US vs. Mexico 11/12/2021: the pre-pre-pre-match thread

I mean, sure, it's up in the air. But I'm not sure that quote is some damning thing.

 

I'm wondering whether Pulisic's style of play, which is based heavily on speed, might make him especially effective as a 70th-minute substitute against a tiring opponent. For that reason, I wonder whether it might be good to call him up in November even if he is nowhere near ready to go 90 minutes.

 

The way I look at it is if Christian Pulisic is able to play and give you minutes, he's on your roster. I'll gladly take 20 minutes of Pulisic over zero if he's able to go.

 

Yeah I think the question is going to boil down to this. There is realistically little to no chance he can be match fit for even say 60 minutes.

So the question is going to be can he give you 30 minutes vs the risk of re-injury. In other words he's not going to be near 100% but that isn't going to be the consideration.

If he's healed enough not to be at an increased risk for further injury then you call him in. Otherwise you don't.

 

Well it's based more on change of pace which is more difficult if you're not match fit.

 

He could

 

Arriola?

 

I would call up Pulisic if he was just available as a 30 minute sub. Start Aaronson and Weah and bring him off the bench.

 

I would be inclined to start Aaronson and Weah even if Pulisic were 100 percent (which he's not going to be). In that case, maybe use Pulisic as a 46th minute sub rather than 70th.

Hopefully, having Pulisic, Reyna, Aaronson and Weah on the roster, and only two winger spots, is a problem that USMNT coaches are going to have for years.

 

Serious question: under Berhalter, has Arriola ever not started when healthy?

 

Not including friendlies: 2019 Gold Cup vs. Panama

 

well, if you bring pulisic off the bench and he is (re)injured you have to sub a third player into the same spot.

he can play or he cant, and if he can play he starts.

 

He was healthy for Nations League Semis and Finals and wasn't even called in. He didn't start in the first Nations League window, when Pulisic was healthy. He wasn't invited to the first Post-COVID camp in November 2020.

 

Off topic of Pulisic but thought I'd share this que golazo video (Conrad adn Pierce)
I really enjoy their perspectives. They are balanced and fair (imo) and bring added insight based upon their experiences with the national team. (for example, their comments on the value of just being in camp and attending the games even when not in the first 18)

This video is particularly relevant due to their discussion about Scally, who has been the focus of discussion here.

 

Soccer is a business. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t be surprised if Chelsea try to unload Pulisic. The guy is incredibly injury prone. Please don’t torch me, but I don’t think he will be on our National team come 2026. He might be retired by that point.

It’s happened to other great players, such as John O’Brien. Honestly, for what it’s worth, I think O’Brien was a way more complete and impactful player than Pulisic…

 

GGG really likes Arriola, like really likes him.

 

I'm afraid that you may be right. Will he even be healthy for the 2022? I'd say its about 50/50.

 

John O’Brien had way more injuries than Pulisic. In his entire career he was only able to play 107 games of first team soccer. By comparison at the age of 23 Pulisic has played 206. Pulisic has had his issues with injuries, but he’s not even close to how bad it was for John O’Brien.

 

People on this board really just say things dont they?

 

I remember being at a stage of my life where injuries heal quickly and you forget them. Now, at this stage, I’ve had soccer and surfing injuries that have stuck with me 20+ years.

My fear with Pulisic is that those small injuries - and there seem to be a lot of them - have chronic symptoms. You don’t run as fast, you don’t turn as quickly, and your damn foot hurts like hell, and aches like you’ve had a limb severed, after a game.

I’m afraid of the injuries that bring chronic and lingering symptoms. Those things can erode the special qualities of a player.

I hope that’s not the case. But his injury history leads me to believe that could happen.

 

Yeah. They do.

It’s a soccer discussion board.

On the Internet. Go figure.

 

We’re you expecting parliamentary proceedings?!

 

Point of order sir...

 

yeah, whats the point if we cant just make shit up from thin air?

great argument, and good to know exactly how seriously to take you

 

For clarification … Looking back the exchange, are you saying that his comparison of O’Brien and Pulisic is the shit that he made ups our of thin air?