[Bruce S]

I am no Wizards fan, but if I ask who has impressed me the most in all the games I have seen, and warrants the big call to USMNT: Chris Klein. He is an animal-huge, strong, fast, pretty skilled and the sucker has an excellent shot. I am not saying he has a position on the flank locked up, but someone will have to work VERY hard to beat him for the slot.

[Coryattheplex]

I watched Chris play all four years at IU, and was always impressed by the technical abilities he posseses, while being of such an imposing size......he is a REALLY big man. I don't know what has held him back from breaking in with the national team.....I also would hesitate to call him a lock, but he can definately kick that midget Coby Jones' ass up and down the right side of the field.

That's it...my USA National team philosophy in a nutshell, PLEASE DEAR GOD GET COBI OFF OUR TEAM!
AMEN

[jamesf24]

Klein was in, getting a start in the final critical game at Barbados in the first round of qualifying. Also played well in a friendly against Mexico (Landon's first cap), but a knee injury cost him his chance. He is really just now coming back into that form. In the future, when we have the likes of Klein & Suarez, we will be able to physically dominate, and have the "dance" of the game, with skill of Donovan, Beasley etc.


James

[Bruce S]

Originally posted by Coryattheplex
I watched Chris play all four years at IU, and was always impressed by the technical abilities he posseses, while being of such an imposing size......he is a REALLY big man. I don't know what has held him back from breaking in with the national team.....I also would hesitate to call him a lock, but he can definately kick that midget Coby Jones' ass up and down the right side of the field.

That's it...my USA National team philosophy in a nutshell, PLEASE DEAR GOD GET COBI OFF OUR TEAM!
AMEN

hey, Cobi has been a valuable player for the USA for a long time and had an excellent World Cup so give the man his props. That said, it is not an issue. Cobi is in his 30s, Klein is what, 25? Also, given the number of good, small players the USA has, we need a few big men to bring some power to the offense AND defence. Klein is a beast.

[jamesf24]

I believe Klein is 26.

What am I doing up at midnight on Monday writing about Chris Klein?

[Bruce S]

with Sanneh, Pope and McBride on the wrong side of 30 in 2006, we will need some big tough guys in our line-up, especially against Euro teams. Chris is a tough guy who can play.

[Delta Blues]

Originally posted by Bruce S
with Sanneh, Pope and McBride on the wrong side of 30 in 2006, we will need some big tough guys in our line-up, especially against Euro teams. Chris is a tough guy who can play.

Another factor is that there are continually more and more players who still contribute at later ages now. 30 isn't as old as it used to be in football. Training and diet regimens have made careers more productive for a longer time. I think this will continue as nutrition and training advances keep getting better. Klein would be a nice addition to the pool IMO.

[jamison]

Klein is good, but I think Ruiz and Twellman deserve to be 1-2 in player of the year voting as far as MLS players. Nat team consideration is something different all together, but I have no problem with Klein getting some friendly game action in the off season.

[McGinty]

To be fair, Klein has only recently started to get hot. He was not impressive earlier in the year. He needs to improve on his crossing, but other than that, he has all of the physical tools and skills to do something productive with the US.

Recently he's been playing an attacking right back position in a 442, and pretty much has to work the entire right flank so he's definitely a horse.

[Unorthodox Yank]

ahem....nick garcia.