Arena: Rolfe in midfield v. Guatemala

[Karras]

From http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_280729.html

Bruce Arena says "We do have a strong nucleus of players led by former (FC Dallas) player Eddie Johnson. Josh Wolff and Brian Ching join him in our front line. We have a midfield nucleus of Chris Rolfe, Ben Olsen, Chris Klein, Kerry Zavagnin, Kyle Martino, Brian Carroll, and a potential backline of Eddie Pope, Jimmy Conrad, Frankie Hejduk, Bobby Boswell and Heath Pearce."

Are we to assume that Rolfe will be playing midfield vs. Guatemala? That would be very interesting. Something many here on BS have been aching to see. Thoughts?

[rgli13]

weve got a paper thin roster, so at the very least everyone should get to see who they want to see.

i have no clue what our side will look like- a 4-4-2 diamond with rolfe as almost a withdrawn striker? i dont see the guys for a midfield that is going to build chances so might as well go for three (mostly) strikers just gunning.

wolff, rolfe, and ej seem to be the best bet to me- who would get the ball to ching?

i dont see a pretty game on sunday to say the least...

[cpwilson80]

Interesting.

I know the talk around here has been Rolfe v. Wolff for the last striker spot, but could this be a nod toward a Rolfe v. Noonan for the last roster spot?

We know in an absolute emergency, Noonan could slot in up top. Combined with his play at midfield, he could be the more versatile utility player than Rolfe. If Rolfe plays in the midfield, this could be the opportunity to prove Arena otherwise.

And considering I just used the word "could" four or five times, this is obviously hypothetical :)

[appoo]

He'd make a pretty good winger I'd bet

[cpwilson80]

To further speculate on Rolfe v. Noonan, I just listened to the pre-Guat podcast, and Arena raved about Noonan and his involvement in the play against Japan.

[Red Card]

What about Convey and Lewis? How many spare left midfielders do we need?

[FirstStar]

He'd make a pretty good winger I'd bet

Speaking of wingers-- notice how much Bobby Convey played on the right yesterday against Sheffield United? I'm thinking we may see DMB and Bobby on the field at the same time in the WC, switching sides a lot.

[Chicago1871]

I still question Rolfe's ability to defend on the wings. He is a pest, even as a forward, when he's not attacking, but his size (smaller than DMB) makes that a bit suspect. His skills would translate well to the AM position, but I think such a spot puts him too far from goal. Personally, I think Rolfe as withdrawn forward is an optimal spot for him. He can utilize his distribution skills, quickness, and ability to run at players, but still has the goal within striking distance more often than not.

When it's all said and done, I think I'd actually take Noonan over Rolfe in the midfield. Noonan is a pretty damn good crosser, and what he lacks in speed and quickness he makes up for with a physical pressence.

And I'd be lying if I said I didn't think this is just Arena's way of giving Wolff and Ching more chances to prove themselves. It almost appears as if he is conflicted in that respect. He wants to give Wolff and Ching more opportunity, but not getting Rolfe some time is wasteful.

[JohnR]

To further speculate on Rolfe v. Noonan, I just listened to the pre-Guat podcast, and Arena raved about Noonan and his involvement in the play against Japan.

I do like what Pat does. He's slow, but when he has the ball he finds a way to create space and make a play. He has a pretty rare ability in that sense ... very few slow players are good 1v1, in general it's pretty much the speed racers like DMB, Robben, Cristiano Ronaldo, and so forth who are the 1v1 kings.

Returning to subject, I suppose I've heard of stranger things than Rolfe making the team as combo right mid/forward. But he's fighting Dempsey and Noonan for the same job, and Dempsey at the least if not Noonan has gotta be ahead of him on the depth chart. A long shot.

[robchap628]

What about Convey and Lewis? How many spare left midfielders do we need?

Lewis will most likely be playing LB, and Beasely may end up playing on the right, meaning Convey may start on the left. Convey may also end up playing AM as well, theres just know way of knowing what Bruce is going to do, I don't think we need to add any more true left wingers to the roster but having guys like Noonan and Rolfe who are fowards with the ability to play on the wing if need be is always a nice addition.

