Jus some more discussion points to talk over while waiting for the start of MLS and ther next friendly IMHO I think a major problem of the USA attack is the lack of balance. If we have MCBride3 in the match, we're to dependant upon the direct game. Just boom balls at his head and hope he can direct it to an oncoming midfielder. If its not that, then its attack down the left flank through the LB and the LM. We have NOTHING on the right. One of the things I really though that led to the success of our U20 squad was how we were able to attack in a variety of ways. We had Ed Johnson whom we could play the direct game with, the ability to attack through either wing with Mapp or Adu, or we could simply let Convey create as he wanted to. But the main thing is that the opposing defense had to play it honestly. Without starting another Right Midfielder thread, how can we allieviate this balance? And is this lack of balance more detrimental than our lack of skill?
I think this lack of balance is troublesome. 1. Our direct attack through McBride is substantially minimized against good teams that minimize his aerial advantage. That was the case v. Holland and has been the case before. Just ask Segroves. I compare this (and I know the comparison is not fair) to Ruud Van Nistelroy. McBride is really in the same mold as him with regards to how Holland and ManU use RVN regarding a more direct attack via long balls to him. A difference between how they play is that McBride prefers to play the ball off of his head (flick on headers, etc.). If you watch RVN play, he prefers the ball at his feet. That gives him the choice of dropping the ball off to a midfielder and moving forward, turning with the ball or springing a forward with a pass. McBride doesn't seem to take the ball at his feet enough. So this seriously hinders our direct attack. 2. I think our lack of right wing play v. Holland was due to the fact that we started Hejduk instead of Dolo. If Dolo starts we usually have some decent crosses and play coming in from the right. Midfield, however, is anoterh story. The last time I think we had good right wing play was when Olsen was playing as a young in. I mean the kid hustled like DMB and got off some crosses (some good some bad). I hope he returns to form but with as many years as it has been, I don't see this happening. 3. Play up the left side is usually dangerous when Beasley is in the game. I have yet to see many teams minimize DMB's threat in attack. Lewis on the other hand is the better crosser. The only problem is against quality sides wiht quick wingers, Lewis has a very difficult time getting his cross off. So in my mind to effectively balance our attack we need more of DMB. 4. The "creative" center - As has been mentioned on numerous threads, Reyna is decent at being creative, just isn't spectacular. As a result, several times, Reyna will opt for the safer pass. Plus he is typically forced to play so far deep to bring the ball into the center of midfield that he really doesn't have too many chances to just spring someone forward. I think our large problem with our "creative" center is when Armas plays. Though his passing has improved dramatically, he just isn't that much of a threat to thread in a nice pass to spring a forward. As a result, to better attack we need JOB and Reyna in the center. Not per se because JOB is substantially a better creator than Armas (though I think he is better), but because JOB helps relieve some of the "possession" burden that is placed on Reyna's shoulders. Thus allowing Reyna and JOB to take turns being the possessor and being the creative center. I think Mastro relieves Reyna or JOB of some of the possession burden. But Arena loves Armas' tenacity on defense. So I don't see this changing for a long long time. All I have to talk about is our attack.
You guys are getting overly worked up. Balance would be nice, but it is not essential. It is more important to get better players in the lineup. The lack of balance makes it harder on the outside backs defensively, but you can compensate. That's why I would rather have Bobby Convey in the midfield playing somewhere than having a nice balanced midfield with Dolo, Klein or Mullan at right mid. It's similar, on a much lower skill level, of why Real Madrid plays Zidane as the onstensible left midfielder, despite the fact that he is right-footed and goes whereever he wants. Of course, it helps having Roberto Carlos behind him and the US really needs an upgrade at right back (Hejduk and Dolo won't cut it). P.S. -- If you want to play possession, you want McBride in there. If counter is your game, than Josh Wolff or Mathis are a better choice. The best way to use McBride is to play the ball to his feet, not his head, and let him hold it until the midfielders can get into a deep position to receive a pass in a position to make something happen. P.S. 2 -- Even if you reduce his possession burden, Reyna will still not be a "creative" midfielder. It's really not his game. Same with JOB.
You guys are leaving out a piece of this puzzle - which is the second striker. I think that in the line-up used v. Holland LD is supposed to fill in the forward right area, primarily, tho he is given a lot more room to move than a pure winger would. Against lesser teams, the McBride/LD pairing works nicely as McHead will often draw both CD's and LD will run through the seam, or Lewis will get a few crosses off against his back. When it is really working, the US will sometimes catch the LB sliding to McBride and Lewis will have even more space. The problem against Holland is that LD did not get the ball and did little with it when he did, McBride ditto. I've haven't seen anyone mention that neat little over pass from Reyna to Convey that Bobby just couldn't quite finish. That is what Reyna does best as far as "playmaking." I actually think he may work well with Convey given a bit of time, tho I would have liked Mathis to have gotten some time in Convey's spot, if only because we aren't likely to get Reyna and Clint together very often for friendlies. Although, if Convey goes abroad, he won't be anymore available either. As noted a number of places, the biggest problem with Arena unbalanced line-up is the RB. Sanneh, for all his faults, is built pretty well for that set up - a big, physical back that can wear down a winger, with enough pace to match most guys, and the ability to get off a decent cross and is still good in the air. Frankie is, I think, a little less interesting there against top teams, tho to be fair, Robben had a very good game and is a very good player.
all of you brought up good points. But I'm not really talking about the Holland match specifically. But in general, in any given game we only attack from one spot. And against good opponents, it kills us. You can't be 1-Dimensional and get away with it. Look back at Wolrd Cup 2002. We were able to attack down either flank because DMB/Lewis and Donovan were playing well, and McBride was doing his thing. the skill wasn't as that great a level (we had more of it against Holland on the field), but we had a balanced attack that forced the defense on its heels (except against Mexico).
of course balance is the desired end result. as another poster mentioned, you can "compensate" for a lack of balance, but if you don't have to compensate you are better off. I just don't see any good prospects right now for the right side. either on defense or midfield. I really like ralston and klein in MLS play, but they seem to be not quite ready for international level. I've seen LD out there which is a waste. beasley there which isn't too bad. convey i think played there once as has reyna. all of those guys are better playing elsewhere and i always want a player to play where they are most comfortable.