View Full Version : Who will be the surprise star in this group
Jake1983
15 Dec 2005, 07:25 PM
In every WC and every group there is a player who has a break out tournament. Footballer who has never played in a WC and is not known outside of their country
My choice will be Clint Dempsey ( If he makes the squad) or Ed Johnson
african star
15 Dec 2005, 07:36 PM
By the time Ghana lifts the trophy the world would have crowned Asamoah Gyan as the new Gerd Muller, Laryea Kingston as the new Jairzinho and Suley Ali Muntari as the new Rivelino :D :D
Sean Donahue
15 Dec 2005, 07:45 PM
An in form Eddie Johnson. Everyone is asking Eddie who? Hopefully he'll show them.
Cassano
15 Dec 2005, 07:53 PM
An in form Eddie Johnson. Everyone is asking Eddie who? Hopefully he'll show them.
Is he usually injury-prone? Or was that foot injury he received towards the end of the MLS season rare for him?
Knave
15 Dec 2005, 08:00 PM
Eddie Johnson never struck me as injury prone, but the foot injury he had really dragged out, then it got injured again, dragged out some more ... you get the picture. (And it wasn't just at the end of the MLS season, that was the re-injury IIRC.) But the United States has never produced a striker like Eddie Johnson before. If he's healthy he could make a huge impression.
Jake1983
15 Dec 2005, 08:03 PM
Johnson can be with FC Dallas after the world Cup or with PSV or many other top European clubs after the WC it is his decesion
Sean Donahue
15 Dec 2005, 08:03 PM
Eddie Johnson never struck me as injury prone, but the foot injury he had really dragged out, then it got injured again, dragged out some more ... you get the picture. (And it wasn't just at the end of the MLS season, that was the re-injury IIRC.) But the United States has never produced a striker like Eddie Johnson before. If he's healthy he could make a huge impression.
Yep, I'd agree with that assesment.
Jake1983
15 Dec 2005, 08:06 PM
Yep, I'd agree with that assesment.
I think Dempsey as a reserve could be very dangerous to other squads in this group. He could play as a CM or on the wing.
He may end up in the EPL after the World Cup
Sean Donahue
15 Dec 2005, 08:10 PM
I think Dempsey as a reserve could be very dangerous to other squads in this group. He could play as a CM or on the wing.
He may end up in the EPL after the World Cup
We'll see, but he's gotta make the squad first. As a Revs fan I would've agreed with you through the first half of the season when he was unstoppable, but there was a noticeable drop in his form the second half of the season and I'm not sure what to make of it.
Jake1983
15 Dec 2005, 08:12 PM
We'll see, but he's gotta make the squad first. As a Revs fan I would've agreed with you through the first half of the season when he was unstoppable, but there was a noticeable drop in his form the second half of the season and I'm not sure what to make of it.
From Arena's comments of him. I am guessing he is one of his first choices for the last couple of spots. He may be in the Starting X1 in all 3 friendlies next month
Sean Donahue
15 Dec 2005, 08:17 PM
From Arena's comments of him. I am guessing he is one of his first choices for the last couple of spots.
What comments were those? To be honest I kind of blame his loss of form on the negative comments Arena made about him during the Gold Cup.
He may be in the Starting X1 in all 3 friendlies next month
I would not be suprised.
Jake1983
15 Dec 2005, 08:23 PM
What comments were those? To be honest I kind of blame his loss of form on the negative comments Arena made about him during the Gold Cup.
When ask what players are in the mix for the last couple of spots
roma/totti
15 Dec 2005, 08:47 PM
toni
benito camelpene
15 Dec 2005, 09:21 PM
Luca Toni
dfb547490
16 Dec 2005, 12:17 AM
Gooch
SuperTrooper
16 Dec 2005, 03:21 AM
An in form Eddie Johnson. Everyone is asking Eddie who? Hopefully he'll show them.
Hopefully he'll even play. It'll be good seeing what he can do against actual world-class clubs. He can score 8 goals against little CONCACAF teams, but lets see him try that against Cech.
dmike
16 Dec 2005, 04:40 AM
EJ could of been tearing up faces with Benefica ... in a way I guess MLS is kinda investing for a huge transfer fee pending EJ's performance in the WC. Regardless the kid is a talent and will surprise alot of people if nobody keeps an eye on him.
Im glad someone mentioned Dempsey, one of my fav US players which still has not found his way into the NT. He started off sooooo good in the MLS and just faded slowly. If Beasley could jump into the NT back in 02 after impressing Bruce quickly im sure Demp can do the same.
I won't mention any Italians since everyone knows what to expected from their players. Same goes for the Czech.
Perhaps some Ghanian may also surprise.
Bring Back Fabian
16 Dec 2005, 11:53 AM
I'm gonna say Gooch. I think this guy has such an upside. After shutting down Casano and Killer, the secret will be out.
appoo
16 Dec 2005, 02:51 PM
Italy - Isn't it a bit hard to find a "surprise" among thiese guys? They are all famous!
Czech Republic - I would have said Milan Baros but A) I don't think he'll do thjat well, and B) Euro 2004 was his coming out party.
USA - Bobby Convey. This will draw some heat from USA fans, but hey, I've been pimping this kid for 3 years now. I see no reason to stop now! seriously, I think he'll shock some peopl e(and hopefully opponents)
Ghana - Essien has starred for his club, but now the world get to see his talents at an international level
Wessoman
16 Dec 2005, 02:51 PM
It is definitely going to be Oguchi Onweyu. Once he shuts down Toni and Baros, expect club after club to be lining up for him. Even if the US goes three and out, Onyewu is going to be the player that everybody will talk about from the group.
People have no idea how fast this guy's learning curve has been. By the 2010 World Cup cycle, I would imagine he would be named as one of the greatest defenders on the planet. Just ask anybody from CONCACAF, especially Mexico.