Numero Dos
24 Jun 2003, 12:43 AM
Don't give me a knee-jerk reaction. Just read this. Most people will flame me on this, but I don't care . . . here goes.
Maybe there's some value to having a few more of the old guard in camp from time to time. Lalas, for example, certainly wouldn't be useful for the WC, but, when Pope is injured and can't play meaningless friendlies, we could do worse than to have a guy like Lalas in camp. He is poised with the ball at his feet, distributes well, and organizes the defense. He is also dangerous offensively, and guys seem to rally around him. The young guys, including Bocanegra, Califf, and Cherundolo are not consistent with the ball or defensively. Yes, they will learn from experience, but they could also use an experienced teammate or two in camp.
It's certainly no more ridiculous than having Berhalter back there, and it's kind of the same idea as having Meola at the WC (i.e., good guy, but a real pro). After all, Bruce seems to use Earnie and Cobi this way, and Earnie is not even playing well in league play (yes, I know Earnie is better-suited to international play than Lalas because of his athletecism).
Along the same lines, I think that Balboa would have been of similar value 3 years ago, and Preki could still teach these guys about professionalism (and provide a serviceable late-game sub). I wish Bruce would at least consider something like this. I know, however, that its hard to give up a World Cup player's spot from time to time, but if it benefits several other guys, it may be worth it.
Maybe there's some value to having a few more of the old guard in camp from time to time. Lalas, for example, certainly wouldn't be useful for the WC, but, when Pope is injured and can't play meaningless friendlies, we could do worse than to have a guy like Lalas in camp. He is poised with the ball at his feet, distributes well, and organizes the defense. He is also dangerous offensively, and guys seem to rally around him. The young guys, including Bocanegra, Califf, and Cherundolo are not consistent with the ball or defensively. Yes, they will learn from experience, but they could also use an experienced teammate or two in camp.
It's certainly no more ridiculous than having Berhalter back there, and it's kind of the same idea as having Meola at the WC (i.e., good guy, but a real pro). After all, Bruce seems to use Earnie and Cobi this way, and Earnie is not even playing well in league play (yes, I know Earnie is better-suited to international play than Lalas because of his athletecism).
Along the same lines, I think that Balboa would have been of similar value 3 years ago, and Preki could still teach these guys about professionalism (and provide a serviceable late-game sub). I wish Bruce would at least consider something like this. I know, however, that its hard to give up a World Cup player's spot from time to time, but if it benefits several other guys, it may be worth it.