Dallas has no idea how to use him... a move to Fulham would be better, at least there they'd settle him into a position. FCD has played him at LB, LM and Forward. All that moving around has stunted his growth IMO.
Agreed. There is no telling how a player with his size and athletic ability would develop if he settled into one position. Same thing with Cameron. He wants to play in the midfield, but after making the MLS Best XI, its hard to argue that he is best as a CB. But in MLS, he'll continue to move around, whereas a European team would most likely lock him down into one spot, and maaaaaaaaaaybe give him time at one other position. Brek has literally played everywhere from forward to centerback, sometimes in the center sometimes on the left. Continuity is so much better for a young player.
Shea is the most exciting offensive talent I have seen at Dallas and that includes Eddie Johnson, Kenny Cooper, Ramon Nunez and Arturo Alvarez. I am not saying he is the best player (yet) but has more upside due to his complete game and work ethic. Until you see him in person you can't realize how much chaos he gives defenders both with unorthodox moves, key passes and crosses and an uncanny ability to time runs behind defenders and a cobra-like clampdown on defenders and keepers. Finishing is his MLS weakness but maybe a confidence thing as he has hit posts and crossbars and may need to just get over the hump. At a higher level he may not pan out at midfield or forward but I would like to see a good coach work with him in those spots before moving him back.
I don't know if i would put him up that high, but fans really don't see how much effect he has. I remember there were actually people calling him lazy at the U20 WC despite his tireless effort on the left flank for the whole game every game. Because he is 6'3", people don't understand how hard he is working nor how fast he truly is. This is easier for me to guage because Matt Jones played here at Arkansas. Before he got in to crack and cocaine, he was truly a gifted athlete. He's 6'6" so people consistently underestimate his speed and effort. Then he goes to the combine and surprise surprise, he runs a sub 4.3 40. As much as fans bemoan his lack of talent, effort, and athleticism, there is a reason that every single coach he has had is so damn high on him.
Posted this in MLS forum: Why does everyone give up on young players??? Who is our best midfielder right now? Clint Dempsey. When Clint was 19 like Brek is now he had 0 MLS appearances, 0 MLS goals, and 0 USMNT Callups. He wasn't even pro. Brek has all the ability and tools to potentially be a very good left midfielder. Let's see what happens.
Shea has something about him. Watching him play live I noticed he was causing a lot of problems for the Sounders backline with his runs and dribbling ability.
I hope you are correct, but in the one game I saw him play live in person, he was the worst player on the field by a wide margin. Let's hope he doesn't wind up kicking field goals in college.
LOL! Fortunately for us Brek Shea is still a lot better than Devin Barclay ever was. Plus he is only the backup kicker.