Who's a lock for Germany?

[cpwilson80]

A few times during last night's game, J.P. mentioned Arena said something to the effect of 13 spots up for grabs, 10 spots locked down. What's your guess at those who are in (please assume full health for all players)?

My list:

Keller
Reyna
Donovan
Beasley
O'Brien
Cherundolo
Onyewu
Johnson
McBride
Mastroeni

Keller is the most obvious, and Reyna, Donovan, Beasley and O'Brien are on another level above the rest of the midfield. Cherundolo is by far the best right back option, and Onyewu keeps improving every game to the point where I think he's our best center back. Johnson and McBride are a cut above everybody else up top, so they're both in.

That gave me nine, and I chose Mastroeni in a toss-up over Lewis and Gibbs (who I think are 11 and 12 on the list.) Howard was also an option, but with the depth at keeper in this country, who knows what could happen by next summer?

[Heathens '87]

A few times during last night's game, J.P. mentioned Arena said something to the effect of 13 spots up for grabs, 10 spots locked down. What's your guess at those who are in (please assume full health for all players)?

My list:

Keller
Reyna
Donovan
Beasley
O'Brien
Cherundolo
Onyewu
Johnson
McBride
Mastroeni




I heard that too....very interesting comment. My ten locks.....

Keller
Cherundolo
Onyewu
Lewis
Mastroeni
O'Brien
Beasley
Reyna
Donovan
McBride


I think Lewis is a lock, as Johnson still needs to prove himself against a higher level of competition than he's faced so far. Otherwise, I think the rest are pretty clear......

[subbuteo]

agree 100% with this list

[GoDC]

I wouldn't put JOB on the list until he can play some number of games in a row. I understand he is definitely there if healthy but he needs to prove that over this season.

And remember that Arena is always honest with the media, right. :rolleyes:

I think the list is 1 and Mr Segroves has it correct.

[MLSNHTOWN]

My list:

100% locks
Keller
Reyna
Donovan
Beasley
O'Brien
Cherundolo
Onyewu
Johnson
McBride
Lewis

I can't put Mastro on the list. If Mastro started v. Mexico then I put him there. But he didn't. So maybe Arena has Armas over Mastro. If so the depth at d-mid, convey's resurgence, the requirement of a right mid or two (ralston/q) make Mastro's spot somewhat questionable.

[Adam Zebrowski]

I think we need to think about arena's statement a bit....

sure there are 10 sure bets, baring injury...

but I also think he wants to keep the hopes of 20-30 others alive over the next 8 months...

competition is good, because if you're gonna rest on what you've done in the past, some hungry guy is gonna step up, find excellent form and take your slot...

it'd say

keller
cherundolo
onyewu
gibbs
lewis
mastroeni
reyna
donovan
beasley
mcbride
johnson

are the guys, with the rest being a dogfight....

the january 2006 camp will be very interesting.

[Heathens '87]

I can't put Mastro on the list. If Mastro started v. Mexico then I put him there. But he didn't. So maybe Arena has Armas over Mastro. If so the depth at d-mid, convey's resurgence, the requirement of a right mid or two (ralston/q) make Mastro's spot somewhat questionable.


Pablo was just coming off injury, and hadn't even gone a full 90 for his club before the Mexico game. I think it had more to do with his fitness than it did with Pablo's role on the team. A start last night with the captain's arm-band said a lot.......

[NBlue]

I'm almost certain it was the other way around -- there are 13 locks and 10 slots still up for grabs. My locks:

EJ
McBride
Donovan
Reyna
Demarcus
Lewis
Mastro
Onyewu
Gibbs
Dolo
Keller
JOB
Howard

[Heathens '87]

I'm almost certain it was the other way around -- there are 13 locks and 10 slots still up for grabs.


That's what I thought as well, but then this thread started, so I didn't trust my memory. If so, I'd add Howard, Gibbs, and Johnson to my list of 10....

Keller
Cherundolo
Onyewu
Lewis
Mastroeni
O'Brien
Beasley
Reyna
Donovan
McBride

[korey]

Johnson still needs to prove himself against a higher level of competition than he's faced so far. ......

