Ihemelu at D-mid??

[dfb547490]

He's too raw and too far back on the depth chart to have any hope of making the WC squad at CB, but what do you guys think of possibly using him as a d-mid?? Seems that his excellent speed, size (average for a CB but good for a MF), and skill set would be well-suited to playing DM on the international stage. Anyone else think it could be worth a shot with Clark still hurt??

[Matrim55]

He's too raw and too far back on the depth chart to have any hope of making the WC squad at CB, but what do you guys think of possibly using him as a d-mid?? Seems that his excellent speed, size (average for a CB but good for a MF), and skill set would be well-suited to playing DM on the international stage. Anyone else think it could be worth a shot with Clark still hurt??
Let me phrase this a different way: Does anyone want to take a defender with below-average footskills, positional sense and passing ability, stick him in the hardest position on the field - one that he's never played before, incidently, and one that is crucial to the success of a team that relies more on cohesion than raw individual talent - and see how he does on the international stage? Anyone think it could be worth a shot?

*crickets*

[NBlue]

He's too raw and too far back on the depth chart to have any hope of making the WC squad at CB, but what do you guys think of possibly using him as a d-mid?? Seems that his excellent speed, size (average for a CB but good for a MF), and skill set would be well-suited to playing DM on the international stage. Anyone else think it could be worth a shot with Clark still hurt??


From what I've seen of him, I don't think he's technical enough to play this position (yet). Though his athletic ability and speed far exceed Chris Armas, I think Armas technical abilities (which I would consider the Ralston-line for D-Mids) would exceed his at this time. Accordingly, its hard to see him filling this position. That said, certainly something to look for in the future as his technical skills improve.

[Calexico77]

Let me phrase this a different way: Does anyone want to take a defender with below-average footskills, positional sense and passing ability, stick him in the hardest position on the field - one that he's never played before, incidently, and one that is crucial to the success of a team that relies more on cohesion than raw individual talent - and see how he does on the international stage? Anyone think it could be worth a shot?

*crickets*

Unfortunately, I've got to go with Matrim on this. I watched Ugo allllll year - his passing is dangerously bad, and his dribbling/footskills are worse. He is definitely fast, and can go 90 without blinking, but it's gonna be a while before he can develop into anything but a central defender.

[Wahoo]

See this is why I'd prefer taking a shot with someone like Spector at D-mid.

Supposedly the guy has really good ball skills still and can play defense. He may not be the fastest, but he's a good defender too (all this is of course based on 2nd hand information as I'ev not seen him play since ManU last year).

Of course the other guy I think could play D-mid is Oguchi...

But for this thread - I don't think Ihemlu is quite good enough with his feet to play there.

[Dammit!]

Ugo was brought into camp to play the opponent. He's aggressive and always laying into strikers. He's typical of a hard-nosed European defender.

But right now he's only the sparring partner, nothing more.

Remember, this is the kid that Adu blew-by on his way to scoring his most memorable goal of the season. Lots of work needed yet.

[forza inter]

Let me phrase this a different way: Does anyone want to take a defender with below-average footskills, positional sense and passing ability, stick him in the hardest position on the field - one that he's never played before, incidently, and one that is crucial to the success of a team that relies more on cohesion than raw individual talent - and see how he does on the international stage? Anyone think it could be worth a shot?

*crickets*


totally beat me to it. the stuff ive read on him, as in his deficencies, dont lend themselves to being a d-mid...or any mid for that matter. he should stick to CB and work on what he needs to work on for the next cycle.


forza inter

[Martin Fischer]

See this is why I'd prefer taking a shot with someone like Spector at D-mid.

....

No, this is why I would rather play someone who has actually played midfield there.

But things are getting a bit desperate. Can Ben Olsen really play at an acceptable level?

[MikeLastort2]

Who is he? I never heard of the guy.

[voros]

Remember, this is the kid that Adu blew-by on his way to scoring his most memorable goal of the season. Lots of work needed yet.
He was one of several of Justin Mapp's victims on his run to glory as well.

[Galaxian]

For a defensive midfielder , I want a strong player , which Ihemelu is , but I also want a player that can win the ball and then distribute it , which , at least right now , Ugo can't do , especialy at the international level.

[TrickHog]

He was one of several of Justin Mapp's victims on his run to glory as well.

And marked Pat Noonan all the way to the bench in MLS Cup - finishing a run through the playoffs where he helped anchor a backline that only allowed 2 goals in 4 games.

But he's not ready for the World Cup just yet. Maybe a project for 2010...

And only as a central defender. That's the only position where his attributes can be exploited to the fullest.

[ElRoss425]

I like Ihemelu's athletic ability, but his skill level needs a lot more time to develop before this WC. Also, didn't he get knocked down by Adu on one of Adu's goals? I believe he did. So much for that strength argument.