I never attempted to say they were world class, rather you would spend a long time searching for a current national team with a pair of worldclass fullbacks- Brazil is the only team I can think of.
Maybe but not because of Chandler. It just Johnson + X would be the best in the history of USMNT. We never had a good left back, right backs of Chandler's level - plenty of.
Reject again? This isn't about Germany they aren't interested in him with the comments he made about being committed with the USA last year.
I agree. I just extend it a little further than some folks, I guess. I remember feeling personally affronted that he'd pick club over country for an important match, before eventually deciding that his play on the field was more important than my wounded ego. All I'm saying is, I'm not slamming the door on the guy if Germany doesn't pan out and he wants to commit to us again. Steve C isn't getting any younger and his form is slipping in a hurry; Chandler is considerably better than anyone we have in reserve. Yeah, it'll suck knowing we were the consolation prize, but he'll still make the team better.
The original statement was that we would have one of the top tandems at RB /LB in international play. Anyhow I made the comment based on JK saying that Fabian was considered the best LB in the BL during the last part of the season. Add Chandlers play and it's a reason opinion. To say they are world class is a waste of time considering how very few agree on what world class is. So, if JK says Fabian is one of the top BL LB's and most agree Chandler is one of the top RB's in the BL then they would be a damn good tandem
I also feel that having Johnson and Chandler (though I haven't seen much of him) would be a very, very good combo. While a lot of countries have one of either wing backs as a high level international player, not many have two quite at the caliber of both those guys.
Here's what my evil twin would do. 1. Call TC in for the last qualie in this round. 2. Sub him on in the 88th minute. 3. Sub him off in the 89th minute. 4. Ask him as he walks by, "So, how did you like your international career? Because it's over now, you waffling bitch." Then I'd laugh the mwahahah laugh.
At which point Chandlers actual twin jumps out and bitch slaps you and wags the german hand over his face.
It is so weird to see all the posts talking about "caliber" of a back like Chandler. I've seen so many players in WC's with "caliber" who just don't deliver. There is a reason for it. Figure it out or keep your hanky dry because you'll need it eventually.
It has already been said that there is no hurry to replace Dolo, even when Chandler was on the team so it is not really clear how one puts Chandler above Dolo, Captain of Hannover, who shut down every guy he played against in the WC. That's WC, not some BL trash that Chandler plays against every week. Now let's look at Johnson. Johnson is a great assist man but his defence doesn't compare with Boca's when Boca was left back. We all expect he will do on the defensive end with some improvement and I'm his biggest supporter but it is hard to see how he rates above Boca who was captain of the WC team. It just isn't a very easy comparison, especially since Boca had some goals for us. So how exactly do this duo rate above Dolo and Boca with such absolute certainty? I'm nonplussed.
Dolo was a soldier for us, but he is aged and on the decline. Lichaj, Johnson, and Chandler are all playing at a higher lever than he is right now.
Looking forward to this next month. A lot could change for the US picture for 2014 if chandler jumps on with us.
Interesting suggestion. I have to ask, how many others believe this? Many people on this site have considered Cherundolo's and Bocanegra's ages, in 2014, when constantly looking for replacements. I have been doing the same. However, I don't think many people have been saying that others have already surpassed these guys. We've seen multiple guys with the potential and the opportunity, but has anyone passed either of these guys yet?
in terms of mental edge and defensive positioning....boca and dolo are above all 3. in terms of physical ability and pace...the other 3 win. by 2014 though if chandler, lichaj and fabian continue to play a lot for club teams at a high level and learn more and more....well i think the gap will be significantly closed in the mental aspect of the game. more games played for those three the closer the gap is closed.
I agree with this statement, completely. That's exactly what I'm suggesting. Additional playing time over the next few years for the young guys, combined with Cherundolo and Bocanegra being 2 years older, makes me think (or maybe hope) that we'll have new starters by then. However, I completely disagree that the young guys are ready to completely take the starting spots away from these 2, now.
I concur. Gold Cup would be a great tournament to test out chandler, lichaj and ream and such as we did in the previous one. we really should let that happen again. no reason not to.