Final 23 Question

[grandinquisitor28]

Over the past year, there have been a lot of threads discussing possible final 23's and the general attitude has been to find the best final 23. My question is pretty simple. Do people think that choices on the Final 23 could be predicated on something different than the best final 23 players considering we're taking 3 goalies, and likely 8 defenders? My question essentially is, what are the chances that the draw on the 9th plays a relatively strong role in what Arena decides to bring with him to Europe, at least where the bubble players are concerned? We haven't really discussed that topic from what I remember and I'm wondering if some of the players Arena may bring are predicated on which seed we'll play against, and what Euro team(s) we'll have to deal with. Do any of you think this could play a role in Arena's decision making on the non-"lock" spots?

[peabrainedidiot]

I like this question a lot. Is there a middle ground?
I think the 12 or 13 European players that Arena has refered to (simply as the 12 or 13 european players). I think they go no matter what. MLS guys could be more situational. Then again, he needs to look past the draw. you'd hate to build a team for specific games and then not have what you need for the next rounds (although I think we're deep enough that that wouldn't be the case). It will also depend on who's available. If a guy like Reyna goes down late season epl (knock on wood he doesn't) it could all go out the window. :eek:

[Bluecat82]

My gut reaction is yes, the draw will play some role...

The draw will also play a role in who we play in May, I think...watch for who gets on the schedule, and rate your bubble players accordingly...

[Adam Zebrowski]

I agree is the group ends up being a physical group, then players like dempsey or albright get an edge, as they are physical options...

if it ends up being a finnesse, group, then physical players aren't needed, opening up possibilities for spector or quaranta

[ctruppi]

In a recent US Soccer podcast, the Bruce himself said that the final roster is not necessarily comprised of the best 23 players, but on the 23 players that make the best team. He used the example of a striker who is #1 at his club, but is #4-5 on the nats. He wants a player who, psychologically, knowing that he has little chance to play, will still contribute to the team morale, practice intensity, etc.

I don't think Bruce will look at the draw at all. I think he knows he has a core group of guys he needs to go into battle with and hope for the best. His recent comments about EJ, Gibbs, JOB and Claudio are his first indication that he knows who that core is in his mind, and barring injury, this won't change!

[mschofield]

...

The draw will also play a role in who we play in May, I think...
And maybe also in June. ;)
I'd hope he's looking at the matchups the draw presents and structuring a team to get us out of group. Pretty silly to plan for Brazil in the final, only to get knocked out for lack of a blazer against S. Korea.

[Adam Zebrowski]

well, I think we all know who the top 15 or so usmnt are, and the make-up of the draw win NOT affect their selection...

it's the last 5 or so slots, which could be affected by the make-up of the group..

still is usa has to depend on players 18-23 to play regularly, I don't think it matters who the group it...

I think what matter more come december 9.... is the tactics arena will adopt...

he'll handtool tactics for each match, and if the core group of players LACK a specific tactical ability, then there might be a spot for some marginal guy, simply because he does that ONE thing well, and arena expects to use it.