Soccerfan220- you use the word Forza, but your profile says you like Brazil? That does not mix...not cool. Forza Azzurri also, all the guys on the poll are too young, I mean, well some are older than a few others, but you ignore a lot of other people. I guess Cobi would be the best, because I love how he wastes time with the ball in the corner in like every game...re-watch USA - Mexico..the Mexicans got so pissed at Cobi. Cobi has cool hair!
no alexi lalas in the poll?? although i won't really vote for him, i think he deserves an honorable mention in the poll...just my 2 cents anyway, my vote goes to cobi and ernie because they've been with the national team the longest (correct me if i'm wrong) and both have already contributed immensely. ciao!
What about Tom Dooley? Claudio, without a doubt, as far as non-keepers, and as far as the modern era. Keller if we throw in keepers.
When you make the best ever claim, one factor must be longevity. That's why I'd leave Donovan off the list - while he (and Beasley, Mathis, O'Brien etc.) are well positioned to potentially be all-time greats, they haven't played long enough. Look at it this way: if all the candidates stopped playing soccer right now, who gets the award? Unfortunately, I'm biased by age - I was 9 during WC '90. This was the first time I saw the US team play, and obviously my tactical understanding and appreciation of the game was not fully developed (and still isn't actually ) I went with Reyna, and would but Ramos at a close second
As an aside... When thinking back, we had good collection of players back in the 93-98 era (Ramos, Wynalda, Harkes, Dooley, Lalas, Balboa, younger Stewart.) However, I think most would agree that the National Team is better today than it was 7-10 years ago. What I'm wondering though (and hopefully some fans whose experience stretches back further than mine can help out), is why we are better now despite the talent on those teams? Is the talent at the top of the team better today than it was? (our depth has definitely improved - thank you MLS) Did the change in tactics and attitude make that much of a difference? Has the rest of the world dropped off some? Was this improvement the extension of previous improvement from pre 90 level? Most likely, it's a combination of some or all of the elements above, I'd just like the opinion of others
BenReily, how on earth was Claudio not in the Top 5 american players in the tournament? He was hands down the best player for me against Germany. He was brilliant. He was all over the field, and even though Landon got all the publicity, when it came down to it, Claudio had the most impact.
NJ Landon whatever: I can't say Forza? Yea I like Brazil, but if you could see you would also know I like Inter milan, my fav of all, besides the us. So I can say forza. FORZA INTER! And you guys, who should I replace for Clint?
Lalas! He played at the highest level and brought the USA international recognition. Without him, we probably would not have MLS right now.
Best at what? Best keeper, fullback, forward, bench warmer etc etc?? The most skilled American ever has got to be Ramos. Of course, he would probably not have made a very good keeper.