It seems that every U17 team during the Bradenton era produces four players with the talent to eventually become significant players for the senior team. The names from the past: 1999-Donovan, Beasley, Onyewu, Convey 2001-Johnson, Quaranta, Mapp, Marshall 2003-Spector, Adu, Gaven, Szetela It seems there is more uncertainty than usual about who will emerge from this group. My ranking: Kirk, Soroka, Besagno, Igwe, Sarkodie, Alston, Gonzalez, Zimmerman. Of course the Rule of Four isn't really a rule. Just the way things have turned out so far.
And, realistically, as long as they keep this rate up, the core of the senior team will be in good shape. If you presume that the first group can play at an elite international level till they're about 32, which is 2014, then at this rate Bradenton will have produced 28 such players by 2011 who would be capable of playing together at the 2014 World Cup. (With the depth we're creating, I don't see any 18 year olds from the 2013 Bradenton group cracking the WC roster in '14.) Of course, this is all an "if we keep Bradenton" type theory and I doubt we do as I expect by 2010, at the latest, MLS teams will be developing most of the top teenage talent. And that means there should be more than four elite, world class player being produced every two years. Regardless, I think at this rate we should have unprecdented depth going into 2010 and beyond.
I agree that producing players at the rate of four per U17 team is enough to produce solid depth for the national team. It may be a bit optimistic to assume they can continue to be productive till 32, but this should be offset by the emergence of late bloomers who were not stars at the U17 level.
A year ago, you might've only listed 3 for 1999 - yet you're already listing 4 for 2003. I'm not sure it's really "how things have turned out so far". But it does point to the fact that the residency is doing its job - developing talent for the USMNT. And that rocks!
This is very interesting point - THE RULE OF FOUR. Yes you are right, US soccer is producing many young players, and I ´m sure in few years you will produce more then the rule of four says. Once when soccer become more popular in the U.S, more young players will be interested in this beautiful sport. Anyway the Rule of Four says that Americans are becoming more and more competitive in this sport. Maybe it would be interesting to find how is the rule in Germany. I try to do research for you. bltleo Germany
Well I would not look only behind 2010. What about next world cup in Germany in 2006?. I think you have already enough young talented players. I have read many threads on this board and I could realize how difficult it is for all you here to agree on "depth charth" (using word of maximum optimal from other thread) for Germany. So don´t look only behind 2010. You have already excellent players. bltleo Germany
What is your forecast for 2004?. Yes I know the year has not finished yet But what is your The Rule of Four for 2004? Thanks in advance and What would be optimal "Rule" from your perspective? bltleo Germany
now we are not on a different calender... maybe you did not understand....i wanted to say that i want to find out how many players we produce pro year...like The rule of 5 or 6..I hope you understand me.....you know my english is sometimes too stupid and i ask mishapes.... bltleo
note for maximum optimal: I know 2014 : Andrew W....your big secret...hope you know what i mean bltleo
Mirka I think Sandon was telling you it was 2005. But if you really want my forecast for 2004 I'll send it to you.
thank your reply, maximum optimal oh, sorry yes 2005 of course i meant....i mispelled the numbers.. i mispelled the number....small mistake bltleo
och, i meant 2005 of course...i mispelled the number it can happen if you write super quickly.... sorry.....so 2005 is right year! bltleo
sorry I don´t understand your joke. Hey, man; i mispelled number instead 2005 I told 2004, but I think you all are intelligent enough to understand that it was only writting mishapes......no idea what your joke or question?....please explain for me stupid german girl ....thank you......USvsIreland.... bltleo germany
can you explain me the joke of poster which question did you answer? thanks bltleo P.S don´t use any secret language here, dear americans
ach, John tell me.. P.S german class: we say Freund not Freud...plus for girl it is FREUNDIN Freund is a man bltleo
when maximum optimal who opened this thread come back, he will get heart attact...he will not understand what about we are talking here about..i mispelled only one number..instead 2005 i asked about 2005...and you americans sent me these jokes that i don´t understand.. well if you told me Sigmund Freud...I suppose the joke is from sexual area... no idea what the poster meant with his joke. bltleo