[Caulfield]

I would gladly welcome a Rolfe AM role Sunday. Just can't muster too much excitement about seeing Martino there.

[macheath]

Lewis will most likely be playing LB, and Beasely may end up playing on the right, meaning Convey may start on the left. Convey may also end up playing AM as well, theres just know way of knowing what Bruce is going to do, I don't think we need to add any more true left wingers to the roster but having guys like Noonan and Rolfe who are fowards with the ability to play on the wing if need be is always a nice addition.

Convey as a backup AM is interesting, and worth thinking about. We now have Reyna (hurt, injury prone) and Donovan. If both are hurt, what's the option?

On Rolfe v. Noonan, right now I think Noonan has the edge for versatility. Rolfe's strongest game has looked to me as an attacker going forward, ball at the feet. Moving him to the wing is interesting, but seems a stretch? Guess we'll get to see.

[braun]

Convey as a backup AM is interesting, and worth thinking about. We now have Reyna (hurt, injury prone) and Donovan. If both are hurt, what's the option?

On Rolfe v. Noonan, right now I think Noonan has the edge for versatility. Rolfe's strongest game has looked to me as an attacker going forward, ball at the feet. Moving him to the wing is interesting, but seems a stretch? Guess we'll get to see.

This is why Arena needs the Guatemala game. To try what he has always done, use players in new positions. Would not surprise if he starts Rolfe (who hopefully scores more than Twellman initially did) and Noonan, wherever they fit.
Noonan makes up for his slowness with dribbling skills, even if his head is down.
Convey is the AM if Reyna, JOB, and Donovan are not available. He did it for the U20s!

[ghazi]

Speaking of wingers-- notice how much Bobby Convey played on the right yesterday against Sheffield United? I'm thinking we may see DMB and Bobby on the field at the same time in the WC, switching sides a lot.

Were you watching this via Setanta?

[Nutmeg]

To further speculate on Rolfe v. Noonan, I just listened to the pre-Guat podcast, and Arena raved about Noonan and his involvement in the play against Japan.

As he should. Noonan was outstanding, and I don't like him all that much. He and Dempsey wrong-footed Japanese defenders so many times I lost track.

[FakeFlopper]

I don't know about this. His best chance is to play up top and score. Whoever plays behind him is going to be a huge part of how well he does. If he scores from a midfield spot, I think he makes a good case for some hard choices.

Defending, I don't know, I'll have to rewatch the AC Milan game and see how he defended.

[DrBobC]

I can't see rolfe as a wing. He's really good with the ball at his feet and his back to the goal. This year will be his breakout year in the MLS. I don't think he will make the NT in Germany but, he'll be a mainstay 07 and beyond. I see him scoring in the vicinity of 14-15 goals this season.

[PhxSoccerDude]

I have never seen Rolfe play. From what I have read on here it seems he is a quick little crafty forward who is at his best when he has the ball at his feet. Is that a fair assesment? It seems as if he is going to play Rolfe in the attacking midfielder spot that Donavon has been playing the last couple games. I think Bruce is also trying to give Ching, Wolff, and EJ more time to prove themselves.

[Scoobs]

I have never seen Rolfe play. From what I have read on here it seems he is a quick little crafty forward who is at his best when he has the ball at his feet. Is that a fair assesment?

Yeah, pretty much.


It seems as if he is going to play Rolfe in the attacking midfielder spot that Donavon has been playing the last couple games. I think Bruce is also trying to give Ching, Wolff, and EJ more time to prove themselves.

With the exception of South Korea the US hasn't faced much pressure on the
ball and I'd be suprised if the Guats came out pressing. As an a-mid or winger
I suspect he'll do quite well.

[scarshins]

Right midfield EXPERIMENT. His speed and dribbling is a natural there, but his defending and short passing game...well we'll see, it's going to be an experiment.