about or DMID situation right now. I think Pablo has basically solified his spot on this team in that position, its basically his to lose, but what do we do now that hes injured. Possibly replacements woudl be Mulrooney (done for the season), Zavagnin (not playing that well in MLS play), Simms (I'm a big fan, he has great promise but is he really ready for this level?), JOB (probably the best option if healthy, but is he ready to go 90), and possibly Dempsey (can he play the DMID role or will his urge to go foward get him burned). I'm not so worried about the friendly on Saturday, since it is only a friendly, but whose going to play the position in our two upcoming qualifiers? Will Pablo be back for either games? Which player do you think would best fill in that void.
You identified exactly why you shouldn't be worried. Dempsey. JOB. Zavagnin. Simms. One of these four will show enough for Bruce in camp. My money's on Dempsey. He only roams for Revs because Nicol has set up a 5 man midfield specifically to exploit his ability to create attacks in a free role. Bruce will be very clear with Dempsey what his role is, and if its DMid, Dempsey will stick to the role just fine.
With Mulrooney out, I think the list goes like this: Reyna Dempsey JOB Simms (only ahead since he was called in first) Zavagnin (bad start to the season) Armas They aren't Pablo but I like those options. Each bring different skills to the table. Most are more "two way" midfielders than destroyers, but that isn't a bad thing IMHO despite Arena's system.
I like the options of Reyna and JOB too, but JOB hasn't played a match in I don't even know how long, and isn't Reyna supposedly taking a break from NATS soccer to focus on preseason training with ManCity? Based solely on form right now I would only consider Dempsey and Simms (I think Armas's days with the NATS are over), who are both playing well in MLS but have had little to no exposure to a qualifying atmosphere. I do think Dempsey would get the job done but I'm not so sure Bruce would even play him in that position, I think he'd more likely be used alongside Pablo with DMB and Donovan as the LM and RM. I guess all I'm saying is that we'd probably be a lot better off defensively with Pablo healthly.
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Dempsey most definitely can resist the urge to go forward if told not to by his coach. See DC/NE recently. He spent most of the match winning balls in midfield and staying back since DC had 2 a-mids. Right here and now it's a concern. There's some dropoff/tradeoff. Mastroeni is the starter and he's out. My top choice replacement is Mulrooney but he's out for the year. JOB hasn't played regular matches forever. This isn't Dempsey's MLS position. Zavagnin is slumping. Armas is probably done with the USMNT. Simms has good upside, but I think this recent callup is a huge reach. I'm not sure Bruce is watching the same DC games as me? I'd like to see someone stand out in MLS before getting a start with the USMNT. So for the Arena preference of a destroyer d-mid, the options aren't great right now. Mastroeni's the man IMO. Mulrooney has started to show some promise as a 2-way center-mid. Zavagnin played decent with the USMNT in the past, but hasn't had a good game in some time (that I've seen at least). Other MLS options - Kamler, Wingert, Szetela, Bradley, O'Rourke, Vagenas, Carroll, Perez/Gomez/Lopez - don't see anyone ready. So for me it's Dempsey. If healthy and showing good in camp, maybe JOB. I like Reyna ok, but he's not the 90-minute, active destroyer if that's what Arena wants in his system.
With Johnson out and JOB "seeing limited action" I am beginnig to worry now. Our chances will all depend on who Arena starts with McBride at forward. I am really hoping he move Donovan up and does not go with other forwards in camp. With qualifiers coming up, Arena must solve this very quickly
I would love to Claudio at D-mid and JOB as attacking mid. That would give us two players in the middle who can control and distribute the ball. Obviously not for this game though, but in the future.
reyna showed in panama WHY he needs a pure d-mid with him... simms has been targeted as a guy who can emulate mastroeni style wise... suspect GOLD CUP is very critical for him... spector could emerge AFTER 2006, although szetela and spector could battle it out
i would hate to see dempsey at that position he has too much offensive thirst and restricted to one role could really put a hamper on his skills.
you know what, i watched Saneh played in that position w/ Nuremburg and he was quite well actualy, how old is he now ? probably he's done.