Zardes has 7 goals and 9 primary assists across 33 matches worth of minutes which is outstanding when also factoring his Copa record. That's a bit more than an ignorant/patronizing 'hardworking' appellation. He has an excellent record at forward as well as at wide midfield. His record at forward in MLS is also outstanding. Individual coaches have their reasons for moving players around; see, for example, Adams. Under Berhalter, Zardes has a goal and primary assist in 4 matches at forward. He is scoring/assisting at his normally excellent historical rate.
In March/April 2019, Zardes isn't an issue for me. His work rate, his energy and sometimes good play is more than enough when looking at this roster that Berhalter puts out. I'd take him over Altidore for a couple reasons. But Sargent is the future and that means the next WC IMO. No way Zardes is the mad then, but I'll still take him on the roster over Wood or Altidore. Those 2 that surrounded him are more an issue moving forward. No way Arriola or Baird are international quality. Baird has time to get there but we have young guys that are at an international level now regardless of their club situations.
He had one good assist and a lucky goal in two games against good teams. He had two awful games in the January Camp against two bad teams. He certainly has a role on the team, but I'd like to see better strikers get an opportunity to play there to see where they're at. Novakovic, Sargent, and Weah come to mind.
I notice that other Concacaf teams, even the minnows are much more willing to take a rip from distance. Is this a US coaching thing?
It sorta seems like it. Our guys almost never take pot-shots. Certainly, when someone new takes the field and "tries stuff", like Aron Johansson back in 2013(?), it stands out as being exciting/effective. I remember the first couple of times he got the ball, away to some team. He was tricky with the ball at his feet, and took shots when they presented themselves. Didn't score, but was very exciting to watch. I'd like us to test the GK more.
Agree that guys like Weah and Sargent are the future. Hopefully they get big minutes at club level, over the next couple of years. Arriola has 3 goals and 2 primary assists in 12 games worth of minutes. That's excellent for a winger. Just as importantly, he defends well. His game has been improving. He isn't a lock starter, but deserves to be in the rotation. Baird isn't ready. But his selection, which wasn't tied to previous connections to 3G or to league dominance, did help to shed light on what Berhalter wants from his wingers--namely, workrate, pace, and physicality.
I say this with all due respect: pump the brakes a little (unless you are his Mom. In which case I say: I admire your restraint Mrs. Sargent).
probably is. yet what would be the real incentive? why rock the cushy little boat he's in now and jeopardize his standing?
Because he may actually believe in himself as a soccer player. He may take feedback from teammates and coaches, instead of BS from BS.
oh, god- one hopes he doesn't take advice from "us". personally, i think he's being placed above his calling...and he knows it. just a hunch.
Ask yourself this question....... if GB was not the coach, would Zardes even be on the team? I think the answer is obvious, You can throw Trapp into that same question too
I’m sure both of these guys give it their all in practice/are nice guys, but they just don’t have what it takes to play at the international level. Playing with them against any top opponent is playing two men down from the get go.
Zardes has been mercurial and is having an average season. So yeah. I mean Altidore isn't even healthy too. Trapp is having a bad season however, no explanation there.
It’s a form of torture to watch him. But he is statistically pretty productive. At a certain point, it ain’t luck. He hustles and gets in good positions at an A+ level. Once there he plays at a D level. How do you assess that? ******** if i know.
I don’t know how to assess either but coaches are going to look at different phases of the game snd I am sure Zardes gets very high marks for his off the ball work, both in defending and in transition. Plus, he can do this for 90 minutes. If he was merely average in these areas or can be counted to fade significantly at 75’, I doubt we would see much of him.
You assess by watching him play and seeing how many of his goals and assists have been literally accidental.