How many goals does this guy have to score in WCQ to "prove himself"? I dont know what else he can do? He looks dangerous almost everytime he gets the ball, which is a lot, which means he shows up for the ball often. And most importantly, WHO IS BETTER THAN HIM? I would take him over McBride anyday, which I'm sure I'll catch a lot of s&^% for. But other than McBride, who else is gonna play up there. We need two strikers up there who are not Donovan.

[Adam Zebrowski]

well, ej in saprissa in another month will be a great test.

[korey]

PS, I say we need 2 strikers who arent Donovan because I'm a firm believer that we need Donovan central, where he can get the most touches and provide the sparks.

My Locks:
Keller
Gooch
Bocanegra
Donovan
Beasley
Jon Obrien
McBride
Johnson
Lewis
Gibbs
Reyna
Mastroeni

[IASocFan]

I agree with Korey's list and would add Armas to the list.

This lists assumes that everyone is healthy and in shape when the final list is submitted. I'll bet that at least one of the those listed doesn't make the cut because of injury! (One, other than O'Brien who has had the most injury issues.)

[Heathens '87]

How many goals does this guy have to score in WCQ to "prove himself"? I dont know what else he can do? He looks dangerous almost everytime he gets the ball, which is a lot, which means he shows up for the ball often. And most importantly, WHO IS BETTER THAN HIM? I would take him over McBride anyday, which I'm sure I'll catch a lot of s&^% for. But other than McBride, who else is gonna play up there. We need two strikers up there who are not Donovan.


Your post proves that you failed to understand the point. It isn't about how many goals you score in qualifying. It is about the quality of the opponent that we're facing. There will be a significant jump in terms of quality as we move into friendlies against WC-level teams, and then on the WC itself.

Johnson has done quite well against CONCACAF-level opponents, and he's shown the ability to score in MLS. There are other levels of play beyond this for both club and country, and he's been tested at neither. "Looking dangerous" at this level doesn't win WC games, and it doesn't put the ball in the net against the teams we'll be facing.

Also, note when the discussion when from 10 to 13, I included Johnson. Why? Because I think his game will translate to that stage. But he's the most untested player of the 13 I listed, and I struggle to use the word "lock" with someone who hasn't shown his ability at the level needed. Eddie's not had the opportunity, but he will soon........

[hockeyrules]

Keller
Howard
Gooch
Boca
Lewis
Convey (because Bruce loves him so. Hope he has a banner year in Reading & I become glad to see him on this list.)
Donovan
Beasley
Reyna
McBride

Johnson would be on my personal lock list, but I am trying to come up with Bruce's lock list here.

[skydog]

If I were a betting man I would bet on Heydude being in Germany before I would bet on the Maestro. I think both will be there, but Heydude's game would have to drop off a lot before Arena would drop him. He is Arena's cup of tea and Arena is loyal to his players who have his kind of fighting spirit. The heydudes and armas's and mcbrides all have been BS whipping boys, but Arena long ago correctly realized that there is more to team chemistry and fighting spirit than just assembling the most skilled players (a la England).

[aj2lagop]

Keller
Howard
Gooch
Gibbs
Hejduk
Lewis
Bocanegra
Donovan
Reyna
Beasley
McBride
EJ

Probably will be there:

Pope
Dolo
Convey
Masteroni
Armas

[bltleo]

Hm..Thank you my american friends for this list.
I´m going to forward it immidiately to Klinsmann:).
I´m happy that now I know all your players you have mentioned
in the list. Few months ago, I have not knew everyone and have
learned FROM YOU about your players.

bltleo
Germany

[Chicago1871]

I'm amazed how many people's lists don't include Bocanegra. Many also appear to be a starting XI locks. There are about another half dozen guys who could be considered "locks" as well.

keller
howard
cherundolo
onyewu
bocanegra
gibbs
lewis
mastroeni
reyna
armas
o'brien
donovan
beasley
mcbride
johnson

[Heathens '87]

I'm amazed how many people's lists don't include Bocanegra.


To be honest, I think Berhalter may have passed him. I thought about him, but if I'm not writing Gregg's name in the 13, I didn't think I could put Carlos in.......