If a midfield of Donovan, Dempsey, Bradley, Jones and Feilhaber (with Altidore up top) isn't defensively strong enough, then Jones or Bradley is the problem.
Look, man, I like Benny, I'd like to see him get more opportunities with the USMNT, but I think it's a stretch to call him a game changer.
He was quite literally a game-changer at the 2010 World Cup, entering several games at halftime and helping change the game for the better for the US. Now, I'm not sure his form is so good right now that he deserves a spot on the US team. Definitely not as a starter. But he could be a useful player off the bench, just like at the WC. On a 23-man roster, sure. On an 18-man roster, less sure. Or a player like him -- offensive midfielder willing to try assertive, risky passes (Feilhaber, Adu, Kljestan, maybe Diskerud at some point).
Well, he's definitely capable of playing a game-changing pass. And he's done it multiple times at the international level.
He had a positive impact on games, but I think I may have a different definition of what constitutes a "game changer." Robbie Rogers has had his moments for the USMNT, too, but I'd never classify him as a game changer. I'm talking about a guy that when you have him on your roster (or you don't because of injury, lack of club form) it materially changes the profile of the team, the team's ability to get a result, and it's not just a guy that is capable of contributing. Everyone on the team should be capable of contributing and creating a positive impact with their minutes. If that player cannot, that player should not be on the roster, full stop.
it's better than having Williams or Torres played out of position. Feilhaber won't start, but he can come off the bench.
Benny's range of passing, creativity, vision, and control under pressure are game changing abilities in our pool. If never seen Robbie Rogers play a game where I said to myself, "hey, he made his teammates better," it's more like, "hey, he actually took advantage of his pace."
Dempsy, Donovan, howard, and maybe Michael Bradley are the game changers in the USMNT pool. There are no others at this time. Just guys with potential. Feilhaber is 27 years old (the peak age for a professional athlete). He's been hit and miss his whole career. He has flashes of brilliance, and he's played solidly for the USMNT in spot duty here and there. That's what I would call a journeyman, not a game-changer.
i went to the fire game lat knight, and benny looks very good with the ball. it was so cool watching him play.
it is also unfortunate for him that the Revs are a semi-pro team in a professional league. Benny is very very good with the ball.
He's ripping the Crew apart right now, playing left mid in a 4-4-2. He really would be perfect in a 4-3-3 with Bradley and Beckerman/Edu/Jones/Williams/Whoever.
My guess is that Benny's days with the USMNT are over. I sense that JK views him as a specialty player, one that no longer fits in the system. Feilhaber is not only inconsistent, he often fails to put his stamp on the match. And his defensive game is lacking. He certainly has qualities worth mentioning, but he's just too limited for the int'l game.
I feel like, as of now, either Benny or Zusi should be on mnt rosters and get legit looks to see how they mix in.
hell, after last night lets just throw the Feilhaber-Nguyen-Rowe part of new england's midfield in for now on if we are going for Ole Ole Ole ball.
I believe only once. I, too, have always thought there should be a place on the team for him, even as a sub. He has a really good soccer IQ; however, he does have his limitations. But after watching last nights game, I think we could have really used him.
The biggest question for me....has benny's game taken a step back or has he just not taken his game to the next level?
Who knows, he is playing for freaking Heaps/Revolution. You can put Messi there and he will suck. Another motivator my ass: http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2012/09/love-game
.........and again tonite. Zusi aint no Feilhaber, thats for sure. after entire match sequences like the previous games we have seen......actually hell all through qualifying.....you can see the usefulness in a player like benny.
Benny is getting benched on one of the worse teams in MLS. As other posters have said, he's not the same player he once was. He's in very bad form.
given the circumstances of him playing on the Revs, all things considered i dont think he has done too bad. any USMNT player would look lousy with the Revs or Chivas USA. And he started again at Houston, so that little 2 game stretch he was benched was just that. ...........which makes Luis Silva all the more impressive with TFC