View Full Version : Luis "El Matador" Hernandez comments US players
schmidly
03 Feb 2003, 12:41 PM
I talked to Luis "El Matador" Hernandez on a flight from Monterrey to Mexico City last night about who he thinks are the best US soccer players. Here's what he said...
"Jeff Agoos is (was) the best US defender - Very strong and stays in position well". However, he did acknowledge that he had a poor showing at the World Cup.
"Landon Donavon is the best offensive player because of his vision and speed."
He didn't seem to know that much about John O'Brien, which I thought was interesting. Also, didn't know whether or not La Volpe could manage the competing Mexican personalities leading up to Germany 2006. Thinks De La Puente was the best Mexican Director Tecnico. And, that the South American soccer league is much better (and more passionate) than both the MLS and Mexican La Liga.
Anyway, I'm not sure if any of this is worth commenting on, but I thought it would be an interesting post regardless.
Ringo
03 Feb 2003, 01:40 PM
did he mention who was the most worthless MLS player ever, or was he shy and didn't like talking about himself?
but if the dude thinks goose is the best and doesn't know much about o'brien it just confirms what we've all suspected: the guy's a tool.
SankaCofie
03 Feb 2003, 01:46 PM
Originally posted by Ringo1725
but if the dude thinks goose is the best and doesn't know much about o'brien it just confirms what we've all suspected: the guy's a tool.
maybe its selective memory. the non-call on the JOB handball was so painful to him he's since blocked it out completely. we should make a point to remind him.. at least of the scoreline.. at every opportunity.
goyoureddevils
03 Feb 2003, 01:48 PM
Agoos WAS the best defender for quite some time, and JOB plays in Europe, it's doubtful that Hernandez has seen him play much.
michael greene
03 Feb 2003, 01:48 PM
Did he dive out of his seat each time the plane hit a little turbulence?
appoo
03 Feb 2003, 01:59 PM
Originally posted by Ringo1725
did he mention who was the most worthless MLS player ever, or was he shy and didn't like talking about himself?
but if the dude thinks goose is the best and doesn't know much about o'brien it just confirms what we've all suspected: the guy's a tool.
I'd take Jeff Agoos in his prime over any one of our defenders other than Eddie Pope. Actually I take that back because goose had an exceptional left foot. Remember the qualification campaign where he was perhaps our most consistent player. It was only in the latter part of 2001 and 2002 that he really started to decline. It's sad that such a stalwart American defender is only remembered for a 3 week period.
dark knight
03 Feb 2003, 02:05 PM
Did he mention why the sight of Cobi makes El Tri go insane with rage?
tubby_butter
03 Feb 2003, 02:12 PM
Originally posted by appooOnU
I'd take Jeff Agoos in his prime over any one of our defenders other than Eddie Pope. Actually I take that back because goose had an exceptional left foot. Remember the qualification campaign where he was perhaps our most consistent player. It was only in the latter part of 2001 and 2002 that he really started to decline. It's sad that such a stalwart American defender is only remembered for a 3 week period.
Right on. Not to mention, Luis is probably not watching US qualifiers or friendlies on the TV (JOB didn't play against Mexico). His opinion is most likely coming from his experience in MLS. And in his last year here, Agoos WAS the best defender in the league, and Landon tore the Galaxy a new one.
dcc134
03 Feb 2003, 02:29 PM
Originally posted by michael greene
Did he dive out of his seat each time the plane hit a little turbulence?
LOL
soccerfan
03 Feb 2003, 02:33 PM
actualy Agoos wasn't a bad defender and player, his only problem was loosing his concentration and falling apart in really important games. I can remember at least 3 games where he cost the nat a goal, either with an og or wrong pass. It was all in the head for him, he can't take preassure
GRUNT
03 Feb 2003, 03:14 PM
Originally posted by michael greene
Did he dive out of his seat each time the plane hit a little turbulence?
Excellent question.
However, this was a domestic Mexican flight, and such things are accepted in Mexican culture. I have heard their flight attendants actually award PKs (Penalty Kocktails) for the really dramatic ones, you know, with lots of rolling around and grimacing.
kasai
03 Feb 2003, 04:28 PM
Originally posted by dark knight
Did he mention why the sight of Cobi makes El Tri go insane with rage?
LOL, so true. Cobi is like catnip for a kitty....
SamsArmySam
03 Feb 2003, 04:45 PM
Originally posted by schmidly
Anyway, I'm not sure if any of this is worth commenting on, but I thought it would be an interesting post regardless.
Quite interesting. Surprised at the poor comparison of Mexican La Liga fans with South American counterpart. Would've expected the knock on MLS from Luis, but not the knock on his own countrymen.
Thank you for the report!
prk166
03 Feb 2003, 04:51 PM
but if the dude thinks goose is the best and doesn't know much about o'brien it just confirms what we've all suspected: the guy's a tool. [/B]
That's off base. Just because you play professionally doesn't mean you and watch tons of matches from around the world.
wu-tang beez
03 Feb 2003, 05:01 PM
Originally posted by michael greene
Did he dive out of his seat each time the plane hit a little turbulence?
Parump Pump. Tip you wait staff :D
Sig worthy
Various Styles
03 Feb 2003, 05:02 PM
Originally posted by SamsArmySam
Quite interesting. Surprised at the poor comparison of Mexican La Liga fans with South American counterpart.
Me thinks Luis was talking about the Argie fans..
usagoal
03 Feb 2003, 05:16 PM
Originally posted by Various Styles
Me thinks Luis was talking about the Argie fans..
Various, what do you think about Ramon Morales saying that the US-Mexico rivalry was like America-Chivas?
yanks02
03 Feb 2003, 06:38 PM
Originally posted by michael greene
Did he dive out of his seat each time the plane hit a little turbulence? lol, definitly the post of the week:)
Ringo
03 Feb 2003, 07:01 PM
Originally posted by prk166
That's off base. Just because you play professionally doesn't mean you and watch tons of matches from around the world.
no ... but if you are, for example, playing somebody in the world cup don't you think you might know something about who you're playing? scouting report? knowing a key player on your biggest rival?
also, about goose ... I love goose, but I assumed he was talking about goose currently being our best defender (which he isn't). all time players though, goose certainly ranks up there. god bless the goose.
Various Styles
03 Feb 2003, 07:50 PM
Originally posted by usagoal
Various, what do you think about Ramon Morales saying that the US-Mexico rivalry was like America-Chivas?
Are you sure Ramon Morales said this, when where and why :eek:
The Chivas-America is like a special day in Mexican football. While US vs Mex is just another game and is only intense if they meet up in a tournament. I have allways said it if Hondu had been the regional power the USMNT would have never seen Mexico as their rival. Not only that but just about every TFC country sees Mexico as their biggest rival and have celebrations when they defeat el Tri as opposoed to Mexico where beating TFC teams is expected. Dont mean to sound like a snob but lets be honest this region sucked balls for a long time and it has only been recent that Costa Rica and the US have improved. Mexico has also improved (Internationally) but they had allways dominated this region.