I just watched the last 30 mins of Philly 2 vs RB 2. Btw, you can watch any game on mlsnextpro.com if it's not on Apple TV. Sullivan played about 30 mins. He definitely grew into the game. The first 10 mins he barely got the ball. The last 20 he separated from his defender and got a (weakish) shot on goal, got a secondary assist, should have got an assist to a player that was 1 v 1 with the keeper. I feel he can definitely play at this level and he surprisingly fits in from an athletic and physicality perspective. He had a few good dribbles past 1 or 2 players. Will be interesting to see how he does as he settles in more.
Looks like he is getting the clips of his touches edited into a video treatment already, so atleast we can see how he did this game: 🚀 Cavan Sullivan's 🇺🇸 electrifying performance on #MLSNextPro against #NYRBII !⚽🔥 The new Manchester City signing dazzled with his skills, showcasing why he's one to watchDon't miss these highlights!#CavanSullivan #ManCity #NextGenTalent #MCFC pic.twitter.com/4iEO2Ivsim— Goalsreplay (@Goalsreplayy) May 26, 2024
Thought he played really well, much better than his last appearance with this team when he only had 2 touches in 25 mins. That's not all his fault though. The team plays such an ugly style of frantic pressing, then counter with long balls. If you're checking to the ball, you won't get it. Also, there was a foul every 30 secs, absolutely no rhythm to the game at all. Very ugly. The first pass he made with the outside of his foot was incredible, I wish there was a better camera angle. David Vasquez had two incredible goals. Olney was a menace. Philly has too much talent coming through the pipeline, not enough first team spots.
Impressive acceleration against older physically more mature players. Cavan is going to be a beast physically.
Haven't seen it yet but MLS Next Pro does a "90 in 15" video while MLS has the stream for the true sickos...
I wonder if the world cup rosters will expand to 26. That seems to be the way these major tournaments are going
training with the first team: [In honor of Esports Night: what was your first ever video game console?!#DOOP | @eMLS | @NerdWallet pic.twitter.com/dmeQKDJz93— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) May 29, 2024
Jim Curtin reveals when teenage phenom Cavan Sullivan could make his MLS debut for the @PhilaUnion. 👀📺 MLS Countdown on #MLSSeasonPass: https://t.co/wPz50ZFt8H pic.twitter.com/APyEQFGFKO— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 29, 2024
Probably not this weekend, but possibly he'll make the bench against Miami in a couple of weeks. Either him and/or Vazquez. With Gazdag being away for international duty with Hungary for the next month after this weekend..... the Union will need help at that CAM position.
Probably just doesn’t want to put to much pressure on him with him just coming back from injury. Feels like it’s likely at some point this summer.
MO, can you find the timeline that you posted like a year or more ago and repost it? I feel like you have been pretty spot on so far.
He's actually moving up a bit faster than I projected. I've thought he has about a 10% chance of making the 2026 WC team. I'd bump that up to around 25%. The thing that stands out in the recent clips is the physical maturation and ability to hold his own against older players. I think he's going to be a beast physically, in addition to the skills, vision and high soccer IQ. It's sort of like watching a dream unfurl. The other thing I've become more convinced of is that his maximum value will come as an 8. I believe great 8s are the most valuable players in the game and the most difficult to find. He's not only going to be the best 8 this country has ever produced, but maybe the best in the world. What does that entail? Think in terms of a cross of Michel Platini and Steven Gerrard. Combine the best qualities of those two.
McGlynn won't miss any games until the Olympics though. By then Gazdag will be back from the Euros. That outside midfield role in the Union's system requires a TON of two way workrate. He might get a few minute cameo in that spot, but he certainly doesn't have the engine to play there now for an extended period of game time. All one has to do is watch games from 3-4 seasons ago that Quinn and Jack played in and compare them to games this season. It takes time to build the engine required in order to play at a high intensity over the course of 90 minutes.
You’re thinking he projects more as an 8 than a 10? I could see that. @ussoccer97531, where do you project him playing longer term?