Cobi Belongs in 2006 Squad

[LASoccer]

I've been watching Cobi and the Galaxy for 10 years and Cobi is a more complete player than he's ever been. He deserves to be called into January camp and he's currently one of the top 3 right middies (Ralston, Cobi, fill-in-the-blank) in the US. As always, he's a tremendous defender w/an excellent work rate.

The difference in his current game over past years is that he has become an excellent passer. I'm sure everyone remembers when he used to cross the ball like Frankie H. No more. He continually threads the tight spaces to put Donovan and others in excellent scoring position. He no longer is just a wide threat based on speed. His vision has improved dramatically.

Given these factors, his experience and the positive role he would play with team chemistry, he deserves to go to Germany.

[eamonmcg]

I've been watching Cobi and the Galaxy for 10 years and Cobi is a more complete player than he's ever been. He deserves to be called into January camp and he's currently one of the top 3 right middies (Ralston, Cobi, fill-in-the-blank) in the US. As always, he's a tremendous defender w/an excellent work rate.

The difference in his current game over past years is that he has become an excellent passer. I'm sure everyone remembers when he used to cross the ball like Frankie H. No more. He continually threads the tight spaces to put Donovan and others in excellent scoring position. He no longer is just a wide threat based on speed. His vision has improved dramatically.

Given these factors, his experience and the positive role he would play with team chemistry, he deserves to go to Germany.



how old is he now? is he still real fast? he must be a better option than Ralston.

[Bigrose30]

I've been watching Cobi and the Galaxy for 10 years and Cobi is a more complete player than he's ever been. He deserves to be called into January camp and he's currently one of the top 3 right middies (Ralston, Cobi, fill-in-the-blank) in the US. As always, he's a tremendous defender w/an excellent work rate.

The difference in his current game over past years is that he has become an excellent passer. I'm sure everyone remembers when he used to cross the ball like Frankie H. No more. He continually threads the tight spaces to put Donovan and others in excellent scoring position. He no longer is just a wide threat based on speed. His vision has improved dramatically.

Given these factors, his experience and the positive role he would play with team chemistry, he deserves to go to Germany.


You make a good point but...

...prepare to get ripped for it. (by others I mean...I'm not ripping you for it)


Is it possible that he has retired from international play? I know he is pretty close to the world record for international appearances...how many does he need? I wouldn't be surprised to see him pick them up eventually.

The more I think about it...what happens if no real right mid emerges between now and the WC. Let's say it's April and Steve Ralston is still our guy...and he goes down with an injury. Then Quaranta goes down too. If Bruce needs an emergency fill in for the roster spot, will he take a young untested player? No, I think he'd take Cobi.

But that's about the only way I see him going to the WC though.

[LASoccer]

Born in 1970, he's 35 and 36 when Germany roles around. While a half-step slower than his peak, the guy still has wheels.

[Zathras]

Cobi won't be on the '06 squad.


He will be called into the camp in January, however.


The fact of the matter is that a lot of players who have a chance only if two or three players go down injured will be in the January camp--without any Euros to call upon, Bruce Arena will have to bring in some veteran players to fill out the roster(s.) Cobi is a wiley veteran who has always kept his head down and his mouth shut and as such is a perfect choice, especially at such a shallow position.

[Calexico77]

Cobi played against Jamaica, right?

Hmph, I dunno. I think Cobi would be a great 15-minute spark. He plays like a maniac, starts the right fights to get people amped, refuses to be intimidated by anyone. He's also injury free, and has been most of his career. As an older player, it's less about speed, and more about guile. And he's good at that.

As I see it, if Armas can make a squad, I see no reason why Cobi can't.

That said, I really hope we have better people than Armas and Cobi.

Again, for 20 minutes a game? Sure, bring him on. Especially if we play Mexico.

[Zathras]

Is it possible that he has retired from international play? I know he is pretty close to the world record for international appearances...how many does he need?

He's 3rd on the list with 164.

ahead of him are Claudio Suarez at 172

and Mohamed Al-Deayea at 173.

I don't htink Suarez is still playing but I think Al-Deayea is.

[Allamerican74]

I've been watching Cobi and the Galaxy for 10 years and Cobi is a more complete player than he's ever been. He deserves to be called into January camp and he's currently one of the top 3 right middies (Ralston, Cobi, fill-in-the-blank) in the US. As always, he's a tremendous defender w/an excellent work rate.

The difference in his current game over past years is that he has become an excellent passer. I'm sure everyone remembers when he used to cross the ball like Frankie H. No more. He continually threads the tight spaces to put Donovan and others in excellent scoring position. He no longer is just a wide threat based on speed. His vision has improved dramatically.

