Although Trapp did receive a couple international caps under Klinsmann, he didn't earn any in 2017 with Arena. So I'm not sure if he should be classified as a holdover from the failed tenures of Klinsmann and Arena. And I'm not a member of the Trapp pack.
Then tell us what do you hear? What is the benefit of taking the most in-form, highest ceiling CM in our pool and having him play a gimmicky RB role? Many have suggested it is to get WFT/MB90 on the field. If true, that would be beyond clueless and arbitrary and borders the realm of criminal stupidity. Lets eliminate that reason for the moment and come up with another. Please, WHY!
Doyle's starting XI. How times change. I wonder what would be the reaction if either of our 3 previous coaches dared to put out something like that!
Ya, I hope Miazga isn't in that role. The stupidity of taking maybe the 2nd best CM in US history (based on current level of play) and making him a right back; taking a poor dribbling, poor passing poor crossing fullback and making him a wing forward ffs; is only compounded by taking a guy that's 6'5" tall, fast but not super agile, and making him sometimes play right back. That would be all kinds of stupid. I'm sure Miazga is excited about the prospect of being 1v1 against wingers way out in space.
I think this is the likely lineup. I hope Triple G will experiment a little going forward about what the best spot for Adams is. I think it is best to keep an open mind on this. Whether the team is better with him at hybrid RB or at the traditional 6. A case could be made either way. I don't think it is a slam dunk. So the right approach is to be flexible and try both and see what works best.
Taylor Twellman made your EXACT point on The United States of Soccer show today. He said something to the effect of 'Imagine what we would be saying if Klinsmann were making known his intention to play this team.' Even while supporting the experiment, he is honest enough to know that this would be received much differently under those circumstances. As an aside, I let it be known earlier in the thread my opinion that Pulisic preferred the wide positions, based on something Pulisic said in an interview on Tuesday. Well, it appears I am wrong. Twellman mentioned that Pulisic has actually asked Berhalter to play in the center of the field. As it is quite clear that Twellman has been in contact with Berhalter personally, I am going with what he said.
It does seem to me what Triple G is trying to do is to have very different roles for McKennie and Adams on offense and defense (and presumably the relative importance of their defensive/offensive burdens will vary with the strength of the opposition). The biggest vulnerability from giving them these hybrid roles likely will come making the transition after we lose the ball. But given the athleticism, range and soccer IQs of McKennie and Adams it could work. Triple G could play it safe and go with Adams at the 6 and McKennie at the 8. But he is being creative and trying to get more out of them by giving them hybrid roles. Maybe it works. Maybe not. But I like the idea of trying something different to take advantage of the unique skill sets of two of our best players.
Holy hell. That front 3 is scarier than anything my nightmares could have dreamed up. And of course the feral cat is in the lineup too. What a cluster F.
I don't see Yedlin starting, at least not there. GB will not be able to properly evaluate Adams if Yedlin is not doing the correct thing. It is possible that Yedlin could do it flawlessly, but chances are that Baird starts, having been doing this in camp and games for four weeks. Yedlin probably comes in for the Ecuador game, like Arriola did against Panama. Then maybe starts against Chile.
Actually, Miazga did well against Lainez multiple times last September and against Almiron a year ago. He was 1 v 1 with those players more central too, which is harder in a Sarachan system where you know it was a break down. At least tonight, if he is isolated, he probably sees it coming.
Looking at this line up, these are the things that run through my head. 1 - Zardes repeatedly waste scoring opportunities as passes coming in from Pulisic, McKennie, and Yedlin bounces 20 yards away from his feet. 2 - Adams and McKennie are kept busy trying to clean up MB's messes, because the guy is just too slow and lazy
Well, if MB does continue to get significant time, that will be a clear demonstration that Sunil Gulati still wields a lot of power--probably with Don Garber's blessing, if not with his direct assistance.
I disagree. Fanciness is for cheap half time shows. Perfect the basics and you will win lots of games and trophies.
I'm afraid I don't understand. What's your point? This combination of players and quality has not been available in any form since WC02. That USMNT was arguably better than the team available tonight.
We'll see (well, hopefully we won't - although Miazga would be a better choice there than Gonzo). Regardless of a breakdown in the system, there is going to be less space centrally than out on the wing. If Miazga is out on the wing defending wingers with any regularity, he's going to get schoooooled. I have zero faith in Miazga defending wingers on the wing. And, less confidence in anyone who would think there aren't better options for that role.
Serious question - Does anyone know of other national teams who take their best/most talented player, and move his position? I realize many either a. don't like this, or b. are waiting to see how it goes. But I'm legitimately wondering if this happens with other teams?
C’mon... you know that sad robot always comments on the depressive “tele-novela” end of soccer analysis.
I dont agree with part about Miazga. He is probably our best CB in this group at 1v1 defending. He is just playing on the right in 3 man back line and Adams is supposedly going to be tracking back to that space... in theory. It will interesting to see how high Adams goes on offense.
Yep, but somebody hasnt figured out his schtick and the false info might be spread. Heck, he got 5 reps for that silly post. It only makes me more of the belief that there is a group of MLS fans who have something against foreign based players and dual nationals.
A line-up for the hybrid Age...I like the out of the box thinking. Shake things up, see what rises to the surface.