The future of our back line

don't_tread_011 · 12 Nov 2009, 05:03 PM

I'm really high on both Spector and DeMerit. I think they are both ace when they've played for us. I could see Spector making a good run/possibly winning the starting spot, and DeMerit could become a starter one day. Very good players getting good time over seas with Spector at West Ham and DeMerit at Watford. What do you all think?

CCowden · 12 Nov 2009, 06:58 PM

DeMerit: Yes
Spector: No

I found Specs to be great during the Confed this summer but he has been inconsistent since. Until recently he wasn't getting any time with WH (thankfully that has changed) and I don't think he's made a runaway case for being a better option for Dolo.

Spector's case is precarious because he and Dolo play the same position but bring different skill sets to the table.

Dolo: smaller (problems with aerial battles), faster, better offensively, experienced

Spector: taller/bigger, slower (and has a hard time against speedy forwards), some aerial issues, better pure defender, too slow when moving forward

I thought Dolo looked fantastic for 75% of a very tight game against Costa Rica. His passing and movement forward were fantastic. Ultimately, I think it may come down to what the US MNT needs out of our outside backs. If we want more defense - Spector. If we want more offense - Dolo.

Dolo is getting up there in age but he is still very serviceable and the option I most comfortable with. He's played at this stage for much longer and with more consistency than Spector. I also believe that, with Dempsey's role of not being a traditional right mid, we need the offensive presence along the flank Dolo can provide. Specs still looks a bit lost moving forward with the ball and while his crosses are great (Dolo's are, as well) he often takes a very long time to get them off.

Without a doubt, however, Spector is the RB of the future. In my mind, Dolo still has the edge.

(Sorry for the length.)

Donofan_10 · 12 Nov 2009, 08:17 PM

demerit is 29. He's not the future. Spector is the future as well as the present, it's just not clear at what position

Cujo1126 · 12 Nov 2009, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CCowden

DeMerit: Yes
Spector: No

I found Specs to be great during the Confed this summer but he has been inconsistent since. Until recently he wasn't getting any time with WH (thankfully that has changed) and I don't think he's made a runaway case for being a better option for Dolo.

Spector's case is precarious because he and Dolo play the same position but bring different skill sets to the table.

Dolo: smaller (problems with aerial battles), faster, better offensively, experienced

Spector: taller/bigger, slower (and has a hard time against speedy forwards), some aerial issues, better pure defender, too slow when moving forward

I thought Dolo looked fantastic for 75% of a very tight game against Costa Rica. His passing and movement forward were fantastic. Ultimately, I think it may come down to what the US MNT needs out of our outside backs. If we want more defense - Spector. If we want more offense - Dolo.

Dolo is getting up there in age but he is still very serviceable and the option I most comfortable with. He's played at this stage for much longer and with more consistency than Spector. I also believe that, with Dempsey's role of not being a traditional right mid, we need the offensive presence along the flank Dolo can provide. Specs still looks a bit lost moving forward with the ball and while his crosses are great (Dolo's are, as well) he often takes a very long time to get them off.

Without a doubt, however, Spector is the RB of the future. In my mind, Dolo still has the edge.

(Sorry for the length.)

I'd say Spector brings more offense than Dolo. HIs crosses are deadly, and his overlapping runs (while less often) are better timed.

Also, if you've been watching Dolo in the Bundesliga lately, you'd know he's not having a great season. He looked downright awful last weekend.

arkjayback · 12 Nov 2009, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by don't_tread_011

I'm really high on both Spector and DeMerit. I think they are both ace when they've played for us. I could see Spector making a good run/possibly winning the starting spot, and DeMerit could become a starter one day. Very good players getting good time over seas with Spector at West Ham and DeMerit at Watford. What do you all think?

What "future" are you talking about? Demerit, Bocanegra, and Cherundolo are all in their last go-round for the Nats. Whoever the coach is for the next cycle, he will be looking for some new guys.

Onyewu will likely be the one veteran that will remain through the next cycle. Centerbacks can last a lot longer than other positions, Gooch will have the most experience, and he's a bit younger than the other guys.

Spector and Bornstein will remain through the next cycle. They're both still kinda young and improving. When it comes to filling out the rest of the depth chart, take your pick: Chad Marshall, Clarence Goodson, Michael Parkhurst, Michael Orozco, Omar Gonzalez, Ike Opara, Gale Agbossoumonde, Kyle Davies, Heath Pearce, Frankie Simek, Ryan Franklin, AJ DeLaGarza, Marvell Wynne, Chris Wingert, Anthony Wallace, Greg Garza, and hopefully Rodney Wallace.

CCowden · 12 Nov 2009, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cujo1126

I'd say Spector brings more offense than Dolo. HIs crosses are deadly, and his overlapping runs (while less often) are better timed.

Also, if you've been watching Dolo in the Bundesliga lately, you'd know he's not having a great season. He looked downright awful last weekend.

Completely (though respectfully) disagree. Dolo is much better in terms of pace, speed, and decision-making than Spector when he moves forward. In fact, I think in a different life he could play a right defensive mid. He overlaps very well as well as crosses as accurately as Spector - and has been doing so for much, much longer. It was those characteristics I noticed about him several years ago when he starting playing regularly for the Nats.

Also, Dolo has been coming back from injury this fall; nevertheless, he has maintained his starting position. The same most certainly cannot be said for a healthy Spector.