Spector hoping to become central defender

Discussion in 'Yanks Abroad' started by Right Foot Planted, Sep 6, 2007.

  1. Right Foot Planted

    Aug 11, 2007
    Interesting. I had some idea, or at least hoped that hed want that, but cool to hear him say it. He played there once or twice last season, just not very well (or at least at the wrong time of the season), but he's been bulking up a bit, and getting wiser. I think he'd make a good CB, eventually, a bit like Hermann Hreidarson (Portsmouth). :)

    He talks about the US team, Gold Cup, WH, etc. as well.
     
  2. FC Tallavana

    FC Tallavana Member+

    Jul 1, 2004
    La Quinta
    I could swear he's an inch or two taller than he was a couple years ago. If true, that cetainly won't hurt his case.
     
  3. Clint Eastwood

    Clint Eastwood Member+

    Dec 23, 2003
    Somerville, MA
    Club:
    FC Dallas
    That's the hair.
     
  4. onefineesq

    onefineesq Member+

    Sep 16, 2003
    Laurel, MD
    Club:
    DC United
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    i agree. i keep reading that he is 6', but when i see him next to other players on the US team who claim to be 6', he is easily taller than them. He seems to be closer to Bradley's height than he is to Bocanegra's height, for instance.
     
  5. Sandon Mibut

    Sandon Mibut Member+

    Feb 13, 2001
    I think the odds are pretty good that he plays centerback for the U23/Olympic team.
     
  6. golazo68

    golazo68 Member+

    Dortmund
    United States
    May 21, 2004
    Brazil
    When Spector switched to defense as a teen, it was as a central defender.

    When he was in reserves at Man U (and got great reviews) for 2 years, it was as a central defender.

    Even at Charltons preseason, in which Curbishley said Spector played like the best defender in camp during pre-season, it was at central defense.

    I s'pose due to age as much as anything, Spector got his chances on the outside first. In the teams he's played, that's been the need- so he's filled it.

    But yeah, he really was a central defender. But being a team guy (and also smart), he took the opportunity as presented.
     
  7. onefineesq

    onefineesq Member+

    Sep 16, 2003
    Laurel, MD
    Club:
    DC United
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    It would be nice to see him get an opportunity as a central defender because quite frankly I'm not bubbling with confidence with the US' options back there. If he fails, he fails. Life goes on. The team wouldn't be any worse for wear.
     
  8. Matrim55

    Matrim55 Member+

    Aug 14, 2000
    Berkeley
    Club:
    Connecticut
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Not to mention he's an awful fullback.
     
  9. matabala

    matabala Member+

    Sep 25, 2002
    Spector is a "tweener". Not big enough to play centrally, not quick enough to play outside back. If you had to choose the best option going forward it looks like central defense is where he'll be least exposed. He's got the technical qualities to off-set his lack of size.
     
  10. FC Tallavana

    FC Tallavana Member+

    Jul 1, 2004
    La Quinta
    I guess we'll just have to call in Roberto Carlos and Daniel Alves for the next friendly.

    Uh. Nevermind.

    I suppose we can call in our other American fullbacks playing in one of the world's Big 3 leagues.

    Uh. Nevermind.
     
  11. FC Tallavana

    FC Tallavana Member+

    Jul 1, 2004
    La Quinta
    Have you compared his size to the other nats lately?

    Only Gooch is clearly taller.

    Even in the Premiership, he looks more like a central defender in height than a fullback.
     
  12. bungadiri

    bungadiri Super Moderator
    Staff Member

    Jan 25, 2002
    Acnestia
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    No, he isn't.
     
  13. Maximum Optimal

    Maximum Optimal Member+

    Jul 10, 2001
    Spector is taller than Boca. But Boca is better in the air. Just has better timing on his jumps and is more savvy about how to initiate contact. Jonathan hasn't learned some of these tricks and I often see him bouncing off someone when he goes up for a header.
     