Given these factors, his experience and the positive role he would play with team chemistry, he deserves to go to Germany.

Interesting thought but at some point in time we're all gonna have to say good bye to yesterday (chime Boyz II Men song) even Arena with Pope.

[LASoccer]

Interesting thought but at some point in time we're all gonna have to say good bye to yesterday (chime Boyz II Men song) even Arena with Pope.


I'm with you that young blood is needed and desired. I didn't think I'd be making this post at the beginning of the season. But I've been to enough of the Galaxy games this year and he has had a great season (including a great game yesterday). Again, the difference is his game is that he's much more complete. In the last 15-45 minutes when we either need a spark or hopefully, need to hold the lead in a WC game, I wouldn't choose anyone else in that spot.

[USvsIRELAND]

I'd have to see him at INTL level again, but maybe if Adu is not there he could provide a spark off the bench?

Maybe we'll see. Although as long as he is playing soccer I believe we should call him up against Mexico and give him 5-10 minutes to get his revenge until he retires.

[WShine]

This is an interesting point about Jones. He is definitely a better soccer player today then ever before, although as you say a half step slower. He is in tremendous shape for his age but cannot run like a 24 year old.

If his competition is Ralston then he was as productive this year offensively. Ralston had 1 goal and 6 assists in 2005 and Jones had 3 goals and 6 assists-- although Ralston played fewer minutes.

Cobi is not young but neither is Steve. I think they are comparable, but Steve will get the nod for 2006 if either do. (Stating the obvious).

Regardless, Cobi deserves praise for playing so well at age 35. It really is a great achievement.

[USAClash]

I was thinking this same thing yesterday. I wouldn't discount him. He hasn't played with the US much because of his age, and we're trying to develop new players. However, we don't really have a solid RM yet. I think he should get the chance and if he proves himself, why not?

[WShine]

I'd have to see him at INTL level again, but maybe if Adu is not there he could provide a spark off the bench?

Maybe we'll see. Although as long as he is playing soccer I believe we should call him up against Mexico and give him 5-10 minutes to get his revenge until he retires.

Good point-- you have to see him at INTL level. This is of course just an acedemic discussion, but he has a great record for performing under pressure when it counts. We all remember him against Mexico in 2002, but don't forget he was probably our best player in 1998. (I know we are all trying to forget 1998).

[DCFAN96]

I'd say NO WAY, but then I think about guys like Ralston then shake my head and say he still has a chance. Realistically though he doesn't bring anything special to the team, still just a one trick pony to me, although his play this year has been suprising its better then his last two years.

[2-0 Baby]

I can't believe I'm about to say this...it's not that bad of an idea!!!

[Maldini#3]

Whoa ... Cobi Jones is still alive? He's a bit "advanced" for international play. He's lost a step and at age 36 I doubt he'll be very effective. Usually, if you're that old and still playing international, your jersey has a #1 on the back.

That being said, if Arena does indeed decide to take specialists ... Cobi Jones is especially good at killing time in a 1-goal match ... but I don't think he makes the squad unless there are some catastrophic injuries to the right side.

By the way, doesn't #21 play on the right side when not up front? I imagine with McBride and Johnson (provided he's over his turf toe or whatever is bothering him) would be the starting strikers with Beasley on the left and him on the right. O'Brien and Capt. America in the middle of course ...

[Brownswan]

I'd feel we have a more complete team with Cobi on board. We will need some veterans and leaders over there. Cobi is both, and he can still play -- in many ways, better than ever.

[Wessoman]

No.

For one, while Cobi Jones is playing solid football, the reality is that back in qualifiers, he didn't have that extra-go for international matches. Sure, he got us that goal in Panama, but his play overall was uneven. He can play against CONCACAF, but can he still bring it for 90, and how about against a top European side? I would think not.
The reality is: Arena wants players who can go a full 90 against top international competition. Caps and reputation don't matter. That's the reason why Eddie Pope isn't going to go to the big show. Even though Cobi looks good, I doubt he can play 90 against France or Portugal.
Furthermore, to see if Cobi still has it, we need to give him looks and caps. Problem is, Arena would much rather cap players a decade and a half younger who also have the same talents. Honestly, would you rather have Cobi Jones or Santino Quaranta, Bobby Convey, or Kyle Martino?

[geordienation]

HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Oh, man.

This made my day.

[Brownswan]

Sure, he got us that goal in Panama, but his play overall was uneven. He can play against CONCACAF, but can he still bring it for 90, and how about against a top European side? I would think not.


I think every player in our selection can be accused of uneven play this past year -- with the possible exception of Kasey Keller. All things being equal, go with the simplest answer: Cobi.