Who do YOU want to see alongside GAM in 2006?

[Sachsen]

Obviously, the choice is going to vary quite a bit depending on who we're playing against, our strategy, if anyone's injured, etc. But all things being equal, who would you like to see as Eddie Johnson's strike partner in Germany '06?

[MT mojo]

God

[Asprilla9]

i love this poll ... i hope it stays near the top for a while. for my money, GAM's running mate needs to have 2 things above all else: (1.) pace and (2.) technical ability. finishing ability is a given. right now i'm leaning toward Buddle, just because I think he fits into our new era of US soccer: young, fast and technically gifted. the "target forward" idea is completely passe and need not be uttered on this here board ever again. we have never, EVER fielded a starting XI with two strikers that have as much pace as GAM and Buddle. i for one am excited at the possibilities. for those still enamoured with the "target forward" idea ... i see us moving to a more latin style attack, with short, quick passes as opposed to the "boot it long to McBride and have him hold it" strategy...

another idea that's not as horrible as i thought it was: Adu. you know, if he can bulk up, continuing gaining maturity and get some WCQ experience in this next year .... it's not THAT bad an idea. obviously he's not physically set to bang around with the Maldini's and Stams of the world....but he would also run circles around older defenders of that ilk, too. at this point, we know what he brings to the table. we just have to ask ourselves, are his flaws too much of a detriment: i.e. lack of size, lack of experience, general immaturity. obviously this is why he could only play as a forward....alas, if Freddy is to have a shot, he probably needs to start getting some call-ups here in the next few months....don't see it happening unless he goes on a tear in MLS. as he's a late game sub right now ... i don't see it happening. probably Buddle...

[United20]

I second for Buddle. Let's get these two to play side-by-side early enough to be ready for WC 06 and so on. They might be similar, but that never stopped Tre and Henry in France.

[GOOOOOLZ]

Buddle or Eskandarian.

www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=185317

[PSsoccer123]

Buddle or Eskandarian.


Ditto

[dfb547490]

Right now Ching is the best option, but I'd like to see Buddle, Eskandarian, and Arnaud get a shot. Would like to see 2 of those guys get 30-35 minutes apiece against England.

[LittleMaradona]

This poll is obivously biased based on yesterday's MLS opening weekend.

[blech]

This poll is obivously biased based on yesterday's MLS opening weekend.

seriously.

[appoo]

or the fact that Buddle has been among the best America in strikers in MLS for the past 2 - 3 years.

[spot]

This poll is obivously biased based on yesterday's MLS opening weekend.

Hmm... Knee jerk reaction to a knee jerk poll.

The results so far are biased, but Buddle has been on the list for a while.

[GuinnessFC]

Well it is hard to say without actually seeing how each others talents compliment each other in actual game situations... But right now I am liking Ching more and more each time I see him.... In a way he appears to be like McBride... However I think Mcbride became more one dimesional, just used to flick on... Ching has shown some good skill with the ball,he is strong in holding the ball and from what I have seen unselfish in passing the ball.. THis is where he compliments Johnson. It appears most of the time each of these guys are on the same page as well....

Ok that was wordy.... My apologies back to the poll..... I like Ching

cheers

[Rocket]

I'd say the odds are pretty good that we'll be playing a 4-5-1 in 2006, in which case EJ won't have anyone "alongside" him.

[footfetish]

I'd say the odds are pretty good that we'll be playing a 4-5-1 in 2006, in which case EJ won't have anyone "alongside" him.

god i hope not. did you actually watch the first half of the mexico game?

[Rocket]

god i hope not. did you actually watch the first half of the mexico game?
Yes, and it wasn't pretty. But I can see Arena deciding to play "not to lose" in the WC Finals rather than play a more open style of soccer and possibly increase the chances we'd be knocked out in the group stage.

[coldfusion]

Dempsey.

[dredgfan]

I'd say the odds are pretty good that we'll be playing a 4-5-1 in 2006, in which case EJ won't have anyone "alongside" him.


i won't be cheering for a team running from a fight and that's all they did in mexico with that formation as well as in france. i think it was a 3-6-1 but still. But two strikers in the game and go for the kill

[Sachsen]

Yes, and it wasn't pretty. But I can see Arena deciding to play "not to lose" in the WC Finals rather than play a more open style of soccer and possibly increase the chances we'd be knocked out in the group stage.

Ugh. I hope you're wrong, but then Arena talked tough prior to Mexico and then went defensive with one striker and Reyna in midfield. The sooner Reyna retires from international play, the sooner we won't have to worry about that 4-5-1 rearing its ugly head again.

[ScissorsKick]

i love this poll ... i hope it stays near the top for a while. for my money, GAM's running mate needs to have 2 things above all else: (1.) pace and (2.) technical ability. finishing ability is a given. right now i'm leaning toward Buddle, just because I think he fits into our new era of US soccer: young, fast and technically gifted. the "target forward" idea is completely passe and need not be uttered on this here board ever again. we have never, EVER fielded a starting XI with two strikers that have as much pace as GAM and Buddle. i for one am excited at the possibilities. for those still enamoured with the "target forward" idea ... i see us moving to a more latin style attack, with short, quick passes as opposed to the "boot it long to McBride and have him hold it" strategy...

another idea that's not as horrible as i thought it was: Adu. you know, if he can bulk up, continuing gaining maturity and get some WCQ experience in this next year .... it's not THAT bad an idea. obviously he's not physically set to bang around with the Maldini's and Stams of the world....but he would also run circles around older defenders of that ilk, too. at this point, we know what he brings to the table. we just have to ask ourselves, are his flaws too much of a detriment: i.e. lack of size, lack of experience, general immaturity. obviously this is why he could only play as a forward....alas, if Freddy is to have a shot, he probably needs to start getting some call-ups here in the next few months....don't see it happening unless he goes on a tear in MLS. as he's a late game sub right now ... i don't see it happening. probably Buddle...

I agree. Ching works the best with EJ and Donovan right now. Although McBride can be a psychological threat, he has turned into a one dimensional forward. He is a threat in the air and that is about it.

Buddle has definitely been at the top of the list. Even BEFORE MLS season openers, contrary to some. Hopefully he will stay healthy.

Beasley and Donovan are much more useful at mid. I personally think Adu would be a great asset at LB or even RB. His size will not matter as much there. That way he could face his defenders and utilize his speed and quickness better. Hopefully he will get some starts and meaningful playing time with DC this year. If he doesn't, then I will be surprised if he even makes the 2006 roster.

I also think Jemal Johnson could also be a possibility. He has shown a lot of potential. Not sure if he is even interested, having grown up in England. Jemal has to prove a lot and quickly though if he is going to try and move into that position with GAM.

Eskandarian would have to really come out this season to be looked at seriously.

With Buddle and Eddie Johnson USA would at least be able to present a formidable attack. Best USMNT combo potential I see so far.

[ScissorsKick]

Ugh. I hope you're wrong, but then Arena talked tough prior to Mexico and then went defensive with one striker and Reyna in midfield. The sooner Reyna retires from international play, the sooner we won't have to worry about that 4-5-1 rearing its ugly head again.

If only.