This here is a generalization: Even more important than the individual attributes of the players is the manner in which they play together. There are really two basic types of central defenders - two poles between which you find most of them. One of them defends through direction and organization, and one of them defends by tackling really, really hard. You can get both in the same person - like, I don't know, Jimmy Conrad - but more often than not players will be stronger in one than in the other, and because these qualities are complementary the best pairings team one with the other. Like Agoos with Dayak. Nobody doubted Dayak's leadership skills, but the defence was organized by Agoos and no one else. In turn, Dayak's toughness and cussedsumbitchedness covered for Agoos' diminishing speed. Many times, players grow into the leadership role as they age, turning from the hardhead into the leader. Robinson needs someone else to run the show, and Califf does that. Without that framework, he makes too many mistakes and the fire that serves him well when he is playing off of Califf becomes a liability. Next to Califf, he can play just on the edge of out-of-control, and since he doesn't have to depend on the power of being nuts to run the defense he (usually) stays this side of the line. There's nothing wrong with this - some world-class players simply play better in a secondary role. Rio Ferdinand tore it up at the world cup, but never played as well with United largely (IMHO) because he was not playing next to Sol Campbell. And without Chuck D holding it down, look at Flavor Flav: smoking crack and riding his motorcycle into trees.
What I just realized this morning: CALIFF IS ONLY 25 YEARS OLD! Two years younger that Eddie Robinson, actually. With a bunch of domestic and international experience already. And he will improve even more. Don't you think he has a good chance to return to the National team eventually? (No, I am not his cousin)
While I agree with you to a certain extent, by last year Agoos had become such a huge defensive liability in 1v1 matchups that any benefits were outweighed by the negatives. It didnt make a difference who played in CD last year at the end, there was a weakness either way. Califf fills the same function, and is a huge upgrade at this stage of their respective careers. Eddie is just a beast.
Not to mention banging Brigitte Neilsen (aka The White Grace Jones). *shudder* I agree that Califf and E-Rob are currently the best central D pairing in the league, and Clark has been helpful dropping back there when necessary. The thing is, the three of them are, with help from everyone else, preventing opponents from even getting many good shots off. Tonight's challenge should be interesting, because Cunningham's tied for the league lead in goals.
Yes, yes, yes!!! Absolutely! IF he keeps playing. Especially the way he's playing. So what he needs to do is stick with this team! None of that going overseas and riding the bench bit. He has to keep showing how good he is! (You think he's reading this? )
i really doubted ERob at the beginning of the season.. he seemed a liability in the first few matches, but he has really found his niche! I couldn't be more happy with him.
I went to go vote for the All-Star game again and I noticed that Danny is totally NOT on the ballot! WTF??!!!!! How are guys put on the ballot? Is it the starting XI from each team for the first month of the season or something?
Short answer, yes, at least with the teams I've seen. With Califf, Gray and Davis, I'm beginning to think gAlexi may have actually been trying to build a better team while he was here. Go figure.
You would not be the only one. I recall a number of us (me included) calling for changes, maybe moving Waibel into themiddle for Robinson, or other options. Hope both of them can keep it up, if the team keeps playing defense like they have been, we can play with any team in the MLS and win our share of the time.
until the injuries, Califf was a regular call-up to many of BA's Nats camps...especially the domestic based Nats... Can't help but think that BA is watching and is pleased with Califf's recovery...
i dunno how they decided, anyone who was injured in teh beginning is not on, and also those injured after the ballot was out were never taken off there is still hope.. he could be a coach's pick
yeah.. back when everyone called him OTC (Orange Traffic Cone.. some people were debating whether Califf or a traffic cone would make a better defender) what do you punks have to say now!? HUH?
Oh!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought it meant he was the over the counter solution for our defense problems. I shoulda figured though.... He's more powerful than that!
I say as long as Orlando Perez is in the league, it would be a crime to refer to anyone other than him as "OTC".
Is this a "San Jose only" thread, or do opinions from outside NoCal matter in this discussion? (edited to update from Wed.) I certainly don't argue with the "one of the best" statements. Not in the least. But before you go anointing yourself kings of the hill, you may want to look at who you played and where those games were played. Four home games with only DC as a real team (then again, at that time they weren't real strong.) And while LA was second in the division by themselves, I think we've all seen that LA on the road might as well be an expansion team. The road games were against Chivas, Colorado and KC. Now KC is a solid team, no doubt. And getting results is good. But how about going on the road and getting shutouts (against teams other than Colorado - who more times than not don't seem to have any offense no matter where they play)? So yeah, I'd put Dallas in the mix there, bro. Goodson and Vanney are pretty darn solid (esp. as loose as the outside fullbacks are.... ) So, just so we're clear - I am not doubting that Eddie and Danny have turned things around and gotten the results. Or that Onstad is having some really good games of late. (I'll say again what I've said it elsewhere - that series against LA may have been the greatest series of saves I've seen from a keeper in the history of the league, and yes, I've been following MLS since Day One.) I'm just saying that there is *some* competition. It will be interesting to see how things play out on Saturday. Unless Ruiz plays, we've had trouble finishing at the forward position, but our midfield has been stellar.
Outside "opinions" are welcome......and you make a strong point with Vanney and Goodson.....they were the one duo I considered as a challenger. Good post.
I hope we didn't hex em with all the kudos, last night was probably Danny's worst game since he arrived.