At 14, my son doesn't remember the "first" Eddie Johnson. He is a Seattle fan and when EJ turned up there, I explained him as best as I could: fast, athletic, a guy who dominated in youth ranks purely on speed, but never learned the technical, tactical and problem solving skills needed against top competition. Fast forward a year and half, after watching EJ complete some beautiful finishes in Seattle, I told my son, "You know, if EJ was as technical back then as he is now, he would have been as good as he thought he was." By contrast, Jozy, while he had a learning curve like anyone else, was a far better technical player than EJ at the same age (it isn't even close) and is now. Even when Jozy wasn't scoring in the last WC, he was contributing. They are somewhat different players. EJ is faster, but Jozy is stronger. But the job EJ is winning right now is as Jozy Altidore's back up in Brazil
Here's a question from last night: If Wondo had gone down earlier while he was being molested during his run through the box, do you think he'd have earned a PK? Secondly, if he had, who would have taken it with Donovan on the bench? My feeling: The way that ref was calling the game, no PK would have been given, despite what the commentators had to say. As far as the second question, I'm not sure which of the other players on the field takes PK's for their club team. Anybody know?
First touch? are you talking about 4 years ago Jozy? I'll give EJ the advantage on Pace and aerial skill, I think it's a push on touch and dribbling.
Jozy's a much better dribbler than EJ. EJ's one and only dribbling move is the scissor (unless you count the double scissor ). Jozy's first touch is at least as good as EJ's. Jozy also has a higher work rate (nowadays), is stronger, has a higher soccer IQ. EJ wins on pace and all aspects of heading.
It used to crack me up a couple years ago, back when Jozy was not immediately successful in Europe and therefore must suck, that people would compare him and EJ. The only thing they had in common was that they were both African Americans who played forward. Nothing about there personalities and playing styles was the same. At least the comparisons here are reasonable and serve a purpose - they are about the depth chart. But seriously, as improved as EJ has been the last couple years, he is Jozy's backup.
I just thought it was funny because I remember when Eddie was tearing it up at youth level and Donovan was smashing all full team scoring records and I assumed they would be the perfect pairing as they were both scoring in bunches and were different enough to compliment each other, But I think this is maybe the first time they've really paired up to play together up front.
If the ref did not call an elbow to the jaw I don't see him calling a little tugging and jersey pulling.
I remember another Gold Cup where Donovan took the pass from Rico in the center circle and flew towards the Mexican goal. Gesturing to EJ to keep up, he rounded a couple of guys and scored a killer goal to bury Mexico. Then Sanchez tried to trip Eddie - instant fame to "ardido". But LD was probably playing midfield then, I don't remember. And I don't think EJ was the starter.
EJ should have become a world class player. He had the nagging years long toe injury that really messed with his already seemingly fragile emotional state. If he were more reliable mentally/emotionally, he would be truly excellent. Sigi has done the best job of helping him settle. Both Jozy and EJ are highly intelligent runners off the ball. EJ is more imaginative, while Jozy is more efficient. The two are different players, and if EJ keeps/improves his form I could see them platooning like Bedoya/Corona are doing in this tournament. The only thing that limits EJ is his mental state. As he improves that, his game can improve... immensely.
Since I have not been following EJ's early career that closely, can someone explain what the problems with EJ's "mental state" are? This is something that's commonly referred to by posters, in some form or another and some folks act like he personally shat in their cereal. What's the deal?
I think the best thing for us is that they are so different. Considering that our wing options are STILL limited because: 1. Fabian Johnson will play LB unless we play a weak link there 2. Landon Donovan may not be at his best in Jurgen's work-reliant wing role 3. Graham Zusi is no world beater EJ might actually start for us on the wing.
EJ isn't going to play on the wing unless it's a late game situation, much like Shea. Klinsi likes possession play, crossing, work rate, and work rate. That's Zusi's game.
I agree except that I think neither EJ or Zusi are good in possession for different reasons. EJ because he does dumb things from time to time and Zusi because he has a hard time getting on the ball and is often bullied when on it.
Hasn't EJ been playing wide the whole time since his return to the national team under Klinsmann? I thought it was even a talking point that EJ was finally getting to play up top vs Honduras.
