Are these our defensive standouts by 2014, mentored along the way by Bocanegra and some of the "old guard?" As the Gold Cups come and go, and by the time the Confederations Cup rolls around in 2013, are these the frontrunners for our back line? And how do they compare with other defensive lines from other country's NTs?
This is what one soccer analyst wrote me, in regard to that list-- I can't disagree with this, but I'd hope Opara will make the necessary improvements after his foot heals.
From what I've seen of BMac in SJ, he's a much better CB than midfielder. He's a good replacement for the currently injured Opara. Speaking of Opara, I consider him the most promising of these defensive prospects. He can move quickly (unlike Gonzalez), has confident ball-handling skills, and is incredibly dangerous on set pieces. He just needs to stay healthy.
well that's good to hear because I like Big Mac when I see him in the midfield. I bet he has above average distribution for an MLS CB then, although San Jose is a place where someone can easily stand out in that regard.
as a Revs fan and someone who watches Alston every week he has a LONG way to go before being on the NT. He has great speed that he can keep up w/ most playerss and is a good on-the-ball defender. As you saw in the All Star game he is not the best passer out of tha back. In this day in age a good outside back should be a threat on the attack and that is what he has to work on the most. If he can do that than he will be in the discussion for a spot in 2014. Just my 2 cents on one of my favorite players.
Gonzalez still has a ways to go, but looks very promissing. Ream has looked solid. I'd like to see him at camp cupcake. Opara is a distant fourth, behind Geoff Cameron and the above two. Lichaj could be interesting. He played in the Carling Cup match and has made the 18 the past two Villa league matches, so we should get a chance to see what he's all about. Alston reminds me of a young Bornstein. Relies too much on speed, and lacks the soccer IQ to really play at the international level.
I think Boss, if he gets PT at Braga, could supplant Opara in the backline. He's a large presence who's extremely physical, can distribute decently and is still very young. 2014 might be a little early for him, but I think Boss is a far better prospect than Opara. Just my thoughts...
With Gonzalez and Boss, we'll be huge inside. Both are big boys. But would they be quick enough to defend at the highest level? I don't question their skills and potential. Very excited about them. But would speedy/shifty forwards and midfielders be a problem for them, especially in the open field in a counter-attack, for example? Great responses. Thanks.
Boss and Opara I think will emerge by 2014. They both have more upsiade than Ream and Omar imo. The outside backs are bit more difficult to predict. Sardokie may be the best by 2014 and I really like Franklin. Licaj, Williams, and Alston are good bets. The BIG ? Will we have real LB. Garza?
Question: Will a MNT coach tell an U20 coach like Rongon, or tell a player or two directly, to switch from RB to LB if the coach sees that LB is a problem for the future? I mean, if LB is that dire, would this make sense?
I imagine the USMNT coach, whoever it may be, will try to avoid telling other coaches in the system what to do in any facet, aside from maybe trying to streamline the differences in systems between the youth and senior teams. I know Bradley has switched players around as he sees fit, regardless of position. Beasley to LB comes to mind, as well as Boca to LB. I think the coach would wait until a specific player was in the national team picture before making changes. It would ruffle too many feathers to go through the ranks demanding such and such a player play this or that position simply because he MAY fill a need. Too many things can happen for that to be realistic.
If Cameron had not gotten hurt, and the Dynamo would let him stick to CD, everyone would see that this guy has all the physical and mental tools necessary to take the opinion of American defenders to the next level.
Don't be silly. Alston is simply not ready. We've been watching Wynne for about 5 years now and he's basically the same guy we saw play against Italy at the U-19's. We thought once he get a soccer brain, he would improve. He never panned out. Ultimately, I think Alston does pan out at Right Back, but I don't think he will be ready in time for 2014. The 2012 Olympics will be his show. If he can't perform there...Well... Luckily, the US does have a lot of defensive options, I do believe a few of them will pan out for 2014. You also have the possibilities of late bloomers (Maybe Parkhurst or Vidal pan out) or Greencarders/Foreign options.
re: "more than just defending" - Uhhh Opara is second on the Quakes in scoring with 3 goals. What the heck are you talking about?
I'll take Cameron and Ream before Omar until Omar learns how to pass more than 10 yards. Frankly im waiting for articles like these before any of them are the future of the US back line. http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Articl...chedule-Spector-Making-A-Splash-At-Man-U.aspx http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Articles/2003/08/Jonathan-Spectors-Journey-To-Manchester-United.aspx I know the articles are old and not concerning anyone on this thread but that was the last time I saw the future at the US back line. Omar really needs to move to a club elsewhere to improve, like Gooch did in Europe. Being a slow big body with great aerial ability is one thing, but he needs to pass and position himself well. Unlike Opara, Ream, And Cameron who have been great defenders on weak teams, Omar has been on teams that are stacked and help him out a lot. And as much as people rave because he was not one of Bradley's favorite and hasnt been picked til the last friendly, he is a project and not everyone is as good as they initially seem.
Is Boss even at Braga? Does anyone have proof he's currently with them? He was on a 6th month loan beginning in January. It is now August.
Alston is having a bit of a sophomore slump. His passing is not good, and he couldn't hit a barn door with his shots. But, he is a damn good 1-1 defender. He's also had a bit of a chronic hamstring issue this year. After the SuperLiga final, I'd like to see the Revo shut him down for the remainder of the season.