Spector vs. Panama

[charliegeorge]

I thought Spector was horrible last night and, on this performance, ruled himself out for WC2006. Any other opinions?

[NBlue]

I thought Spector was horrible last night and, on this performance, ruled himself out for WC2006. Any other opinions?

I think you're an idiot.

[charliegeorge]

Kiss my A$s

[cleansheetbsc]

This thread is off to a good start.

[NBlue]

Kiss my A$s

. . . you asked for opinions

[FASTEDDIE]

I'd say it was a wash. His attacking skills were evident, and in my opinion they were impressive. On the other hand I thought he made a couple mental errors including, a botched clearance, gifting a corner late in the game. Some of that has to be understandable considering the amount of playing time he's getting right now.

[MarioKempes]

I'd say it was a wash. His attacking skills were evident, and in my opinion they were impressive. On the other hand I thought he made a couple mental errors including, a botched clearance, gifting a corner late in the game. Some of that has to be understandable considering the amount of playing time he's getting right now.


I agree. I think he's out of contention for Germany, however. Too much too soon. While you want an outside back to have good attacking skills, you can't afford one that will make mental errors in the back. He didn't impress me at the U20s, and he didn't impress me yesterday. He's a promising player who will play a role in 2010.

[kylesoccer]

the bruce took the most important part of his game out of his game by not allowing him to attack. This is a huge part of the game. Especially in a game like that BRuce needs to let go of the reigns a little and allow the boys to attack more

[DCFAN96]

I'd say it was a wash. His attacking skills were evident, and in my opinion they were impressive. On the other hand I thought he made a couple mental errors including, a botched clearance, gifting a corner late in the game. Some of that has to be understandable considering the amount of playing time he's getting right now.

Well said. Its his first start in a qualifier playing RB which probably his least favorite position in the back being that hes left-footed. The kid has skills and if (and it may be a big if) he gets consistent playing time with Charlton this season (I say at least 20+ starts) he'll be in Germany. The kid effortlessly goes foward with the ball at his feet, NO OTHER defender that we have is that comfortable with the ball at his feet (I guess except Lewis assuming hes our LB).

[croix]

Last night was the firts opp I had to watch Spector play and I was not impressed. His size is formadible, but his passing reminded me of Armas. Hell Albright on other side played a better back then Spector and he's not even a back. It may have been his first start for the Nats so hopefully it was more nerves then anything else...

P.S. Finally Twellman!

[ursula]

I'd chalk it up to nerves also. Nerves and not being used to his teamates. He'll get more chances.

[superdave]

The thing about Spector is, he's one injury away from being a starter for one of the (current; probably won't last) top teams in England. And there's a reasonable chance he'll be called back to ManU in the winter, given their injury crisis in the back, and play a role there.

Way, way, way too early to write him off, even for '06, just because he's not match sharp. Let's see what he can do when he is.

[superdave]

Well said. Its his first start in a qualifier playing RB which probably his least favorite position in the back being that hes left-footed.

Wanna bet? :)

[cpwilson80]

While you want an outside back to have good attacking skills, you can't afford one that will make mental errors in the back.

Um, Frankie Hejduk???

[GenXer]

I don't think Spector is quite ready at this point. Gave the ball away far too much and didn't look all that creative with his service. That horrible clearance early in the first half to the middle of the park didn't help is cause either. In fact, it reminded me of the u20 gaff he made when he tried to dribble out of the back. He'll be quality in the future, but not currently ready.

For the record, he's right footed not left. Sir Alex played him on the left, but he's actually right footed.

[MarioKempes]

Um, Frankie Hejduk???

You're right about that, and in WC '02 Frankie was told to "stay home" and not venture forward, but I agree, he was a liability. His speed, tenacity, and unworldly fitness make up for that a bit, but I agree he's a liability. As he is starting to slow down, it wouldn't surprise me if he goes to Germany, but does not play.

[JohnW]

I'd chalk it up to nerves also. Nerves and not being used to his teamates. He'll get more chances.

I agree.

I actually thought he improved as the game went on. He looked very nervous the first 15 minutes and gave away a lot of balls, but he settled down. He still had a few balls forward to no one (but he could have expected a run that didn't materialize) and the one non-clearance/shank at about the 75th or 80th minute.

But after some of the other performances since we qualified, he certainly wasn't a disaster.

I've always thought he was a long-shot for Germany '06 and nothing he did last night changed that opinion for me.

[bigdush]

I'd like to see him with the "real first team" instead of with the mishmash we had against panama before I render any sort of opinion.

The pace of the entire game seemed pretty slow to me. It looked to me like spector was constantly second guessing himself with where to go with the ball as if he didn't know what the heck everyone else was going to do.

[SamsArmySam]

I agree. I think he's out of contention for Germany, however. Too much too soon. While you want an outside back to have good attacking skills, you can't afford one that will make mental errors in the back. He didn't impress me at the U20s, and he didn't impress me yesterday. He's a promising player who will play a role in 2010.

Too soon to rule him out for Germany. He's just coming back from a minor injury and is on the verge of playing significant minutes for Charlton in the Prem (barring a ManU recall / knock wood).

And FWIW, here's what Bruce had to say about his performance in his first 90 with the senior team:

"A solid game. His first 15 or 20 minutes weren’t his best, but once he settled in he played pretty well."

I see Spector challenging Albright for a roster spot to Germany. I think that's part of the reason why we saw Albright on the left, Spector on the right. For Bruce to test their versatility.

If we take 8 defenders to Germany, then barring injury it's:

CENTRAL
Gooch
Gibbs
Boca
Berhalter

WIDE
Cherundolo
Lewis
Hejduk
Spector or Albright

[swedust]

I would love it if we were so deep that a kid with Spector's combination of size, touch, and versatility could be written off simply because he's still so green and, as yet, prone to mistakes. But we're not.

He'll be in the picture for the spring Euro friendlies, I betcha.