In the draft discussions, the name of Grabavoy keeps coming up as a "possible" pick of ours. I wonder if he will fit in here with our success of "athletic" players. Yallop has been quoted in the past (and I'm going to assume that Dom agreed with him) that he likes players with "smart feet". In other words, guys with good skill and technique. But "skill guys" don't seem to stick around with the team (IMO). Guys who are limited athletically can't get on the field much for us. Well, maybe Agoos. Guys like Dario Brose and Luchi Gonzalez had mad skills, but they were a little small and a little slow. Our success came from converting superior athletes into smart soccer players. Players like Eddie Robinson, Wade Barrett, Joe Cannon, Jamil Walker, Ian Russell, Chris Roner, DeWayne DeRosario, Brian Ching, ect were all better athletes then soccer players (one of the reasons I bring up Carl Bussey for right back on occassion). To me, Grabavoy MIGHT become another Luchi. A bit small, a bit slow, just not quite able to keep up with the Richard Mulrooneys of the league.
Just some scattered thoughts: - Athleticism is becoming a bigger asset. At least it seemed so at K/J 2002. - You can improve skills easier than you can add speed or endurance. And the access to advanced training techniques is greater than it has ever been. Look at how much Jamil improved over the course of the year. - With all of LD's skill and vision, imagine his game without his speed. Gotta have the athleticism. - Athleticism doesn't exclude tactical and strategic smarts, nor does it exclude defensive excellence. - All that said, a team is really hurt without a few high skill guys. Look at USA 2002 -- Reyna, O'Brien, Donovan, Mathis, Friedel. They made all the difference.
Bump. This was a good idea for a thread that got lost in the CA/name-change crisis. We've got a draft coming up folks. Any thoughts?