Yeah the first one he vacated the middle for no good reason really and it opened it up for the goal. Second he got caught. But Dortmund before Hummels left was really, really good attacking in that weird 3-4-3 (3-6-1?). The thing is he was pretty good the rest of the match. Passing was good. Was great on Halaand. Had some nice interceptions. The YC was earned and he probably should have gotten one in the first half for a really clumsy tackle on Halaand. The problem though we saw with McKennie last week and Brooks this week against a great team like Dortmund is the top teams just punish little mistakes.
yep, no shame in saying it. He got pulled out on both and didn’t stop or disrupt the play. Plain and simple. He still played well. here’s every touch from watke. https://streamable.com/kcngsh
I've seen a lot worse from Brooks than today. His issue is returning to position, but overall he covered well. He was particularly precise coming playing out of the back. I don't think it's been bad enough to earn him the bench again.
Yea he showed well. Aggressively physically, good technically. Big presence. Broke lines with his passing. Good player when healthy and up for it. Haaland looked a little sad he couldn’t get in. And he kicked Sancho on his first touch a goal down and got cautioned. I think that’s fine. I like that.
He was pressing also, bit of a decent dribble down left touch at one point, but nothing special save a pretty close header earlier on. He should score more with his ability to get to balls in the box. Dortmund is just a very good team - and their attacking style does not suit VW's strength.
5' of below clip - poor gamble down 0-1. His team didnt need a hero, it needed a goal. It was a lot like McKennie 0-0 with Mexico in GC final. If you're gonna shoot the king, be sure not to miss. Agree about returning to position. His passing was about as good as it gets for Yank cb's.
He was unlucky to get exposed on that step up before that second goal. He pushed up to be aggressive and the BVB team took advantage. Most of the Wolves were pushed up, and Sancho made him pay. That goal doesn't happen without the other worldly footwork Sancho took to start that counter, so again, against a team without Sancho, that goal doesn't happen. He looked pretty solid. I think the thing that he struggles with is those brief lapses that always seem to come at the worst time and the other team finds a way to punish. He's good to great for about 98% of the game and the other 2% he gets hammered for, but it seems that is the life of a central defender and goalkeeper.
That last bit is absolutely spot on, I've never seen a better passer of the ball out of the back, both the precision as with the weight of the ball. All hail the Omar reference as well. A man gots to have a code.
Brooks had a nice game. He’s a really good player and his athleticism and size helped him neutralize Haaland.
And looks even better given that BL scored one after Brooks came off. Match still ends 4-1 to the VW team. Good win for them.
Sorry I had to miss this one. Our buddy BS weighed in. John Brooks for Wolfsburg in 4-1 win over Leverkusen. Raw numbers via @whoscored81 minutes74 touches2 aerials won1 tackle3 interceptions6 clearances (best on team)1x fouled1 foul4/8 accurate long balls#USMNT— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) May 26, 2020
Brooks reads plays very well. He’s a smart player. I fully expect him to come into his own over the next few years.