We won't really have an idea on where we stand cap wise until the players union releases numbers, and even then it's only an educated guess as the salary numbers aren't 100% accurate. The first thing, basically it means that HGPs can make more money but still not take a senior roster spot. It's not really surprising that KC isn't filling roster spots 19 and 20, that's allowed under MLS rules. If you don't fill roster spots 19 and 20 you're allowed to spread the salary budget among the other 18 players on the roster. We've regularly not filled all 20 senior roster spots so that we can spread the salary budget out among fewer players. Yes the roster can still be fluid until the transfer window closes in May. Yesterday was the compliance deadline, meaning teams had to be compliant with all roster rules and with any subsequent roster moves they have to stay compliant with the rules.
First point, aw man. I thought the MLSPA numbers were accurate. That's disappointing. On the HG players, so each player on the sup roster can make as much as $195K, and the reserve roster players can each make up to $180k? That's a good thing for holding on to young players. I wasn't surprised by the senior roster vacancies, but the reserve vacancies seemed odd, as they are quite inexpensive. As noted, it indicates we really didn't see much in our draft picks if none of them were seen as worth $56k.
Merritt Paulson would always make a big deal about how they weren't all together accurate each year when they come out. They're a good starting point and give you a decent idea, but they're not the exact numbers.
Eh, let's wait until he actually sees the pitch. I may not have to expend the brain cells learning anything about him.
More on Zelalem. https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/gedion-zelalem-arsenal-transfer-news-15931738
Very interesting, More midfield help is always a good thing. He seems to be injury prone , but is young and could be a great help to the SKC midfield. From everything I have read, Zelalem could very well be headed to SKC soon. Arsenal and SKC don't exactly play the same kind of system, so I am wondering how Zelalem will fit into the SKC system.
Remember, under Arsene, Arsenal were known as Barca-lite. The tactics were a bit different, but the philosophies were the same. Zelaem was groomed for one touch passing, skill on the ball, sharp movement wihtout the ball. Vermes might have to teach him that, yeah, but also defend. Still, if this is getting done I'd hope it's a long contract, because I could see the first year being an adjustment, and a lot of time at PInnacle figuring out how to stay off the injury list. He's quite impressive when he can play, which is another way of saying he's a waste of time and space on a roster. He's be a very high reward reclamation project.
Getting word @SportingKC, @Arsenal and Gedion Zelalem have struck a deal, and the U.S. youth intl will arrive in Kansas City on Sunday.— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) March 9, 2019
The Zelalem signing is exciting. Hopefully he can work his way up to being a solid option at the No. 6 and No.8. Illie will eventually need to take a game off.
Zelalem is encouraing, and might play into the Ilie gets a break narrative as we know him through Bliss, who was part of the U setup that played Zelalem as a 6. He says he is completely healthy. I'm hoping to see him play in the next couple weeks, is that an outside chance?
With the Rangers, sure. I doubt he's playing with SKC immediately. He had said during the press conference that PV has told him to be patient at first.
Given the importance of Ilie to what we do, I think he really may need to break down to get a rest. He should schedule one for our bye week, though.
Okay, there's a reason he was considered the next Arsenal golden boy under Wegner. Jeebus he's got quick feet.
Okay, so does this mean Freeman now travels with the first team? I have no problem with the general idea of a young player seeing some time, but man he is really young. IIRC by the end of camp, he had started to figure it out, but you really do not want to destroy a young player by putting too much, too soon on him
Yikes. That sucks, also because Hurtado wasn't looking too bad by this point. Nemeth is definitely the guy, so really hoping his body holds up this season. Salloi as a backup isn't too painful, but it isn't his best position. I'd almost be happier with Russell moving in and Salloi moving to the wing if we had to, but that might be heresy. Does make you wonder how Vermes rates Freeman. If we struggle through the first half of the season thin at striker, does he sign another Hurtado kind of depth guy to round things out this summer, or does Tyler start getting opportunities? I mean, we all hope the kid turns out to be a prodigy, of course. But realistically, I do wonder how this will shake out. Wondered even before Hurtado got hurt.
Hurtado down sucks. Salloi might be the closest like for like replacement for Nemeth but I would like to see a No.9 depth signing now that Hurtado is out. I'm very happy with Nemeth as the starting No. 9, but some of these other options are terrible. Freemen, really? He's literally a kid and not near ready to play first team minutes. Croizet's only good role is as the 93rd minute sub. Salloi will get the crap beat out of him, but he has the ability to drop like Nemeth and also combine in the box. Russell...some guys are just wide players and he fits that mode. He's great on the wing where he can try that same bridge move over and over to dribble the left back and then cut inside. That works out wide, but you can't bridge move two CBs and a holding mid. I'll say this, in FIFA Gerso's speed makes him a heck of a No. 9. Maybe PV should try that : )