The past few matches have gotten me thinking that what I've seen of Eddie Lewis this past year has been a tad bit more impressive than what I've seen out of Beasley. I'm not knocking Beasley so much as saying that I believe Lewis is the more complete player at this point in time and seems much less likely to completely stink up a game the Beasley does every now and then (like tonight IMO). Of course, Beasley's showings may just be a result of who he's playing with and the role Bruce has him playing. That said, I'm starting to think that unless there is a change in their respective forms during the next season I may prefer to bring Beasley on as a super-sub in the World Cup, the same way that Hiddink did for much of last season at PSV. I'd hate not to have him on the field for the full 90 but considering our current depth at midfield, the bench is where I'd put him right now. Beasley is the perfect sub, winning or losing, because he is good at both attacking and defending, particularly when concentrating on one or the other. This is for one of the other 1,000 threads on the topic but it would be pretty cool to sub Adu and Beasley in when the opposition is tiring.
Beasley has proven he should start. He's starting to score more consistently and with our inept finishing, we need him out there from the beginning. I think both need to see the field as much as possible.
Both are key ingredients to the succes of the MNT. Either can play left flank, Lewis has done his share of LB as well, and DMB can play up top - especially when we go to a three man front. I like them both. John O'Brien has been the biggest factor in Bruce's decision making as of late. It is nice to have so many options for our midfield, especially left. It is most definitely our strength.
Wouldn't you also say that one of our biggest weaknesses is having a bench that couldn't light a spark with a Zippo?
I am longing for the day Eddie takes the pitch again. Wolf I love and have always loved, but he cannot hold a ball or challenge balls in the air the way the other two can. However, he is a definite plus for our side and is always valuable coming off the bench.
Less inept, but why take out Beasley just because EJ and McBride are back? Wouldn't that just create more offense with them all in there? Having spark on the bench is important but I'd rather be up 2-0 then down 2-0 waiting for a spark.
LOL... yeah, well that will need to be addressed. At least we have had plenty of players in and out to give it a go. The defense is what primarly worries me... with Cherundolo out and Gibbs not an option at this point (injury?), it scares the shite out of me to see Hejduk come off the bench and play center back. I have liked what I have seen from Jimmy Conrad... but what I have seen has been brief, so I am not the one to talk to about him.
Beasley led his club in CHampions League goals and has been mentioned by Arena as perhaps the best US player when with the national team. If it comes down to an either or decision, Beasley will win that one by a landslide. He and Donovan are the two guys with the most secure spots on the US team, outside Keller in goal.
Having a spark on the bench is not why I would bench Beasley. Instead, it is a benefit of having him on the bench. The main reason I'd put him on the bench is that he and Lewis play the same position...and I believe that Lewis is currently better.
Barring injuries, I don't think defense will be a concern in 2006...especially central defense. Left back is still a worry but Spector may very well win the job at Charlton and Boca has shown that he can do a decent job there when called upon. Not to mention the fact that JOB has played LB a ton for Ajax.
Read post above. As much as I like Lewis, Beasley is better, has a bigger future and will start over Eddie. But, I think both can start, as both did against Trinidad and Mexico.
What the hell do you know? You live in Tallahassee for God's sake! Just kidding...I just moved to the DC area from Tallahassee.
Yes Tallahssee sure isn't soccer central. I couldn't find a single place that would show the match tonight.
Maybe according to you, but go ask Arena. While you're at it, find out why Eddie is playing in a second division while Beasley is on a Champions league team.
Beasley's speed will be more valuable than what Lewis can give us at the WC. Part of the reason why Lewis has looked more impressive when they play together, is that when they do so, Beasley is usually played out of position on the right. Put Lewis out there and the same would happen to him. As for these GC games ........ gimme a break. Armas, Vanney, Conrad, Ralston, Wolff, Olsen .............. these are the players that he's playing with? See, people are getting clouded on the facts. Eddie only plays games with the best US lineup for the most part, in his preferred position. Beasley, who plays more often, and in the lesser tournaments, plays wherever he is asked, all over both wings, the middle and up top. The instability of his positions makes him look awkward and then some think that Lewis is better. He's not. Remember, Beasley only plays on the right when Lewis is available because there is no one to play out right, and Beasley is better at covering the unnatural position than Lewis. If we had a bonafide right wing, Lewis wouldn't be in the lineup.
It always amazes me how quickly the BS community forgets the good play that Lewis gives the USMNT whenever he steps on the field. He really gets the short end of the stick becuase he doesn't play for the Nats as often as others.
There's a Mexican restaurant around the corner from my house and they have a sign that advertises "Gold Cup Shown Here". I called today and asked if they were showing the US-Honduras match and the guy who answered the phone said no. When I asked if this was because Mexico had been eliminated he hung up.
Beasley is definitely playing for a better team, but I'm not sure how big of a gap (if any) there is between the Coca-Cola and the Eridevisa (sp, save for Fey, PSV, Ajax).
1. Not getting "clouded" as I stated in my post that it could just be who Beasley's been playing with and how Bruce has been playing him. 2. I have been judging each of them on their ability to play the left wing.
Well said. I think that Eddie is a player who plays a specific role very well. When that role is needed then by all means get him out there. I don't think that Beasley looks bad outside of his prefered left side and he doesn't seem to care. So given these two points he gives more options to Arena. I don't think there is a conflict here at all.