Graham Zusi to Train at West Ham; update with Winter loan options

Edson Buddle had a trial with the Brummies (but, as I recall, he didn't get a deal there because he didn't think he'd get a WP and went to Ingolstadt instead)

http://www.wusa9.com/sports/story.aspx?storyid=125988

 

Anyone else worry about Zusi's speed and quickness at this level? I feel like other leagues (Italy, Spain) would be a better match...

 

I'd love to see Zusi in Italy, but with the non-EU limitations there it'll never happen.

I think with Zusi proving to be a valuable piece to our puzzle he'd easily get a work permit for the EPL. If I'm not mistaken, isn't the only camp in 2012 he wasn't called up for the Russia game?

 

An "average" MLS quickness is sufficient for the EPL.

But he needs to get his mental game up to that level.

Robbie Rogers hasn't and that's why he can't get off the bench in League One. Foot speed is only a variable.

 

http://www.noshortcorners.com/2013/01/a-goodie-morsel.html

Zusi on full blown trial.

 

Robbie Rogers can't get off the bench because he's not technically good enough. It has little or nothing to do with the mental game or, as you say, foot speed.

 

Zusi would be competing with Matt Taylor, Gary O'Neil, and Matt Jarvis for PT (I'm assuming Joe Cole is a lock). Given time to adjust, I like his chances.

 

Oh, do tell - what skills does Zusi have that Rogers does not?

 

Better and quicker decision making, much better in dead ball situations, better at crossing and short passing, and superior at spotting out teammates for starters. There's a reason one is consistently capped for the nats while another is sitting on the bench at League One.

 

You mean the mental game?

 

Rogers is good at crossing and can shoot with either foot too.

 

All of those that involve your feet contacting the ball. Zusi is technically superior to Rogers in terms of ball control and striking the ball (especially passing) - you can also throw in that he reads the game much better as well.

 

I think he is on trial for his right foot more than both. Big Sam likes big strikers and they need service into the box. Zusi is a mature player now. He can find his spots, tee up and send in an excellent cross or corner. He is aggressive on defense and he has been well coached at SKC.

 

They've also been playing either Maiga or Diame (i confuse them) at outside mid as well (assuming that's where they want Zusi).

Could Allardyce be putting together...gulp....a footballing side? It cannot be so.

 

Diame is a central midfielder ( a pretty good one, too).

 

I was thinking he was the Dmid. Maiga then. He's also a forward, but I saw him play at I think left wing in one match and he was a handful. He might be hurt. I'm not going to pretend to be a Green St Hooligan here.

 

RIP Petey

 

The Hobbit's sister was hot. I think she's selling scotch during soccer matches now. All hail the drinkin' man. (at least until he pukes and falls asleep in the gutter outside your house)

 

I guess we'll just have to disagree here.

 

tRR is a better head down-pacy dribbler than Zusi. That's it.

 

I agree

 

Zusi and Rogers arent really similar players Im not sure why they are getting compared. Rogers is a guy who has tons of speed and can dribble but has no soccer IQ, and not much end product. Zusi on the other hand is much better at creating chances for his teammates and can strike a dead ball well. Zusi is a far more complete player than Rogers

 

She'll always be Brandi Svenning to me. (too obscure?)

 

Too obsure for me, but I'm about as hip as zoobas.

 

I agree, I've actualy seen people on this forum who are very pleased with Robbie Rogers' soccer IQ.

As for Zusi, if the Hammers sign him, I like his chances of getting playing time.