He's been playing in preseason. Last I heard he was supposed to be at about 80%, but that was several weeks ago. I expect him to see time coming off the bench early in the season until he gets his fitness and confidence levels up. In short, he should be ready to play for us this year. Now he has to beat someone out for playing time.
He is about 95% and climbing. Just unbelievable skill. Not the "Starter" yet... but watch out for this kid.
I have a question. My head is too large for my body. Not outragously so, but its a tad too big. It is hard for me to purchase a hat. My kangol only fits correctly when my hair is short. Does 'Bondi have a head that is a tad too large for his body? It seems to me that he does, and I wish to point out that this makes him my hero. The large headed man is underrepresented in futbal.
Two words. Brian Clough. Could Gbandi be that attacking outside fullback Il Bruce has been looking for? I do not think his recent experiments at that position have worked well. I suppose we will see waht he comes up with in Houston.
"Head! Paper! Now! Move that melon of yours and get the paper, if you can! Haulin' that gargantuan cranium about." Seriously, though, I think you guys will be impressed with this kid if his time at UConn is any indication. Lee
No doubt that if Gbandi makes an impression this year, he will get called up. Bruce loves guys with limited experience making waves in MLS--it shows that they adapt quickly to their environments.
I can't wait to see this guy play. Players on the right side looking at Chivas and Gbandi may kill themselves. That part of the team is going to be fun. What about Broome? I still think he would be happy to give up the left back spot to compete with Chivas for the spot at left wing (Jeffries seems to see Davis in the middle). Chivas and Broome are such different palyers it creates even more of a problem for the oppsotion. Chivas settles the ball and tries to dribble around defenders, Broome blows past them with speed. Be nice to have a true, proven striker, though. Can Gbandi do that?
Well, he could undoubtedly play striker, but he certainly wouldn't be considered a "true, proven" striker. He did everything at UConn, although he mainly played as a sweeper/defender. He got forward when they needed a goal, and scored a lot for a defender, including on free kicks. He really is best suited to be in the back, though. Lee
Sweet! Now, before we start saying he deserves a call-up, let's see if he can beat out Paul Broom for a place in the starting lineup first.
I don't thinkthat will take too long. No knock on Broome, but left back is not his natural position. As soon as Gbandi is match fit, I think he will take over. Broome moves back to left wing.
I'm hoping he does well quickly, or he may rethink his decision about playing for Liberia. I doubt it, but you never know. Lee
Since Liberia has never made the WC this would be a slightly insane decision for a good player. Even though I am not a Burn fan, I am very excited to see Gbandi play. Every single person who has seen him play thinks he is the real deal.
Not that it matters but Gbandi is also eligible to play for Ghana, where his mother is from. With Ghana, you could argue that his chances of playing in a WC would be slightly better than with Liberia but given that Ghana ALWAYS seems to choke in qualifiers, it would be a weak argument. That said, the kid wants to play for the US and his parents want him to play for the US and I'm guessin that Bruce Arena wants him to play for the US. Just not until he shows he can start for the Burn. BTW, how many of the Burn's players are eligible to play for other countries besides the US? Suarez - Uruguay Gbandi - Liberia/Ghana Chivas - Mexico Plus you have the players cap-tied to other countries - Vaca (Bolivia), O'Brien (N. Ireland), Cerritos (El Salvador), T-Bone (Uganda), Morrow (N. Ireland), Pareja (Colombia)... Shoot, the Burn could field a team with no players eligible to play for the US!
You forgot Shavar Thomas who is cap tied to Jamaica. Anyway, I am tired of hearing how Dallas is a team of a bunch of foreigners. There is some very talented young Americans who will probably play an integral part in the team's fortune this year. It is true that Gbandi, Suarez and Chivas can play for other countries. Both Gbandi and Suarez have indicated they would play for the US if given the opportunity.
I thought ROB played for Ireland, not Northern Ireland. In terms of Burn players Il Bruce could give a cap to, I would agree that Gbandi will have to earn a starting spot and play very well to get consideration. Not to criticise Il Bruce, but if I were in his shoes, I would get ryan and Chivas on the feild. They both have the talent to take thier games to incredibly high levels. Remember, Berhalter was just a talented palyer when Sampson got him a cap, not a World Cup player. Since many of these games have no real meaning except finding who plays well where, there is no harm. Of course, in the WCQs, I would hope we would play our best 11 every game, even against minor nations. No mercy, crush the weak. Like Chicago.