Definately could be the best matchup tomrrow. DMB against one of the best wingers in Europe "when he's healthy" DMB could come out of this with a Euro contract in hand. Also Convey if at the left back could also play in this depending on what formation's the team play. Please give us your opinion.
where has dmb been playing recently for the nats? he is naturally a lefty but can also play on the right, correct? if he is playing on the left it will be vd meyde on that side, if on the right it will possibily be marc but could also be arjen robben
This also relies on the assumption that Beasley will start over Lewis on the left. Beasley, like the previous poster said, might end up on the right flank.
Beasley is basically our Jean Tigana...a very effective player (but technically limited) if used the right way, and surrounded by players who know how to play to his strengths- can be a strong player at National level....Personally I think he is a mistake anywhere but the left side/back position in which he usually is a solid contributor w/strong defensive workrate. His technical weaknesses and size show up greater at other postions. Don't like him on the right at all....(can he even cross w/his right?)
The fire tried him on the right early last season. Beasley looked lost out there and eventually he was moved back to the left and Justin Mapp was slotted in on the right. Beasely can barely cross with his left (allthough he is getting better) let alone his right.
Beasly, technically weak? Why does everyone think Beasley has such weak technique? Yes, his crosses and shooting need work. But Beasley has improved upon both to such a degree that this year he had some of the best long range shots this year in the MLS. His crosses, while improved, do need to get better. But he doesn't need to be a left footed David Beckham. He just has to keep defenders honest. But his trapping, passing, and field vision are miles ahead of the average US Nat. He's certainly not in Landon Donovan's category. But compared to players like Chris Klien and Steve Ralston, he looks like Cladio Reyna.
he has no right foot. If he can use his outside of left (and I'm not talking for 5-10 yard passes, I'm talking like Mathis can use it), I've never seen it. His shot is not that good technically, but has improved. He simply does not strike the ball correctly (I believe bad positioning of plant foot has something to do with it) in many cases. You can tell by the way the ball arrives (after he strikes it) that he is not hitting some balls clean. Mathis hits balls clean. Donovan too. O'Brien too. Reyna too. Beasley only some of the time. Like Tigana, he is best when he is doing the simple thing- meaning inside of the foot. Look Jean Tigana was a very good player in his day...an important piece of a great French team in the early-mid 80's. They made a memorable final 4 (or was it 8?) against Germany in '82, won the '84 European Championship, and went deep in '86 Cup as well (lost to Brazil on penalties, I believe). I believe he participated on all those teams. He was important because: He provided defensive workrate, effectively advanced the ball in linking, and read the game/vision well, cutting off opposing attacks. Since the French had Platini that needed the ball more, they need a guy like Tigana who could be productive without the ball. Beasley can be a very effective player for Nats by being their "long ball" threat on counter...beating guys deep in opposing territory, breaking up attacks- sticking w/his man defensively, and wearing out his opposing number. I think the Nats err when they ask him to be MORE than that, because at the end of the day, he has a below-average shot (although better than Tigana!), and below average crossing ability. But I'd never discount any guy like him w/his speed, workrate, and experience w/Donovan (who knows how to use Beasley as well).
Re: Beasly, technically weak? I would say his trapping and passing arent all that great. Average to below average for our a-midfield. I think where hes really deficient is his crossing, which has been mentioned (though getting a bit better), and also his dribble. He's still relying way too much on his speed. Kick the ball fwd, and run to it. He really needs to work on this more than anything else in my opinion if he wants to get to the next level.