Help Wanted - Good Midfielders [R]

[RevsRule]

The real key to our problems yesterday was in the midfield. They had one, we didn't. You can't blame the forwards for lack of goals when they don't get the ball and that's our biggest problem today. Arena must find people that can create chances. From the US based crew, the only one that played that can do that is Donovan. I thought Beasley and Klien were a bust. Olsen needs to play outside and Pablo is a defensive half.

I think Klien and Beasley should sit down against Jamica. I would favor as halfbacks:

Donovan

Ralston Olsen

Pablo

In the Jamacia game. I'd also send Sasha packing ASAP. He ain't got it.

[CbR]

beasley had some horrible passes,but remember these guys are not in season form

[soccerfan220]

you're quiting on Beasely for the one match?! OUr midfield's not bad. When we put our euro guys out there it would look more like this:
Donovan
Beasely Reyna/O'Brian
Mastro

I don't understand why we have never played O'Brien at left back!

[spot]

Originally posted by soccerfan220

I don't understand why we have never played O'Brien at left back!

If Bobby or Donovan can fill the the central midfield role then we probably will see him there. Up til now JOB has been our best midfield option. Remember it was John who was our central midfielder in Korea not Reyna.

[tubby_butter]

The 'JOB to left back' debate raged on BS, right before the World Cup, and I don't think anything has changed since then (except he's only played about 6 games since then). As the most gifted technical player the US has, John needs to be in the middle. Nobody can play 360 degrees on the field the way he can, and while I recognize the need for a good attacking option at outside back, it is a two-dimensional position, and a waste of his talent (on the USMNT).

[ajaxusa]

Originally posted by tubby_butter
Nobody can play 360 degrees on the field the way he can, and while I recognize the need for a good attacking option at outside back, it is a two-dimensional position, and a waste of his talent (on the USMNT).

I agree. The US has played some fine games with John in the central-midfield position.

Here's a relevant comment, recently emailed to me from an Ajax USA member. I happen to agree with the opinions expressed, but these are not my words:

----------------------------------------------

Some of the USMNT fans haven't seen JOB play many games. His best skills are visibility, passing, and ball control and are arguably as good as anyone on the USMNT. Left back does not make the best use of his skills, but he ended in that position at AJAX at the end of last season.

The AJAX-USA profile of JOB [http://www.ajax-usa.com/ajax/team/j_obrien/] has a Section with details of his 2001-02 season at AJAX. During the 2001-02 season he was 4th in minutes played on the AJAX team and played the majority of games in the midfield in all 3 positions. He had also played right back for several games early in the season. As the season ended there was a need for a left back and, because of his versatility, he was put there. AJAX has excellent midfielders - Jari Litmanen, the outstanding Finnish player, Van der Vaart, the European youth player of the year, etc. The need for a left back and the high quality of the AJAX midfield combined, resulting in JOB playing left back this season.

JOB played every game in the Olympics and every minute of all the World Cup games in the midfield. Two examples of his vision and passing were seen in the WC games against Korea and Mexico. In the Korean game he won the ball in the middle of the field, moved forward with a player chasing him, was able to see Mathis, and while running was able to lob the ball over the head of the defender in a perfect position for Mathis to get the goal.

A less noticed, but also good example, was in the Mexico game. JOB had the ball in the US half. As he took it forward he saw Lewis making the run down the left side and made a pass, allowing Lewis to get the ball on the run and make the cross for Donovan's goal.

The qualifying game against Jamaica showed his attacking skills. Unfortunately, the game was not seen by most fans since the Afghanistan attack happened the same day.

While the USMNT currently has a need for a left back, there is time before WC 2006 to find a good player. JOB may be the best candidate for left back now, but he can help the team much more in the midfield. Because he has developed defensive skills, does not detract from his vision or passing. These skills are most valuable in the center, not on the left or right although he has played both of these positions. And, while he can play defensive midfield, he may help the team more as #10. This would take advantage of Donovan's quickness and scoring ability by using him as a forward