[E Diddy]

Guys,

I just pulled up the 23 from 2006, and I count only 5 locks to be in the 23 for 2010, and I believe each of the 5 locks are substantially better players this time.

The locks are Donovan, Howard, Bocanegra, Dempsey, and Cherundolo. With Gooch's injury, I can't in good conscience include him as a lock. Gooch and Beasley are wild cards. Yes, Beasley is still a wild card. We're desperate for depth and speed on the wings.

As I break down the other 17 slots, and compare position by position, I feel better about almost every one this time. With Boca moving to the center, it makes a couple of comparisons debatable. But I feel great about this squad, especially with the Confederations Cup experience under our belts this time around.

Here's how I see it. Remember, O'Brien only took up a roster spot. Didn't even factor in.

Pos 2006-------------2010----------Difference
GK - Keller ----------- Howard--------Improvement, bigger game experience
GK2 -Howard----------Guzan---------Guzan with big upside, very capable backup
RB - Cherundolo -------Cherundolo----Improvement as a player, proven leader
RB2 -Albright-----------Spector-------Without question Spector is better
RCB1 Onyewu----------Onyewu-------Improved signficantly, injury concern
RCB2 Berhalter----------Marshall------Improvement, better minutes, leader
LCB1 Pope-------------Bocanegra-----Younger, European experience
LCB2 Conrad-----------Demerit--------2010
LB1 Lewis-------------Bornsten------Still weak spot, but JB plays there
LB2 Albright-----------Pearce--------At least our 2010 backup LB plays LB
RM1 Beasley-----------Dempsey------Come on, really?
RM2 Olsen-------------Donovan------(crickets chirping)
DM1 Pablo-------------Bradley--------Pointless to debate
DM2 O'Brien, Reyna-----Clark----------Improvement
AM1 Reyna-------------Donovan------Isn't it funny now? Claudio at AM
AM2 Donovan----------Dempsey------2006 wins, but that's the point
LM1 Convey------------Benny--------Benny
LM2 Beasley--------- Benny, Holden--2010 wins
F1 Donovan-----------Altidore--------2006 wins, but that's the point
F1 McBride------------?--------------2006
F2 Wolff--------------?--------------2010
F2 Ching--------------?--------------Push

Bench Players 2006----------Bench Players 2010----Difference
Hahnemann-----------------Hahnemann------------Push
O'Brien----------------------Pearce----------2010 Pearce is healthy
EJ--------------------------Cooper----------2010
Olsen-----------------------Holden----------2010
Conrad----------------------Marshall-------2010
Wolff------------------------Ching---------2006

So we're weaker at forward, unless Dempsey ends up there, and stronger everywhere else. I'll take it.

Time to blast me, I'm ready.

[cleansheetbsc]

Originally Posted by E Diddy

Time to blast me, I'm ready.

OK, this thread already exists elsewhere.

[E Diddy]

Oops- sorry I did a search but didn't see anything.

My bad guys.

[Mr Martin]

Yeah, same thread is currently on page 2, last few days of October into November, so very recent.

http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1218098

I don't think there is much disagreement that 2010 should be stronger than 2006. 2006 had way too many players past their peaks, battling injuries, or in a serious form slump. The things that killed the 2006 team were: a) injuries to O'Brien and Gibbs, who should have been key locked-in starters in the prime of their careers; b) the implosion of Mathis and the lack of development of EJ, both of whom should have been key attacking players; and c) the muddled playing form of Donovan and Beasley, who were approaching their mid-20's athletic prime years. The problems with those 3 factors forced the US to rely far too much on aging vets like McBride, Reyna, and Pope, guys who should have been quality supporting players but not building-block core players.

The closer debate is comparing 2010 with 2002, because 2002 had most of the roster at or near career peak performance levels. Will 2010?

A couple of quibbles with the opening post's comparisons. Bocanegra was the backup LB in 2006 and I'd rate him better back then than Pearce is today. OP has Albright as the backup at both RB and LB, which isn't correct. Also, the comparison of 2006 Convey at LM vs 2010 Feilhaber at LM is much closer than suggested. Convey was playing rather well in 2005/06, before his injury damaged his career.

[Mullet&Talon]

No way Beasley is still in the mix for SA10. He sucked green donkey d cks his last time for the Nats, and he can barely make the bench for Rangers. There are plenty of other options at LM, considering Donovan starts there. We are screwed if Beasley gets off his couch in 2010.

[arkjayback]

Originally Posted by Mullet&Talon

No way Beasley is still in the mix for SA10. He sucked green donkey d cks his last time for the Nats, and he can barely make the bench for Rangers. There are plenty of other options at LM, considering Donovan starts there. We are screwed if Beasley gets off his couch in 2010.

Yeah, just like Kljestan is out of the picture as well with his horrid run of form. Oh wait . . .

[Roehl Sybing]

Originally Posted by arkjayback

Yeah, just like Kljestan is out of the picture as well with his horrid run of form. Oh wait . . .

Not that Kljestan is a lock for next year by any means, but he is closer to a 2010 spot than Beasley should be.

[Roehl Sybing]

Originally Posted by E Diddy

Yes, Beasley is still a wild card. We're desperate for depth and speed on the wings.

We're not that desperate. We have better options on the wings than DaMarcus "give up possession in the front third and concede a goal to Brazil in an official competition" Beasley.

Not that those options are great (hell, convert our central mids if we have to), but DMB shouldn't be a factor in South Africa unless he comes up with some monster performances at US friendlies and in club competition. Not happening.

Okay, done beating up Beasley for today.

[Davids26]

Originally Posted by Roehl Sybing

We're not that desperate. We have better options on the wings than DaMarcus "give up possession in the front third and concede a goal to Brazil in an official competition" Beasley.

Not that those options are great (hell, convert our central mids if we have to), but DMB shouldn't be a factor in South Africa unless he comes up with some monster performances at US friendlies and in club competition. Not happening.

Okay, done beating up Beasley for today.

I wouldn't speak to quickly. Beasley played 45 for Rangers last week, was part of one of their goals...

Just sayin' players dip in form all the time. It doesn't mean they're crap forever.

[Martin Fischer]

Originally Posted by arkjayback

Yeah, just like Kljestan is out of the picture as well with his horrid run of form. Oh wait . . .

Klejstan's horrid run of form is apparently in the past. Beasley's lack of form through not playing remains saddly current. Until that changes, there is no comparison.