Why yikes? We have no other strikers in a top 5 league. Everyone is unhappy with the number of goals Sargent scores in a top 5 league. Werder haven't lost many (any?) players, and just beat multiple 2nd division teams during their Cup run. They will likely be fighting to return to the BL. Thus, they'll probably score enough goals. If Sargent stays, he will have ample opportunity to score against weaker opposition, which will/should make USNT fans happy since he'll be scoring more goals, which to many is all that matters. That said - I doubt he stays, until I see something legit that says otherwise. And would prefer him in the Bundesliga, as long as he's getting minutes.
No offense because you offered some concrete scenarios but this is shrodingers josh fan: josh is both in and outside the box. If he stays it's no big deal nobody really wanted him because he will get plenty of playing time and goals in the BL2. But don't worry even with that possibility a club from a top league is almost sure to value him as more than a BL2 level striker and put in a worthy bid for him. We will see if the bid ever shows up.
I think it's probably fine either way. If the NT's striker situation looked like midfield or right back, dropping to the second division might cost Sargent his spot on the roster, but that's not likely to be the case anytime soon - and there's a good chance he'd be back in a first division before the WC started in November anyway. I think it's also hard to predict how it might matter for long term career prospects. Ciro Immobile's an interesting reference point for Sargent, because he's exactly 10 years older than him (to the day). At this time in 2011, Immobile was about to go on loan in Serie B for the second straight year. He then returned to Serie A the following season, and only scored 5 goals in 33 appearances. Went on to score another 150 Serie A goals after that, though.
Need we also provide the dozens of reference points for 20 year olds who don’t make it for every Immobile to balance out the analysis?
Highlights from test game v. CSKA Sofia Sargent played 30 minutes. Missed a huge chance (minute 55) where he should have passed to Nankishi but didn’t have a bad game otherwise.
Fullkrug, Sargent and Osako played 30 minutes each as the striker, with Badgie and the younger Eggestein playing 45 each as the SS.
Sounds about right. I just keep wondering how a guy paid to finish off chances has so many good games despite not finishing off chances.
I'm just stirring the pot a bit. Thanks for the update on his training. I hope he has a good year, hopefully with a few more good goals.
If you are looking for something to do Bremen plays Zenit St. Petersberg at 6 pm local time today (11 am eastern). It will be shown live and free (I think) on werder.tv. Maybe a youtube stream as well.
Well, at least in the second division, he will get more chances to score and we can find out if he can finish when he does. If he still can't score at this level we can officially say that Josh has a problem. We can give him a pass not scoring much on an overmatched Bundesliga team that struggles to create. But, if he still can't score a level down, I think we will have to start changing expectations for him.
I think this makes two friendlies w/ Sargent starting on the bench. I think Sargent is going to have to earn his starting role under the new coach. Man o man has his stock dropped. I thought he would be a shoe-in for WCQ but I am not so sure any longer. Hoping he comes on at the half and produces a bit. But it is just a friendly and I recall several friendlies over the last two seasons where Josh looked fantastic.
2:2 against Zenit. Sargent played 2nd half. highlights and full game. Also: Bremen wants to sell him for €10M but Frankfurt only offered 5. Leverkusen apparently willing to pay the full amount.