Sanneh was one of the best players in the 2002 World Cup. If the US is to succeed they will need someone to surprise and step up in a big way like Sanneh did. So who in our pool has that ability to surprise and play at a level we don't expect? Of the top of my head, I'd have to go with Fabian Johnson. Like Sanneh, he can bring in all over the field.
What kind of response is this? Apparently you're not familiar with what the word surprise means. Really, it could be a # of players on the team, so to say nobody has the potential unlike in '02 is ironic. Chandler, Shea, Agudelo, Cameron the CDM, Zusi the CM, Omar, and Lichaj; are all capable of having more of an impact for the national team than they've had the last couple of years, so I'll say one of them. Out of that group, I'll go with Omar. I think he may start bossing both boxes (opposing team's on set pieces) as soon he gets further away from that blown knee. Austria could just be the beginning.
After today's draw? I think it's pretty obviously the wing back who somehow, impossibly, overshadows Cristiano Ronaldo in a big, improbable US win. Like Sanneh did to Figo.
Actually, I agree with this, I think Bedoya could make himself alot of money next summer. He has the skills and he seems to get better every month. I also think a Matt Besler could do very well against these top-flight players that we're going to see next summer.
Not only that, his previous experience at forward sometimes has him advancing. Those that never saw his goal against Juventus in that friendly tourney with the Galaxy should look it up. Pass to Juninhio then a sparking run saw a beautiful through ball placed at his feet where he delicately chipped it over Buffon. It really could be Omar.
I think Eddie Johnson will be the difference maker for us this time -- if he can keep his head on straight. I can see Eddie bagging 3 goals for us. He has the speed and power and heading ability to defeat any of the 3 defenses.
That's if he makes the squad. His ego needs to stay in check. Hard enough in MLS, we can't afford that during the camp.
Oh he'll make the squad. I really can't see him missing. And his best buddy Clint got a major Seattle payday, while EJ led the team in scoring and got peanuts. I can totally understand EJ's frustration, although I would have handled it differently. I don't think he has an ego problem.
Geoff Cameron, for me. I think he'll definitely use this World Cup as a launching pad to bigger and better things. I also don't think he'll be at right back after this World Cup simply because he and Bradley in the middle simply makes too much sense and we have plenty of prospects at that position that we'll have time to grow.
I'm going for Zusi myself. Geoff is a good shout out, but he's playing well enough for it not be too unexpected. Mind you I don't think Graham's that far from Cameron's point either when he's really on fire as is.