Chris Klein has struggled at Right Midfield since the pre-season. It could be time to significantly decrease his minutes. We need much better production from the midfield. One option would be to move Sean Franklin to Right Midfield. We have a young fullback in DeLaGarza that could be ready to become a full-time player. DeLaGarza's more comfortable position would be at Right Back. He would feel even more comfortable playing alongside college teammate Gonzalez. Franklin in front of him would help even more. Franklin is familiar with Right Halfback from his college days with CSUN and his time with the San Fernando Valley Quakes. With the emergence of our young defenders, It would make sense to move one of our best players to a more important position. Franklin would bring needed youth and pace to our struggling midfield group. Franklin has shown a knack for getting forward to create nice breaks. His assist against Colorado was one of the best offensive plays of the season thus far. He has the cut-back ability, crossing ability, and striking skills to make an impact at Right Mid. He also brings an element of good defending to the midfield. He has the energy to track back and help the backline better that Klein can. When Dunivant returns from injury and is ready for starter's minutes, I think we should consider this change.
if you were at the game on Tuesday, Franklin was playing on RM, that's why Klein was pushed to the LM. I think Sean did well at RM, I just didn't like BA playing Gonzo at RB. I believe we would have a great right side with Franklin and AJ on the same side overlapping each other.
I don't care what position Franklin plays,he has to add more speed,more enthusiasm, and more legal tackel. Also, he has to be more stingy with the ball so that he doesn't give it away so easily. He's a young man, therefore, he should play like one. He shouldn't play cool like Sanneh; that guy"s old and he knows what to do with the ball far better than Sean.
He still has a lot to learn at Right Mid, but I liked the way he played there against Chivas. He was playing more of a defensive role with the potent Chivas right side. Along with DeLaGarza, he helped keep Kljestan and Trujillo very quiet. He also created the best scoring chance for us in the first half with a beautiful low cross. He understandably seemed a little tired in the second half. He is still trying to recover game fitness after off-season surgery. He also understandably needs time to work on his offensive game at Right Mid. He has all the skills to do it.
Sorry, just realized it...Bornstein and Mayen. Mayen has been great for Chivas in the early going this year. Except for one shot, he was pretty much neutralized. Bornstein is always class at Left Back, especially getting forward. I still think he should be the starter for USA. For the most part, he was kept in check also. What do you think about Franklin's play, tsaldana?
Franklin showed promise on at midfield. i think he's definitely a work in progress from an offensive standpoint (ball distribution, etc), but he made some great runs, provided excellent pressure at midfield and worked great in collaboration with DLG. I would definitely like to see him develop at this position.
I noticed this also. Their composure and passing can make them a quick, versatile young tandem on the right. This can complement the strength and experience we have on the left very nicely.
Franklin was so great at CB last season, and now seems so raw at RM and even RB. I just don't get what the obsession is with taking him away from centre half. I realize it's not his natural position, but I don't care. He was rookie of the year last season, extremely solid, and even got some national team call-ups (albeit not caps) at the CB position! Why mess with that? What's wrong with a Gonzo Franklin CB pairing?
Franklin is a good footballer with alot of talent. He'll do well anywhere on the pitch. I said earlier that I thought Klein has been the weak link this year. We are not getting enough production from the right side and AJD is obviously more comfortable on the right. I think that tandem needs more starts together. Hopefully when Duni is ready, we can move Lewis to the left wing and control the midfield better.
Franklin is a good footballer with alot of talent. He'll do well anywhere on the pitch. I said earlier that I thought Klein has been the weak link this year. We are not getting enough production from the right side and AJD is obviously more comfortable on the right. I think that tandem needs more starts together. Hopefully when Duni is ready, we can move Lewis to the left wing and control the midfield better.
It's not bad, but we have no depth in midfield. Franklin is needed there the most. Berhalter and Sanneh may not be the greatest, but a veteran general to organize the back line is a good thing to have. With them and youngsters Marshall and Valentin, we have good depth at Center Back. Also, DeLaGarza needs to be on the field, he is a baller.
I agree. Ideally I'd like to see Franklin at CB, but I recognize your point, that it doesn't make sense with the roster we have. I still don't really see the midfield as a long term position for him though, it seems more like a quick fix. We'll see.