So in the game today Gibbs subbed in for Bocanegra in the center of defense. Does this mean that is where Bruce sees him playing for the national team, or he just wanted to get him into the game and give Carlos a break? I know many on these boards have called for him to be given a trial at left back. I believe he has played outside and inside for St. Pauli. Thoughts?
Yeah, love to see Gibbs to score on that one... Tommy Smyth says he's dangerous in free kicks... would love to see that... He likes to go forward alot... it would be hard for him to go forward in the centerback position... maybe we can see him in left back?
I wouldn't read anything into any substitution patterns in this game. that's like asking if Beasley is going to play forward b/c he subbed for Twellman. congrats to Cory for getting his first cap!
Exactly. Convey was at right mid, for example. Gibbs reportedly plays Berhalter's position, and it looks like he'll be playing in the Bundesliga next year while Greg drops down to the 2nd division.
i thought gibbs looked good...granted in limited minutes. my prediction...for what it's worth...is that by the end of the confed cup...gibbs will be starting and the conversation at hand will be which two of these three need to start...pope...boca...gibbs.
I think with the attacking prowess he showed, he'd be a heck of a wing back. Maybe a future starter. He reminds me of Sanneh kind of in the way he plays. Likes to push forward, but sturdy in the back and calm with his touches. Were putting together pretty good depth in our defense.
almost had a goal. Unfortunatly cleared off the backline. Let's wait till he actualyl gets tested defensivly. What I liked was that he never threatened to just air mail the ball downfield
Gibbs played well today, but my concern would be that if the offer talked about here https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=52082&perpage=15&pagenumber=1 does not become a reality, then I don't see Gibbs being part of the USMNT for long...He would be playing all year long for third division club, and i think the USMNT is past that. Even if he did appear to be a good player, i don't see how he could on a regular basis jump his level from 3rd division soccer to international play...I hope he does move on to better competition (at least second division German soccer)
I dont think there is any question St. Pauli will sell him, they cant afford to keep him. In fact, I think they renewed him on a B2 contract specificly for that purpose, since that is too expensive a contract pay scale for a regionaliga team.
Like everyone else seemingly, I liked what I saw this morning. Didn't see enough to make a firm decision but what we did see was confidence, strength, pace, and assuredness, definitely positive qualities to have around for our defense. And this is a concern, if you look back over the past two years, our defense has looked fine against Central America, and the Carribean and low ranked squads from other regions, but the Dutch exploited weaknesses last spring, as did the Germans (in terms of height) in Rostock, and Argentina played quite well against it too. I see plenty of reason to be pleased w/what we have when it comes to handling the lower level squads, but in competing regularly with top of the line teams, teams like those we'll meet in the confederations cup (of course it doesn't sound like their best squads will be coming) we need to have better talent. More athletic, more assured, younger defenders. Any time a guy like Gibbs can come in and show that he isn't at all out of place, that can't be anything but a good thing. Hopefully he can see more time over the next six months of the year, because I'm not at all comfortable w/anyone other then Pope, and Bocanegra right now when we face top flight teams w/pace and size. If Gibbs can help, and add another piece to that back four, that can only help our cause. Will Gibbs be a part of the Confederations team?
I don't believe the team has been named yet. I think the final roster will be announced in a few days at most. It will be posted at http://www.ussoccer.com/ first when it happens.
I thought Gibbs did great. He looked more composed on the ball compared to any of the US backs. He looked fast and fluid. It should only take 5 minutes of playing to find out if a player is any good. I was impressed with Gibbs in such few minutes of PT. Immediately looked better than Garcia, Califf, Berhalter, Cherundolo. Gibbs also won all the headers in his area. Boca and Berhalter can't say that. As for Cherundolo, did he win one header? I'm not sure who is a better hack Hejduk or Cherundolo. The back line makes me nervous. Eddie Pope's presence was missing. I don't know if Vanney is the answer at left back. What happened to Barrett? For the few times I saw him Barrett play he looked faster and more mobile compared with Vanney. Maybe Eddie Lewis to left back or play with only 3 in the back and Mastroeni at DCM.
