Europe and immediately claim starting postions. If the half time scoreline vs Arsenal (0-0) holds up, it will be tough to get him out of the lineup.
Congrats to Geoff. He put in a really good shift, and according to team concept. Pulis will be pleased.
Geoff was voted MOTM for Stoke in their 0-0 draw with Arsenal today while playing at CM. He looks like a very different player compared to the rest of Stoke's team. He moves fluidly, has a calming touch, makes great poking tackles to dispossess guys and has good link up play.
Based on his debut, he fits in nicely with Stoke's style and mentality, but he adds a touch of class that's in short supply in that midfield as well.
yeah, let's hope they don't bring him down in the gutter. He looks like Cruyff out there in comparison!
Cameron brings a little bit of fresh air to Stoke with his tiddy possession, good movement, and shorter, quicker passing. He also wasn't flying into tackles instead tackling with precision and a purpose. He wasn't tackling for the sake of tackling. He was trying to actually gain possession. My hope is that his 'mates and Pulis realize he's a bit different, a bit of a calming influence. I hope they use that to the advantage and don't dismiss it.
MotM in his debut? Simply Fantastic. Seemed like he fit in real well at Stoke. And this is even more exceptional considering he jumped like 20 leagues from MLS the PL.