We did our best in the middle since the tournament began. I really hope Bob keeps this combo. Edu's passing ability clearly is better than Clark, and he's just as good defensively. Plus, he's calm presence, which is what we need.
I know some think Edu struggled. But I thought he played well. He did a lot of the dirty work that allowed Michael Bradley to play so well. I don't think Edu is going to be ready to start on Saturday on 2 days rest. It'll be Clark
Really hope Edu is good to go because he's clearly the best of our options. If no Edu, then definitely Clark because Torres sucks. At least in that role. Harkes can go cry all he wants with that love affair he has for Torres.
I think Edu played a solid game, and he is the best option for us if we need possesion. The good possession tactics includes two key elements: 1). When we play with ball, then keep control the ball and don't give up it easily. 2). When we play without ball, then try to regain the possesion effectively. So talking about whether one player fit the possesion game, I think the balance between the player's skill to control the ball and ability to break up opponent's attacking and regain the ball(not just clears) is crucial. That is why I think Edu is Bradley's best partner on the CM position.
Lets not get too ahead of ourselves, remember when we were all dying to see the Bradley-Torres pairing I have a feeling Bob might even go with Clark on Saturday as he is very fresh.
1) Bradley-Jones 2) Bradley-Edu 3) Bradley-Clark I'm good with either #1 or #2. Of course I also believe that Feilhaber or Torres are more fit for that "attacking midfielder" role, and that Bradley should continue playing as a box midfielder, but with a more emphasis being placed on defense.
its gonna be one of Clark or Edu. Since Edu played the last match i see us putting in a fresh Clark. and should we advance, Edu the next match, and so on and so forth. Very important to keep our defensive midfielders fresh. I do like Edu better, but i realize the importance of bringing on Clark as fresh legs with much the same result. Then bring on Benny/Holden/Torres in the second half in the 65th-70th or so pending the situation.
Edu played 45 in the second match and 64 v. Algeria. Ghana's CM are logging more like 90 + 75 + 90. We've had a lot of guys get no rest, but we have still been able to divide up the minutes better than Ghana, esp. at MF and FW. I think Edu is clear for an extensive start Saturday.
great points. totally forgot that Edu only played 45. he should be more than good to go. guys like Donovan and Bradley are not human so theyre okay. I imagine Dempsey could be one of the subs off for say, Stuart Holden. Or maybe start Stu and give Deuce a solid chunk of second half minutes?
The tactics matter more than the players as the center mids are of similar levels of overall capability. The more clearly defined attacker/destroyer role hopefully continues to be used whether Bradley/Edu, Bradley/Clark, Holden/Edu, etc.
There is no one on the 23 man roster by the name of Jones. If you mean Jermaine Jones, he is not healthy, nor is he in South Africa, nor has he trained with the team... yet he is your #1 choice to start for us this Saturday?
The Bradley/Edu defensive midfield pairing has yet to concede a goal, albeit against Slovenia and Algeria.
i'd go with edu as well. but depending on the circumstances, i wouldn't mind seeing benny again in the second half.
I'm just slightly worried about Edu's stamina at this point, he looked gassed in the 2nd half against Algeria and I don't see him going the full 90 + possible extra time against Ghana. What it does is it limits Bob's options, he's forced to burn a sub. I could be wrong though.
I'm sorry, I don't see a "Jones" on our roster in South Africa. As far as Bradley - Edu, I watched the game again last night and one of the things that stood out was the awareness of Edu to hold back when Michael would make a run forward. This helped stem the flow of many of the Algerian counters. If Edu or whoever fills his spot keeps that vigilance, then we should do well.
I rewatched Edu both against Slovnia and Algeria: 1. he stands his man up defensively very well. Most defenders will start back peddling, but Edu holds his ground. 2. He is always there to cover the right or left back. 3. He holds his space right above the CB's very well so we dont see the soft spot on the dragon underbelly. 4. He wins a lot of 50/50balls and cuts out passing lanes well. 5. Very calm on the ball. 6. Against Algeria he made a lot of very, very good runs right down the middle, but no one would one-touch back to him. If someone had gotten him back on even one of his 4 or 5 runs he or someone would have broken loose in the box. 7. He was a bit slow to get back on defense a couple times which bothered me. 8. I don't see how we can not start him from here on out. We need to keep games scoreless if we have any chance of advancing. 9. I read somewhere that his passing was terrible and while I did see a couple, I saw Bradley with far more early passes go errant against Algeria. 10. he was not happy about coming out of the Algeria match. He could barely look at Bradley. I like that. People who dont watch the game, only the goals or attacking play don't see the mountain of work he is doing all over the field. I would say Clark is 'spastic' compared to Edu, but I have nothing against Clark either, he wins a lot of balls for us, but Edu's experience playing for the Rangers I think trumps Clark.
Jesus Christ how many posts saying that Jermaine Jones isn't on the roster do we need? I think the poster and everyone else got it after the second one. Don't be such asses people.
I thought Edu played very well against Algeria for the most part and deserved a better rating. His passing at times was poor though, which hurt us on some attacking opportunities, but his positioning and composure helped keep us organized. Plus he worked very well with Bradley, making Bradley a better player. As for Torres, he is not ready to start but he has been a great second half sub for us. In his time with the US he has shown well coming on in the second half to provide a good calming presence which helps create attacking opportunities. Clark has not shown well offensively, but he has been solid when it comes to breaking up the opponent's attack. He has the best range/speed of the three. That being said, I'd start with Edu. We stand a strong chance of winning if we can keep a clean sheet for the first half and I think he provides the best help for our CBs. Then I'd go to Torres at about 60 minutes in, when Ghana starts to get really tired. I'd also lean toward starting Holden on the right and Donovan on the left, then bring on Dempsey as a halftime change of pace sub - a fresh Dempsey against a tired Ghana is a good recipe for continuing the second half success.