Can't believe the Quakes would get that much based on 2 good performances in USMNT friendlies. I have always liked Nick, but IMHO, he is still making 2-3 mistakes per game. I maybe could have blamed a lot of that on the players around him, but on Saturday vs RBNY, that one goal was all him... That was egregious, like he lost consciousness or something.
The Sounders sold Yedlin to the Tottenham Hotspur in England for $2.96 million. I doubt he was that much better than Lima and he only played two seasons for Seattle in MLS.
I was saying exactly this to my neighbor. Lima is on his way out. He isn't a favorite of the coach and his value to the world is higher than his value to the Quakes. I would go so far as to say he _should_ be sold if they can get $1mil or more, unless the coach feels confident he can get more from him than we've seen. And I like Lima, but the reality of how soccer finances work and how player careers go says Lima is sold for everyone's best interest.
Yes, certainly if Almeyda is going to keep subbing Lima out, thereby decreasing his value, then the quakes should trade him ASAP.
I want Lima to stay here so I don't give a crap what his trade value is. My guess is that Almeyda will see the light and Lima regains his 90 minutes at RB.
You're really high on him. I wish I shared that enthusiasm. As a former central defender, if I had a right back that played like Lima does, I'd be yelling at him constantly. Then again, he's a pro and I'm not, and I'm sure there are plenty of teammates of mine who would complain about how I played, too.
Well,it apparently hasn’t enhanced his standing with the USMNT - he isn’t even dressed for tonight’s game.
I sure hope not! However, I would say it is highly likely that when Nick reported to camp he was discouraged, dispirited, and didn’t show as well as he would have if his club coach demonstrated confidence in him.
At the time of the sale Yedlin was only 21, had made the U.S. World Cup squad coming off the bench three times, and made the All-Star team the previous year.
Maybe he was younger but that doesn't mean he was better or more experienced. At the time he was sold, he had only played in 56 professional games for the Sounders. I will acknowledge that European squads look for younger players though so Lima's time may be running out. A scout I talked to watching Lima and others at the Cal games was already saying how 23+ was already too old for American players starting their journeys abroad. Its kind of a catch 22 for some college players. Either stay in school and get your degree or drop out and risk a shot at making it big time in Europe.
The coach had announced in advance that he was going to try Tyler Adams in basically the same role he used Nick in during camp. That made it seem unlikely, to me, to have Lima on the bench.
I like Lima, but the last two games he's been beaten for goals. The last one was just pure laziness. A shot was taken and instead of covering he let his mark get 5-10 yards ahead of him for an easy put in. If he plays like that, he deserves to be on the bench.
The fact that Berhalter called him into Nats camp again is an indication my enthusiasm is likely not misplaced. And whatever problem Lima is having now may have more to do with trying to adapt to Almeyda's insistence on having his players man mark than any inherent inadequacy in his ability. And the guy on the other side of the field isn't doing so hot now either.
This is where I'm not so sure. Maybe his deficiencies are exacerbated by Almeyda's system, but Lima has always had some pretty glaring issues defending one on one at the MLS level. Obviously there is a lot of potential there, and Berhalter choosing him for a call up is a great thing. My evaluation of him is characterized mostly by how I view the role of a defender. It still seems that attacking outside backs are prized, so actual defensive ability is often a secondary concern given how the game is played right now. I think Lima is an OK defender that has some good ability to get forward. I'd prefer a good defender that knows how to distribute the ball quickly in transition.
The goals he's allowed this year I don't think had to do with a system. The last one he was simply ball watching. No defender should be watching the play at the top of 18 and allowing the attacker you're marking get 5+ yards ahead of you for an easy goal. Many good things about him for sure, but a lapse like that doesn't make sense.
Same observation. Still high on Nick, but he is not a lock for the USMNT and needs work before top leagues start calling for him.
In depth profile about Nick Lima in The Athletic today: https://theathletic.com/908297/2019...lley-to-success-with-the-usmnt-so-whats-next/
Lima will be fine...some tough love from Almeyda. On the allowed goal in the RB game...did you notice Cummings was much closer to the play than Lima...and actually never moved an inch to cover his primary central area. Nick was 6 yards further up field and ran back past the Statue of Cummings...just enough to posterize himself late on the play. He is probably having a tough time adapting to the style and direction Almeyda wants him to play...which is different from Berhalter and his previous Quakes coaches. He's had a few plays he's like to have back. Almeyda is a savvy motivator...he knows his approach will pay dividends down the road...you'll see the best Lima has to offer to prove to Almeyda he has what it takes to start...no doubt.
Maybe the genius of Almeyda will end up with TomThom playing right back and Lima playing right or left wing.
I watched his whole football highlights. He was a stud and you can tell he played a more physical sport than soccer at one point in the way he plays -- it gives him an advantage, as his buddy says. I did both too and think it helped a lot in soccer (of course, I'm a defender!). Agreed that Matias seems to be trying to motivate him, but I didn't see him as a guy who needed any additional motivation? TT and Nick should both be starting.
I agree, but Almeyda is setting a very competitive tone. Everyone is accountable for mistakes...even nats players. I thought it was an early hook to pull Lima, but he's using him as an example for the rest of the team...nobody gets preferential treatment...it's a dogfight to get on the field...the way it should be...really earning your minutes. I think there is a great spirit building within the team...strictly due to the way Almeyda handles his team...he's the best influence on the Quakes since the reboot.