Maybe this is obvious and doesn't require a thread, but I was wondering, if Reyna is unfit and doesn't go to Germany, who would captain the team?
Obviously Adu I'm just kidding. It will be Donovan. He already sleeps with the captains armband under his pillow.
how about this - even if reyna goes to germany with us, will he be our captain? what if he is there as a sub? will that make a difference?
I am not sure that you take the armband from Reyna just yet. The captain should not necessarily be most skilled player on the pitch. If that were the case, then it would go to Donovan. However, I feel like there is a certain "tenure" element to wearing the armband. Claudio has earned it. Has proven himself to be one of the only true world class players in the history of the team. Although Donovan is getting there (if not already), I think armband still goes to Reyna.
With Donovan having worn the armband in each of the USA's last two WCQ's, I'd believe that he's being groomed to have that honor bestowed upon him when it's time. Just that the opportunity to get him ready for it while Reyna has been injured and unavailable, that timing has been right. There are others who would make a good captain next year and beyond-- such as Friedel, Keller or Pope, for instance. However, with each of those players' spots being up for grabs, I think Bruce would want to give the armband to a player who he knows will be on the field game in and game out. Not only is Landon seen as the USA's most skilled player, but he can play any of a number of positions, and his fitness, work ethic and professional approach to matters, they're all top-notch. A no-brainer to make him the captain in '06, should Claudio Reyna not make it.
It's the changing of the guard. 2002 was Reyna's team. With him getting older and taking longer to recover from injuries it's high time that one of the young players get the "c" for now--no doubt it should be Donovan. He knows that with that label he has to work extra hard and he has to show that he is the one who is leading the troops on the pitch. Until Reyna returns, it's his to keep.
so what if reyna plays only as a reserve player - a cobi-esque sub. Would donovan start with the band and then give it to reyna when he comes on?
Reyna won't even be playing, might not even make the trip to Germany '06.... Baby Jesus will be the wearer of the armband.....
I think it would depend on how involved Claudio is during the WCQ process. If he is in there and captaining for most of it I think Bruce will let him keep it in Germany. However, if he isn't fit for most of qualifying and therefore doesn't play in those games, I think it would be silly for BA to let him wear it in the WC because he hasn't re-proven himself to BA or the team that put them into the WC. In this case, I think Landon keeps it. And he keeps it the whole game, whether CR comes in or not.
It seems to me the captain thing is overblown. The players have a way of choosing their own captain regardless of who's wearing the armband.
What has Reyna done for the team lately? He's been unavailable for games due to injury. He was sucking wind at the end of the Panama game and nearly allowed Panama to put the game away by failing to defend effectively. He has not been creative and is no more effective than those that have replaced him in the lineup -- I would argue that he is SIGNIFICANTLY less effective than his replacements. He has not been vocal or shown much leadership on the field. I also predict that Reyna won't be at 2006 due to either injury or retirement. How can you NOT take it from Reyna? On the other hand, Donovan has earned it. He's been available for the qualifiers and friendlies. He's had an impact on the games. He's scored goals and changed the complexion of the games with his leadership. He's 22 and has been on the USMNT for over 3 years. He's a veteran. Why wouldn't you let Donovan keep it? This is a no brainer. It's time for the changing of the guard. Donovan -- hands down!!!