  14. Orange14

    Orange14 Moderator
    Staff Member

    Apr 27, 2007
    Bethesda, MD
    Club:
    AFC Ajax
    Nat'l Team:
    Netherlands
    Here's what I come up with from Soccernet. It's not scientific and I don't draw any conclusions other than to note that Spector's height is in the same range as other noted EPL center backs

    J. Spector - 6'1"
    C. Bocanegra - 6'1"
    J. Terry - 6'2"
    R. Carvalho - 6'
    J. Carragher - 6'1"
    R. Ferdinand - 6'2"
    A. Ferdinand - 6'
    N. Vidic - 6'2"
    K. Toure - 6'
    W. Gallas - 5'11"
     
  15. FirstStar

    FirstStar Hustlin' for the USA

    Fulham Football Club
    Feb 1, 2005
    Time's Arrow
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I'd be pleased to see Specs end up as a central defender. I agree that he's not fast enough to go much higher up the food chain as a fullback. However, if he can master the art of central defense, the considerable ball control skills he already possesses will be a significant upgrade at that position for the US.
     
  16. mtizzle

    mtizzle Member

    Jun 12, 2006
    Conshohocken
    It's not height it's more about bulk, I think. I think he has deceptive pace because he has such a long stride. But really, does Gary Neville have that much pace? I don't think that's his biggest problem. I just don't think Spector passes accurately enough over the top to be a top fullback. He probably could be a better dribbler as well so that he could really get into the attack, if needed. Probably at best he's average. Which isn't bad. He is only 21, it's pretty great what he's accomplished already.
     
  17. Hammerette 1

    Hammerette 1 Member

    May 24, 2007
    England
    Well all I can say is the bloke masquerading as Spector at West Ham is 6-6'1 max and average build. He does have good ground ball skills but IMO he's not strong enough aerially at the moment to be a top class CH. I don't think he's particularly slow either, seen him bombing down the flanks several times this season. Let's not forget that the fullback is a defender and not a winger so whilst it's a plus to be able to link up in attacking play his defensive skills, positional play and ability to read the game are as, if not more, important than pure speed. I don't see why he can't make a decent fullback and that realistically is where he'll be best served if he wants a PL career. There is usually much more competition for CH places. I'm sure if he was good enough to play CH for his national team he'd be able to adapt though.
     
  18. MLSNHTOWN

    MLSNHTOWN Member+

    Oct 27, 1999
    Houston, TX
    Unless he gets better in the air (where he becomes semi-dominant), then CB should be out.

    I still think he would make a hell of a d-mid.
     
  19. Bizz

    Bizz Member

    Aug 19, 2003
    Needham, MA
    Unless there is a very good distributor playing with him, I would be concerned about his ability there as a pure destroyer role is only useful when there is somebody playing off him who always knows how to show for the ball and then make the right pass.
     
  20. Hammerette 1

    Hammerette 1 Member

    May 24, 2007
    England
    Well he'd be in luck as our star midfielder Nigel Quashie is returning to full fitness.
     
  21. casoccerdad47

    casoccerdad47 Member+

    Mar 31, 2006
    Lack of size? He's just as tall as a lot of good central defenders and he's only 21, he will fill out. Kolo Toure is 5' 11", Carvalho is 6', Terry, Gallas, and Carragher are all 6' 1". 6' 4" central defenders generally get schooled by the Messi's and Tevez's of the world.
     
  22. Karl Lagodzki

    Karl Lagodzki Member

    Jan 26, 2000
    Bloomington, IN
    Ha, ha. :)
     
  23. freisland

    freisland Member+

    Jan 31, 2001

    Very clever of you to whittle it down to 3 ... but don't forget our WC LB is playing in one of the top 3 leagues in the world. hahahhhaaahahahaaaaaaaaa!

    Truth is, someone Spectorish would be a nice addition to the USMNT mix. DeGoochanegra is too similar to himself. Gibbs is still hurt-ish. Berhalter was a bit too old even when he was young. Be nice to have a CD with some technical skills.
     
  24. FC Tallavana

    FC Tallavana Member+

    Jul 1, 2004
    La Quinta

    Ok then, Spector is one of three American fullbacks playing in the Top 4 leagues in the world.

    Having said that, he is the youngest of the three and also at the best club in the best league of the three.
     
  25. freisland

    freisland Member+

    Jan 31, 2001

    come on, you can't leave Steady Eddie out!

    btw, I like Spector as one of out choices at outside back, although I have a funny feeling Simek, being a more "traditional" FB might end up being the guy who moves into Lil' Stevie's spot. I do think the idea of Spector as DM is interesting too.

    I'm banking on Gibbs recovery. And anyone that keeps Aldark one slot back of the starting 4 is alright by me.
     

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