In my eyes, Mix is more box to box rather than a true creative mid. I picture him more in the mold of a Bradley with some of the skills of a true attacking mid, which is what makes him such a neat prospect.
Sure he doesn't, but Porter is still absolutely unproven. Let's put it this way: it was much harder not to qualify to London than to qualify, and Porter managed to do that.
Every major coach in just about every sport has not proven something before they've proven it. Obviously Porter hasn't proven he's a successful MLS coach since he's never coached in MLS. I think he will do well.
Porter's definitely unproven at the professional level, and he's had some failures in other settings. But I'd also say that Diskerud, with his pro experience and his time with the U-23s, is as well positioned to take stock of Porter's qualities as anyone. Don't you think he'd have said "thanks but no thanks" if he didn't think this has a good chance to work?
You understand that "rug" exists in greater numbers in Tippeligan, right? Even FIFA is okay with Portland's being used in a WC Final. Low exposure? Like Bright Dike getting his first call up by Nigeria. Frank Songo'o getting a call up by Cameroon after a few years. MLS and Portland for that matter isn't as obscure as you think. I've ventured too far into BS's wilderness and should return to more sane pastures.
That's because it rains there along the coast all the time. Ah, now I see his reasons for coming to the Timbers - it's like Norway but with more Taco Bells.
I remember Porter praising Mix at the start of the U23 qualifying campaign, basically he had suspected Mix was far more of a luxury/soft midfielder and was pleasantly surprised by his effort/defense. But what about fjords won't he be pining for the fjords...
Really? This confuses you? The poster is saying that Mix is similar in terms of style, and maybe level, to Adu and Feilhaber. Seems like a fair opinion to me based on very limited viewing of Mix, though time will tell.
Who knew not having a Taco Bell would have that kind of an effect. If he does go to Portland, I expect him to be in all the Taco Bell commercials in the US.
Portland would be great in terms of me being able to watch more of his games, but imho for his career I think Italy or Ned would be better, MLS is like the opposite of those two styles. Also it's not as good exposure, seems tougher to negotiate moves and a lower level of play than europa. But it would be pretty awsome for us MLS fans.
Or, you know, the next Bradley, Arena, Sigi or Hyndman. Seriously, is your memory that short?! Great college coaches have a great track record in MLS.
We should remember that during the Olympic Q process Porter really sang the praises of Mix as a high work rate box-to-box #8 instead of the #10 that most had previously been projecting. Mix playing in front of a ball winning #6 with range and good ball skills would be a terrific combination in the center of the pitch for Portland. Maybe Porter should also rescue Morales from Herta. Mix and Morales had a fantastic partnership and totally dominated the midfield in the U23 friendly v Mexico!
I think he's significantly more mobile than either one of those two and you've never heard one iota of commentary about his attitude, which can't be said about either of the two you mentioned (admittedly, the comments about Feilhaber have been few, but there have been some).* In any case, greater mobility allows players to adapt to a wider range of styles of play, rather than forcing teams to come to them (as does an attitude, for that matter). Count me as someone who sees your initial comparison as being a little off the wall, being apparently based solely on the Europe to the US trajectory. And oh yeah, I'm also with FA on this one, too: This thread is a permanent YA fixture. *And I say this as someone who's wished nothing but success for either Benny or Freddy, over the years. They both have an element to their passing games that makes me want to watch them. On the other hand, that passing game--which could be transformative (maybe it must be if it's going to be of value to the team?)--has tended not to be due to other limiting factors.
I was as disappointed as anyone with Olympic qualifying. I think Porter is also as responsible as anyone for that failure. However, I don't think the failure to qualify had as much to do with tactics or a grasp of where to play players (though certain moves/non-moves are fair to question) as it did with how to manage a squad over the course of 3 games in a four day period (of a ten day tournament). I don't think that sample size is sufficient to draw hard and fast conclusions about his tactical acumen or player evaluation abilities and obviously managing an MLS team over the course of a 10 month season is an entirely different animal. I think it is clear in hindsight that he made a bad decision in making a line up card on Saturday following the Thursday game.
They certainly did have a great partnership in that one. Morales was basically bullying the Mexican midfield in that game. Absolutely loved what I saw out of him.
I didn't see that game. However, maybe bullying a Mexican U23 midfield doesn't make you a Bundesliga player.
Right; however, it's quite different against a team like that than against seasoned top-level vets; even if all Mexican players are up to that level individually.
The Dutch League would be nice. Are you a GM for a team in the Dutch League and offering a contract? I haven't heard of Mix turning down a Dutch team in order to move to MLS, so there may be a problem with a lack of offers. It's not like he tore it up for Gent in the Belgian League. MLS should be fine. A small step up from Norway, keeps him in the shop window for a future Euro move, and lets him live in the US for a few years. Plus, as a fan I'll get to watch him more in MLS broadcasts. Seems like a pretty solid option for a 22 year old. Best of luck to Mix.