Right. It's hard to imagine a one-week training session that isn't a trial, much less a one-week training session that requires a player to miss a week of training with the national team.
Does he have an EU passport? He's played consistently in qualifying this cycle, so I can see an argument for him on appeal for an WP. He's got a better resume than some other US players who made it through the process.
Well, they just signed Joe Cole while Yossi Benayoun has been returned to Chelsea from his lone spell. Cole for sure would be competition, and maybe Nolan and Jarvis? I have little doubt Zusi could play and thrive at this level if in the right situation. I know WHU has had injuries so he'd likely get to play right away if this is indeed a trial and he gets signed. Let's hope!
Aren't you always on "trial" whether it's formally or just training?? Whatever the case, good for Zusi. His stock has risen significantly over the last 18 months that it wouldn't surprise me in the least if he caught the eye of Allardyce.
Yeah, unless you're a star who's just keeping in shape (e.g., Beckham). I think the point is that this almost surely is a trial and nothing but a trial, which is somewhat different than the "he might be useful, so send him over for a month in the offseason so we can get a closer look." This suggests more serious and advanced interest from West Ham.
I've really liked what I've seen of Zusi. He seems very comfortable taking instruction to play in a specific way. Klinsi has been smart about how he uses him.
Not that I'm aware of. However, I'm pretty sure his last name is Italian (after doing a bit of research it seems to originate from the Veneto region), and in Italy all it takes in a great grandparent, which is how the Azzurri's Argentine players like Mauro Camoranesi and Pablo Osvaldo obtained theirs. So it's possible he's eligible for one.
Sporting Kansas City arent prepared to lose Espinoza & Zusi in 1 offseason. If he goes anywhere, it will be next January at the earliest.
Yes, but that sometimes is player and club working together so club gets more $ in a bid. This isn't a Nov/Dec training stint, it's during the transfer window. It also takes Zusi way from NT camp. It's not to stay in shape. NT camp would do that. Per usual, if you impress, it's a trial, if you don't impress, it's training. WP wouldn't be an issue. Cameron had less appearances with the NT prior to his move.
You would be correct, sir. Bobby was all set for Spurs and then had his application rejected but a year later, in '04, he landed at Reading .
Josh Wolff would I think technically be the last one. But if I remember correctly, it turned out that the problem was that Derby County mistakenly assumed that Wolff would automatically qualify based on his number of international caps, and after he was turned down they didn't have enough time to prepare an appeal, so they simply never appealed.
I'm not sure if Zusi is a good fit for a mid to bottom table EPL team ( except for maybe Wigan). I don't think he is fast enough to play out wide but isn't really gritty enough to be in the center. I doubt he moves this window anyway though.
West Ham doesn't play with wingers. He could easily fit at RM for them. Zusi is tactically competent, can keep possession, can combine well with his teammates, and can put a well timed cross in the box. He played for the most physical team in MLS. He could definitely fit in at West Ham, no problem.
Remember that Brad Guzan's initial work permit application to the UK was denied. http://www.socceramerica.com/article/25385/guzan-denied-work-permit.html I don't think we can assume Zusi would get one with only 6 caps, but I have a positive feeling about it. I think he'd get it.
I forgot completely about Brad Guzan. That was certainly a bizarre one, considering the precedent set by American keepers before him.
