I wish I could have seen more of Friedel and Keller with their clubs in their heyday. At least I got to see (on TV) Keller vs Brazil in the 98 Gold Cup and Friedel in the 2002 WC. After we beat Brazil in that Gold Cup I was on the phone all night with buddies around the country. None of us could sleep.
Play keeper much did you? EVERY world class keeper has made huge blunders. Every one of them. Shit happens. https://www.goal.com/en/lists/ulrei...iu8cpu181cgf852ug2c#ihmrxjigx9h71921ktlavkkjm
nothing about the two saved pks in that world cup? ok... also tied for most prem pk saves ever. lots over simply solid players hold records like that, i guess.
To be fair, the very best keepers probably face fewer PKs in their careers because their teams usually have the ball more. % of pks saved would probably be a more meaningful statistic, as long as it was above some minimum number of pks faced.
There's absolutely an argument for Friedel, Keller and Howard to be in the world-class discussion, and it's centered on World Cup performance. None of them were clearly there, but there's an argument. Pulisic is the closest we've had to it in outfield players, and I don't think any non-Americans would count him. Perhaps if his run at Chelsea earlier this year was not a hot streak but a new level of performance, he will be.
Yep, we still need a lead forward though. Maybe Morris gets there. Maybe Reyna becomes a guy that can play somewhere in the 9 spectrum.
It will be interesting. With FFP, you (in theory) can't come in and pull an Abramiwhatever. I've heard discussions on the Brit radio stations, and maybe seen them here?, that the unintended consequence of FFP was to lock in the PL heirarchy, forever and ever amen. That's the general consensus over there, anyway.
The hopes are that Sarge gets there. He’s got the physical tools, the touch, seems to have solid IQ and a good nose for goal. He’s not special at any one thing but looks to be average to above average at everything. He likely won’t be world class but if he can carve out a nice career in Europe he will be our most accomplished striker. He’s got work to do and a better situation to find but the potential is there.
Newcastle will have to build more slowly than did the likes or Chelsea and ManCity. But NUFC have strong commercial potential.
Maybe but his coaches tactics haven’t exactly been working out either. There’s a reason other teams are interested in him if they go down. He’s got talent. Whether he puts it together remains to be seen.
Absolutely they will have to move slower. They won’t build for UCL but rather start their build for EL. Once they become solid there then push to build for UCL. Similar to Wolves and Everton. Gonna be interesting watching those teams try to take the next step.
Yes, all goalkeepers make mistakes. I was specifically saying his 2002 world cup performance wasnt world class because of the mistakes. I think it is over rated by many US fans. I also dont think any of our Goalkeepers has been World Class. A few have carved out very nice careers but well below the top in the game.
I hope he does. But, I hold onto hope that JMo continues to improve. I would be super fine w/ Reyna playing a 9Spectrum role. And, at some point, we're going to start developing 9's and AM's.
Morris---safe bet Soto---needs to find the right landing spot, then hit ground, running. Pepi---has been unstoppable at all levels, thus far. Sargent---getting B1 minutes. Toye---last season, had a nice run, which included a brace at LAFC. But like a rock, he has fallen on Minnesota's depth chart. Ferreira---has been productive while playing a variety of positions. Had a good January camp. Zardes---the reference level. If the group of chosen forwards ends up being more productive then we'll be ok.
McKennie[DM_4231]_5 tackles_3 clearances_90% passing_WS-7.0(2nd)----Schalke 0-3 Augsburg Nice stat line, especially in losing effort. McKennie's balling like he wants to leave town.
Jeeez. Leroy Sane, Kai Havertz, and Tim Werner. Germany will have one hell of a frontline to take to the Euros.