Is Michael Bradley Bionic?

[Maximum Optimal]

Last summer he didn't really have a break, playing in the Gold Cup and U20s tournament. This past season he has played a ton of matches between the Eredivisie, the UEFA Cup, the KNVB Cup, and national team callups. This summer he will presumably play in the Olympics as well as additional qualifiers.

The point I'm making has nothing to do with what I think of Michael's merits relative to our other choices for midfield. But I think he is being run into the ground and that this increases the injury risks he will be facing in the upcoming season.

[Nutmeg]

Last summer he didn't really have a break, playing in the Gold Cup and U20s tournament. This past season he has played a ton of matches between the Eredivisie, the UEFA Cup, the KNVB Cup, and national team callups. This summer he will presumably play in the Olympics as well as additional qualifiers.

The point I'm making has nothing to do with what I think of Michael's merits relative to our other choices for midfield. But I think he is being run into the ground and that this increases the injury risks he will be facing in the upcoming season.
I really wonder if Bradley will go to the Olympics. In no order of preference, you have Edu, McCarty, Szetela, Holden, and Benny who can all fill that role.

[flux82]

No, no, he only likes girls. ;)

Anyway, these are good points. People were just slagging on him unmercifully during the friendlies, but he looked like a tired young player: good one minute, poor the next. He is coming off his first full year of starting duties in a top European league. Give the guy a damn break.

[russ]

I think this is one of strongest anti-nepotism arguments.

If Bob ever helped his son's career before,he sure as hell isn't this summer.

[tab5g]

I really wonder if Bradley will go to the Olympics.

i agree with those thoughts, and i'd imagine a lot will depend on his club situation.

if he doesn't go to China, and gets minutes in the WCQ at Guatemala, I'm sure many here will have a grand old time pointing out the flaws in both BB and MB.

do we have any idea when the Olympic roster is going to be announced?

[Sachsen]

Maybe if Bob wouldn't play him so much, he wouldn't get so worn out...

[ugaaccountant]

Maybe if Bob wouldn't play him so much, he wouldn't get so worn out...

His teams are trying to win. Hard to do that when you bench your best center mid.

[chad]

His teams are trying to win. Hard to do that when you bench your best center mid.But this thread is about Michael Bradley. :confused:

[GOOOOAL!!]

No, no, he only likes girls. ;)

Great quote.....


LD and DMB did this several years ago. They were fine because they were in their early 20's. Heck, DMB actually played 90 in a US game, and then proceeded to play a ton if not 90 in the Fire game that followed. It was his last game in MLS before he went to Europe.

I don't know which event M. Bradley goes to, but he should be fine. He'll get a couple weeks off after this weekend and start back into training slowly. The fitness guys at US Soccer are very good and tailor programs for each player to get them to their peak fitness when tournaments begin.

[ACCCsoccer]

Last summer he didn't really have a break, playing in the Gold Cup and U20s tournament. This past season he has played a ton of matches between the Eredivisie, the UEFA Cup, the KNVB Cup, and national team callups. This summer he will presumably play in the Olympics as well as additional qualifiers.

The point I'm making has nothing to do with what I think of Michael's merits relative to our other choices for midfield. But I think he is being run into the ground and that this increases the injury risks he will be facing in the upcoming season.

How has he played in any more games than any player who plays on a national team and in the Champions League? There must be a hundred players who have played in as many games.

[QuakeAttack]

Yes. Had the same problem with Donovan a couple of years ago. Between fatigue and lack of desire (Wow, we get to play Barbados!), I think his play had been effected recently.

Please note this applies to more than just Bradley. On a whole, we need to have a deeper pool and not have to call the same players over and over.

[Nutmeg]

Please note this applies to more than just Bradley. On a whole, we need to have a deeper pool and not have to call the same players over and over.

We have no fewer than six players who can confidently play Bradley's position. Depth isn't the issue.

[Maximum Optimal]

How has he played in any more games than any player who plays on a national team and in the Champions League? There must be a hundred players who have played in as many games.

I would be willing to bet Michael has played more games than any nat since last summer. Let's take Dempsey for comparison. Like Michael Dempsey played in the Gold Cup. But he didn't play in the U20 tournament. Dempsey also had a stretch with Fulham where he was on the bench. My guess is Cherundolo or Onyewu were the next highest.

[QuakeAttack]

We have no fewer than six players who can confidently play Bradley's position. Depth isn't the issue.

Err, I should have clarified...

We have the depth, but we need to have coaches who use the depth. I will be glad when the days of many 100+ USNT game players are in a thing of the past.

[SNUSA]

Are we sure this isn't just an attempt to jinx Bradley into an injury?

[Maximum Optimal]

Are we sure this isn't just an attempt to jinx Bradley into an injury?

To quote the immortal Mike Wallace and Roger Clemens
"Swear?"
"Swear"
"Double Swear?"
"Double Swear."

I'm even happy to throw in a triple swear if it will satisfy you.

[mcnaulty21]

Are we sure this isn't just an attempt to jinx Bradley into an injury?It's alright, Giffenbone didn't start the thread

:D

[RevsRule]

His teams are trying to win. Hard to do that when you bench your best center mid.
Kool Aid
Kool Aid
tastes so good

[ACCCsoccer]

I would be willing to bet Michael has played more games than any nat since last summer. Let's take Dempsey for comparison. Like Michael Dempsey played in the Gold Cup. But he didn't play in the U20 tournament. Dempsey also had a stretch with Fulham where he was on the bench. My guess is Cherundolo or Onyewu were the next highest.

In the world? You'll bet he has played more games than players from Chelsea, Man U, AC Milan, etc.?

[Maximum Optimal]

In the world? You'll bet he has played more games than players from Chelsea, Man U, AC Milan, etc.?

I am referrring to US nats. I'd be curious as to the comparison with the players on the big clubs you mention.