Why This "love Affair" W Asamoah?

[Wotan]

--Saw the 28 man "training squard". Among the strikers---of course--Podolski-Klose-Hanke-Kuranyi....AND Asamoah! This guy was out 2 or 3 months w a knee injury. Doing nothing for Schalke---yet--he's named to the "training squad"--WHY??? Someone---ANYONE--please tell me there is a POSSIBILITY...just a "Possibilty" Asamoah may not make the 23 man team!!! Strikers I'd like--Klose--Podolski-Kuranyi-Neuville-& Hanke. -------Who does Asamoah know?? Or does he have pictures?? Wotan

[Natrium]

Difficult to explain, it is certainly not only about performance, everyone knows that. Some players just have the lobby to be consistently nominated(mainly because they play at certain clubs and therefore have the backing of some powerful people, but there are other factors as well), whereas others can play as good as they want, they won't get a cap. For instance Manuel Friedrich - he is aguably one of the best german CBs right now. There has been discussions for over a year to give him a shot, especially since our current CBs are not as reliable as they used to be, but it's not going to happen.

One things's for sure, if Asamoah doesn't get another injury, he is almost guaranteed to make the World Cup squad no matter how he plays at Schalke. I don't like it, but that's the way it's going to be.

[bsas]

A German friend of mine told me the only quality of Asamoa was to push defenders into fouling him, and therefore get penalties or good free-kicks;) While this was said in a humourous way (check the smiley), do you think there is an element of truth in that?

Mariano

[Smoga]

When I followed Schalke a few years ago I thought that he was a pretty good striker, fast and physical at the same time. Maybe Klinsmann thinks that a physical forward may be an asset to the team, if only in the training camp. Or maybe Klinsmann forgot that he's not in California, and that affirmative action does not apply to the National Team? :)

[MoRado]

http://www.dw-world.de/dwelle/allgemein/bilder_show/0,3772,127342_6,00.jpg

[smithfan]

I've no idea why he is always nominated. the guy doesn't even play regularly for his club.

Klinsmann, this is the man you have to nominate!

http://www.zdf.de/ZDFde/img/120/0,1886,2579320,00.jpg

[Wotan]

Thanks for the affirmation. Hard to believe he's one of the top five "Strikers" in Germany! Can someone please tell me how I can e-mail Klinsmann??? I've been doing searches for a week. :eek: Thanks --Wotan

[Natrium]

He is not one of the top 5 strikers, he is not even close.
Well, I wouldn't get my hopes up for getting a response but you could try: jkjon@yahoo.com
That's the E-mail address his personal homepage is registered to.

[Jaison]

Asamoah's a good "energy" player, that could be helpful as a 2nd half sub. However, I would prefer a fwd. foursome of Klose, Poldi, Kuranyi, and Neuville.

Neuville's had a good year, and is somewhat underrated IMO.

[The Old Lady Hertha]

Asamoah's a good "energy" player, that could be helpful as a 2nd half sub. However, I would prefer a fwd. foursome of Klose, Poldi, Kuranyi, and Neuville.

Neuville's had a good year, and is somewhat underrated IMO.

But he sucks for the NT...I say no to Neuville...out of 49 games is it? 4 goals? Not a great strikerate :(

I say the 4: Klose, Kuranyi, Kiessling and Podolski.

One thing about Neuville is his versatility.

[Jaison]

But he sucks for the NT...I say no to Neuville...out of 49 games is it? 4 goals? Not a great strikerate :(

I say the 4: Klose, Kuranyi, Kiessling and Podolski.

One thing about Neuville is his versatility.

The problem with that is you have 3 target men out of the 4 forwards.

Neuville can run at defences and create space for others. He could a decent backup for Podolski (though not in the exact same role).

Plus, he has WC experience, and had a great game against Brazil in the finals.

I'd like Klose-Poldi as starters with Neuville and then either Kuranyi or Kiessling as the 2nd target man

[The Old Lady Hertha]

Good points. Goes to show what stats don't tell you. Neuville can be an affective tool in that regards.

[Wotan]

OK---I e-mailed Klinsi with the e-mail supplied to me. If I may---I suggest that a few others e-mail him with the same question. At least let him KNOW he's being watched (his player selection)---Wotan

[The Beautiful Frame]

Good points. Goes to show what stats don't tell you. Neuville can be an affective tool in that regards.

Plus, you can't go just with young players. You need some veterans in your squad. Also, as much as i like Kießling, he's an something of an unknown quantity at this point. Some players really pick up their game for the NT, others disappear. OTOH, you know what you'll get from Neuville. I'm not a huge fan of his, but he's had a good year and deserves the shot IMHO. Build up Kießling slowly for 2008. If you rush young players, you might end up damaging their career. Anybody remember Zoltan Sebescen?

As to the topic at hand: If at the top of this game, I'll take Asamoah in a heartbeat. A gritty, versatile player who can play well on several positions. But I agree: he's been sucking ass this season and doesn't deserve to be on the team. I'd even take Brdaric over him (and I really dislike Brdaric).

[The Beautiful Frame]

At least let him KNOW he's being watched (his player selection)

Yeah...how will he ever get *that* idea if we don't tell him?

[F96]

Right now I'd take Kiessling, he's really hot right now and is also a good passer with decent technique. I hope Klinsmann gives him a shot in one of the upcoming friendlies.