I think the "guy plays in league X and therefore will never get call-ups again" myth should die. Arena's not going to suddenly decide that Cory's unworthy because his team got relegated. Callups will still be based on individual play, not on resume. Barrett is not off the radar screen for banishing himself to Denmark, Cannon didn't drop off as a benchwarmer in France, Hahnemann got the call from the First Division, Enochs has gotten a call from the Regionalliga, Thorrington has been called from down deep, Lewis has solidified a spot based on First Division play ... the coaching staff doesn't use hard and fast rules, and a dominant Regionalliga player could and should be on the radar screen. Clearly, the Bundesliga clubs interested in signing him don't suddenly think he's terrible, either.
I think Gibbs potential is clear.....A big athletic guy (including fast) who seemed to a nice touch/technique too (both feet)...a guy that big is going to win many balls in the air.....if you remember Eddie Pope back at 23/24, he seemed similar (in athletic makeup) but also that he played a little tentative too (still learning)- but a bit tentative is to be expected. Just a minor point- he will get more confident. However, he fact that BL1 clubs are bidding for his services speaks volumes. If Bruce follows Mexico 99, Gibbs will likely get some field time in Confed Cup-given quick turnaround in games. I think there is no question that we need to develop more talent in defense, given Pope's inclination for injury, Boca still learning, Cherundolo's "fair" performances for the Nats, and Berthalter/Vanney...well, those guys are likely at their peak now, and there are holes in their game, and by next World Cup, they will be older, slower, and likely not as good as now (which is not good enough). Bruce has to develop the next generation, of which, all things considered, Gibbs has to be a top candidate at this point- and remain on the development track (along with Garcia).. I liked what I saw....I think in 2 years Boca, Gibbs, and Pope and/or a 3rd young candidate could be our solid, athetic, skillful backline......I will continue to toot the horn for Cherundolo at outside right (mid)...given the explosion of offensive talent we will have in the middle of midfield (including Adu), with Steve's crossing ability, and importantly, ability to beat a guy quickly and cross...I think he would be a very good outside mid on the right- coming back on D for a 5 man back line, but occasionally moving up in offense (I would like to see Cherundolo stay at home on D more so Donovan, Adu, Mathis, etc. can go forward without restriction)..
I agree with this post. I had no idea he was so tall and Pope-esque. I had this vision of another Cherundolo because he plays outside at St. Pauli. He looked like he fit in well with Berhalter who really had some baaaad touches yesterday IMO. Hopefully Gibbs can understudy from Pope over the next few years and we'll have some real depth at central defense for Germany 2006. I also hope he latches on to a 1.BL team next year. Anyone have any news about that?
When Kirovski scored the game-winner, I turned to Minnman and said..."I told you Cory Gibbs would make a difference in this game. He's only been on the pitch 2 minutes and already we've turned it around" Congrats to Cory Gibbs on his first cap. I thought he looked good in his first start. I was behind the NZ goal with the USA Supporters when Gibbs came on so I couldn't see much of his defensive play but I was amazed at how many times I saw him venturing inside the penalty area on the attack. I like the previous suggestion of playing him at a wingback position. I personally thought Cherundolo was outsized by the Kiwis and it would have been interesting to see Gibbs come in for him instead of Bocanegra. Does anybody know if Gibbs has played out wide in the past?
Wade Barrett is trying to establish himself with his new club team, so he's not an option. So far as I know, he's been a marking back for St. Pauli. Played defender when they tried the infamous 2 back setup. As for the Pope comparison...I hope he keeps the hair, because with the height, the build, even the gait, they'll be difficult to tell apart.
i agree with the comments berhalters distribution was very shaky at best... gibbs showed better than anyone... on the whole, the A center defense, when healthy, is Pope and Bocanegra... Gibbs should play 2 matches at Confed and as many Gold matches as possible, to get experienced.. ideally, he'd become the 3rd central defender... right now, berhalter is the default #3.