Wow. I could understand this if he were 18-19..but he's 24 and was passed over in the superdraft, and wasn't signed by Portland after being drafted in the supplemental. So, either MLS clubs failed royally at identifying his potential, or JK is really reaching here...or he's developed hugely over the last few years. He's certainly had a good season.
I think its more likely that Klinsmann is having a tough time with his MLS players for this set of games...................................... It does show you the extent to which the USSF staff is scouting these days.
He's an attacking midfielder/winger. Ibarra wasn't great last season, but he's improved a lot and been our 2nd best player behind Christian Ramirez (the goal-scorer in the GIF) this season. This is him setting up the game-winner this past Saturday.
gotta keep your mind open. Brian Ching played A-leaague and was a good USMNT player. This guy looks composed, at least from the video.
I'm shocked to say the least, but I'm open to this possibility. If this guy is really as good as some are saying, then call him up. Its not the first time that a player has impressed in a second division and moved his way up the ladder. I just question if this guy is actually good enough or if Klinsmann and his staff are overreacting to a player dominating at an incredibly low level. I guess we'll see. Strange that Portland Timbers didn't even keep this guy around after drafting him. Maybe he got a lot better over the past few years? I think we'll know for sure by January or February if this is a good call up. If MLS teams come calling to sign him, then we'll know it probably was a good decision. If they don't and this guy is still playing in USL next season, then we'll know it was a crazy overreaction by Klinsmann.
This callup could also be heavily motivated by the fact that MLS clubs are in their final playoff push (and Supporter's Shield push, too, for LA and Seattle) and coaches have asked Klinsy to not pick their players.
That better not be the reasoning. I'm sure Klinsmann can find 23 players around the globe that have some type of potential USMNT future that could play in this game.
If Mexico can call up Cubo Torres from an absolutely hideous Chivas USA club... Why can't Klinsi call up a player from a better side, even if it's 2nd division? Of course, no bias here whatsoever... <<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Go for it...Give it a try. No MLS team that's close to the playoffs and no International player who won't want a close first team player to travel to US. 1- 2- 3- ......
Looks like Landon Donovan won't have his teammates there. Just a few no names. So much for a memorable send off.
I'm probably in the minority here but I see this game more of a look to the future than Landon's final goodbye. To put in another way, I'm more excited for seeing guys like Zardes, Trapp, and Ibarra than I am in seeing Landon play one more time.
I can see it now. His teammates congratulate Landon Donovan on his career and Donovan responds to most of them 'Who are you?'
The more time goes on, the more this totally seems in character for Klinsmann. All three of your assessments seem plausible to me, and maybe all three are simultaneously true. (On the related note, it's clear by now that our manager is nuts, regularly does nutty things to make for the purpose of making a point, and quite often is actually on to something.) I'm not expecting anything of Ibarra, though. We'll see how it plays out, but I suspect there's more than a hint of Klinsmann doing things for the sake of making his points here...