I see EJ as a forward who likes to drift out wide when holding the ball up or making a run. He doesn't cross too much and won't help in possession against good teams usually.
I do not know for sure since I all his issues were before I started paying any attention to him, but I think it boils down to he had a hard time acceptng he was not as good as he thought he was. Low work rate, and petulant without a very good work ethic. Sigi and Eddie had a talk and Sigi helpd Eddie "see the light" if you will. That message was reinforced by JK and then after EJ showed he "got the message" JK rewarded him. Some people still hold those early days against him. I cannot imagine how hard it must be for a kid to be told all his life he is great, or exceptional, and then go to a top four league; and find out in that context you are so far below average that you can't even get on the pitch. It seems that when a player does not live up to our expectations we tend to hold a grudge against that player. A lot of people act as if EJ is Michael Vick or something, but in reality he simply struggled with making the transition to being a professional footballer and the jump in talent at the big boy level. There might be more to it than that, but from what I have seen, whatever his problems were, he and his coaches appear to have it sorted. The proof as they say is in the "pudding." The fact that people like you and me wonder why folks hate on him so hard and that JK (not a coach known for tolerating trifling or lack of effort) keeps calling him up. It is a good thing too because we need to find some servicable speed for Brazil and while EJ is not a star on this team he is servicable speed and he can finish off his chances.
I remember that play. Donovan, with the ball at his feet, wasn't going to be caught by anyone in the world.
I can give you two recent examples that reflect poor decisions. Whether they bear on his ability to be a member of the WC squad, well, I don't know anything about that: 1. at the Quakes v. Seattle USOC game last year Seattle eked out a 1-0 victory in a game marred by poor officiating and chippy play. EJ celebrated by standing right in front of the Quakes bench and flexed his muscles. One of our players took exception and a EJ punched him in the face. A mini brawl ensued. 2. in the semi final, as Wondo was getting mugged in the penalty area, EJ just stood there and watched the whole thing. Had he moved into the box he'd have been perfectly placed to finish Wondo's pull back.
Eddie Johnson signed with the Dallas Burn at the age of 16. He moved from Florida to Texas and there were plenty of rumors of "immaturity" during his stint there. He also seemed to rely almost exclusively on his athleticism (which had made him a youth stud at national team level). As a pro, he seemed to have an attitude and low work ethic. Burn fans were not too upset to see him go. In Europe, he struggled to get minutes mostly because of his shocking lack of basic skills and somewhat low soccer IQ. Somewhere along the way, he made up his mind to improve and "get his head in the game". Part of that may have been improving his maturity (getting married probably had a lot to do with that). Sigi has to get a lot of credit for EJ's resurgence. There were stories that some coaches passed on the chance to sign him when EJ decided to resurrect his career in MLS, but Sigi believed and the risk has paid off for Seattle and EJ.
EJ is perhaps the best natural athlete on the team. He's a freak. At least I can't think of anyone better. That being said I see EJ being the first guy off the bench for us (unless we're down a man), whether we're up or down. He can play on the wings or as the lone striker. Obviously if tactics dictate more of a 4-4-2, then Zusi probably sits and EJ goes up top. My ideal first choice line up: ---------------Howard TBD----Gonzo----Besler----------F. Johnson ---------Bradley---Jones Zusi-------Dempsey---Donovan ----------------Jozy If we need to go 4-4-2 and more up the middle, then put EJ up top, take out Zusi, and slide Dempsey over.
To me, EJ is a much different player now than at any other time he has played for the USMNT. He has matured and is playing with confidence which is a great thing to go along with his size and speed. While his time at Fulham and Cardiff can't be called a success by any means (far from it), it does appear to me that he brought back an improved skill set and understanding of the game. It probably helped for him to re-start his career in MLS where the media and fan glare isn't so intense and defenses aren't as stiff to further boost his confidence. Heck, it wasn't too long ago where he wasn't on a roster for any club and career appeared over.
EJ has always been good at running the channels. But he's improved his decisiveness on the ball. I can't help but compare his goal vs. Honduras to that penalty he drew at the Copa America 5 years ago (argentina maybe?) Same sort of breakaway situation, but the penalty was a stroke of luck because he slowed down and didn't know what to do. Against Honduras we went straight to frame and buried it. Huge difference in confidence level