That's not necessarily true in all situations. In a 3-4-3, which is a very fluid formation, the two outside defenders are also tasked with moving up the field occasionally. They will also certainly have to cover any opposing winger who makes a run down the sideline (past the midfield). Therefore I would like the outside backs in a 3-4-3 more to fullbacks than central defenders. The idea is not to crowd the box with three defenders and let the attack and cross at will from the endlines.
American Exports: Jonathan Spector helps steer Birmingham City clear of drop zone October 1, 2013 Greg Seltzer Photo Credit: Action Photos "...A trio of Americans laced up for English Championship action on Tuesday, with Jonathan Spector helping Birmingham City stay hot at home with a 4-0 rout of guests Millwall. The US international (above) went the distance at right back as the Brums posted their third straight multiple-goals victory margin across all competition at St. Andrews. The win also pushed Birmingham clear of the drop zone in 17th place." http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...or-helps-steer-birmingham-city-clear-drop-zon
Spector played a full 90 min in their 2-1 loss to Bolton. Spector has been a very consistent starter this year. Maybe someone to think about for outside back depth.
Good news: Spector expected back Nov. 30 at the earliest, or early December. http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/spo...ews/birmingham-city-lee-clark-fitness-6303522
Spector is now deemed out until the end of January. That puts a major dent in his World Cup hopes. http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/spo...irmingham-city-jonathan-spector-ruled-6356468
he was never a JK guy. the best crosser of the ball since Eddie Lewis. Maybe the best passer out of the back we've ever had. Too bad he's another one of those guys who should have been a dmid, but never go the chance.
the frustrating thing is he could be pushed higher up yet even further. We flirted with the potential at West Ham a few years ago, i think more tha na few YA types remember those careening runs up the gut against Man U, Newcastle, and Sunderland. He had great potential as an attack minded holding mid.
The only knock on Jonny Spec: how the hell do you motivate him without calling SAF into the stands every match? The guy has a great soccer brain, but it only kicks into gear every so often. Also, wth? the guy is a natural in the box. Maybe if he went back to MLS (Red Bulls have great theater near by...) they would let him play more attacking role.
Latest estimate has Spector back at end of February. Again, I think it might be too late for him to make the WC roster. Unfortunate, because he really could have been an impact RB (he's probably better than Evans or Parkhurst, though not Cameron, Cherundolo or Chandler). http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/spo...ws/birmingham-city-lee-clark-enjoying-6507730
he did get a brief chance when he was with west ham, notably scoring 2 goals vs. manchester united. internationally, it was never going to happen unless he was playing there long-term. that being said, i'm sure he could have played as well as danny williams was in his early USMNT days.
I think he still has a chance. Evans and Parkhurst are two of Klinsmann's favorites, but I think he will eventually realize that they aren't good enough for the World Cup. Klinsmann hates Chandler. Klinsmann might refuse to use Cameron at RB, and Cherundolo is coming back from an injury as well. As long as Spector is back in games by the end of February or the beginning of March, he should at least have a chance to be at the final camp in May.
Spector is back! he is starting today alongside Packwood. That should make Birmingham really fun to watch now, at least for us yank fans.