Time to start this. Zardes is on fire right now and has more goals than any other American in MLS this season. Just a matter of time before he receives his first call-up to the national team.
I think it's good to be skeptical of young players. But the kid is making smart runs and finishing chances. He might just be a squad or depth guys, but hey--the USMNT needed Conor Casey to get to South Africa. I don't think he's going to be a star, but Zardes might have a role to play.
A callup definitely isn't out of the picture. I do feel he is a much better striker than winger though. I remember watching his concacaf champions league game back in the spring and remembering him looking pretty bad out on the wing.
Like no other force, JK can and should expedite the transfers of guys like Zardes to European clubs...at the very least give them a chance to make it happen a la Yedlin. Should be one of his top priorities at the beginning of a new cycle especially.
Seems pretty obvious that he will get called up for the next domestic match -- and he will have deserved it.
19th in total shots, 3rd in goals. Not the most complete analysis by any stretch, but doesn't sound like he's that wasteful. Your theme about Zardes is on a one-year delay.
I'm hoping he stays another year to continue learning from Keane. I don't want to see another attacker prematurely transfer to a big Euro league. I'm optimistic on his ability to become a regular in the NT. He reads the game well, He's developing a good poacher's instinct. He makes excellent runs. He has good size and pace. He traps decently enough and is fairly indefatigable.
To put it another way: He moves with purpose and isn't robotic in and around the 18. It's a pleasure to watch that kind of forward at any age.
Very true. I think another positive, that IndividualEleven noted, is his tireless nature. Ability being equal among players, his work rate, and willingness to defend from the front, harass and tire defenders, and then even translate that into a wide player position bodes well for his future. That energy can often keep you on the field even if you hit a slump.
He's only 2 years younger than jozy and 1. And a half older than gyau and 4 yrs older than green...that's nuts! He deserves a shot
I still see him flubbing some easy chances. He's not BWP-wasteful, but he probably should have a handful of goals more than he does. BUT, that being said, IMO, he could be a useful piece. As otherwise noted, he's got a great work rate, and the ability to find himself in positions to score as consistently isn't exactly something that's easily taught. As you noted, he's improved his finishing this year. So maybe I should amend my statement to: Likely Outcome at the NT Level: Josh Wolff. Ceiling: Danny Welbeck-ish. Is that more fair?
Yeah, his play over the last 3-4 months has warranted him getting a look, especially this early in the cycle. My only concern is that we are establishing too high of a hope on him this early in his career. I'm sure a Galaxy fan will correct me, but I don't believe that he had a single goal in either MLS play or CCL this year at the time that the players were released to the World Cup. So essentially, 2 and a half months into the season, Zardes was goal-less. Hell, I remember reading in pretty much every single thread that concerned the Galaxy about what a terrible player he was, during March and April. In addition to lusting after guys like Villareal, there were overt statements that Zardes just wasn't a soccer player and had no mind for the game. Four months later, there is a post here clamoring for him to leave MLS immediately, as if he is too good for the league. I hope that when or if he hits a rough patch for a month next year, or next month for that matter, we don't start the cycle of tearing him down all over again.
Josh Wolff consistently found himself in positions to score. I remember a friendly that was...maybe prior to WC2002 where within the first 20 minutes he had like 5 pretty good chances.
I agree he could be useful. But damn, where are the young difference makers? (Subject for another thread, I guess.)
I watch probably 80% of Galaxy games. Last year he was played wide all year and learned a little bit tactically, but now that he's up front we're looking at a dramatically different growth trajectory. He does waste some chances, but its night and day compared to last year. He plays defense, he plays within the team concept, he's humble and coachable. The improvements he's made in decision-making and work ethic suggest a nice international career IMHO.