I just do not understand comments like this... Please explain to me what is so HORRIBLE about Olsen in a US uniform?
The "crime" of playing for DC United. Seriously, can there be a seperate thread for people obsessed with Ricardo Clark and why he isnt on the MNT. I'm not saying that Olsen deserves to go or that Clark shouldnt have got more of a shot, but the incessant whining about Clark is downright annoying. And just for the folks that didnt watch DCU v. Clash-Quakes-1836-Dynamo, Clark got outplayed by two regular BS US MNT N&A punching bags, Olsen and Brian Carroll.
his lack of talent he's a whiny b!tch he's a hack who committs silly fouls he looks like a caveman besides that, zidane has nothing on him.
while I think Clark is better than both you are right that people need to get over him. his time is over for this cycle. After the cup, go crazy. but the time has passed. and though I think Olsen would be beyond a terrible choice for the WC roster, he has a shot to make it. Clark has no shot. People really need to accept that.
If Olsen comes it will be specifically for his attitude..........and the fact that he plays for D.C. United.
I respectfully say: screw that. we don't need to waste a roster spot on an a lockerroom guy. What bad seeds do you need to control? is there the need for a calming influence? somebody to keep things loose? There are veterans on this team, funny guys, etc. We don't need somebody to go to Korea just to wave a towel from the bench. if it's that important to bruce he could just hand mooch a towel.
wow. that was intelligent. i was kinda hopig for an intelligent answer because i just don't understand what all the hate is about. i'm not in love with the guy but he's better than zavaginin. as far as clark, i don't know. clark looks good but i've only seen him briefly play for the US and it was late and against a sub-par team. can't really compare the two based on that.
Here is the deal. Bruce knows which 18-20 players he will select. The remaining 3-5 slots should be filled by players who have a specific role. In that case Olsen fits the bill as a potential mf if we are up by 1 goal. On the flipside, having someone like Justin Mapp might be worthwhile if we are a goal down. These last 3 slots are important if we advance.
It is not likely, but clearly Arena has made some mistakes by not preparing players with talent. Mapp has been playing well in MLS for a long time. He is the perfect super sub to add offense. One of Arena's biggest flaws is his use of subs. Typically Arena likes to bunker when he has the lead. The list of subs are usually smart verterans that can play D, but have zero flare. Guys like Richie Williams, Armas, Hejduk, KZ, Klein etc have been players that Arena usually has on the bench during the qualifiers. Guys like Rolfe and Mapp would be great to bring off the bench. To defend Arena, Albright and Casey got hurt. EJ has been a clear investment and could be prety good off the bench if he doesn't start. The same can be said for Dempsey and Convey.
Bruce Arena( I think overall he does a good job) plays Rico Clark at outside back and as right mid b/c he sometimes has problems evaluating talent. It takes him longer to see things sometimes, either that or he's patient to a fault. Remember the last WC cycle when it took forever for him to call in Mathis and Wolff? The guy is not an offensive powerhouse coach at all. He always leans toward the defensive no matter what.
sorry if you didn't like it, but it's true. he's a whiner on the field. he's not very good. he makes bad challenges that hurts his team and draws stupid cards. how can I make it simpler for you? I wasn't comparing him to clark, either. I have another post on that if you want to read it (trust me, it's illuminating. )
Since Olsen is up for discussion, here are his career US team stats: 2006 6 games 3 starts 256 minutes 2 goals 1 yellow 0 red 2005 5 games 2 starts 250 minutes 0 goals 0 yellow 1 red 2004 DNP 2003 2 games 1 start 90 minutes 0 goals 1 yellow 0 red 2002 1 game 1 start 75 minutes 1 goal 0 yellow 0 red 2001 1 game 1 start 85 minutes 0 goals 0 yellow 0 red 2000 10 games 3 starts 414 minutes 1 goal 2 yellow 0 red 1999 7 games 5 starts 438 minutes 2 goals 1 yellow 0 red 1998 1 game 0 starts 17 minutes 0 goals 0 yellow 0 red Total 33 games 16 starts 1625 minutes 6 goals 5 yellow 1 red As for stupid cards, 1 yellow in 256 minutes this year at d-mid isn't a bunch. I don't remember if the card against Japan in the 75th minute was "stupid" or not. He did get 1 red in the Gold Cup last year (his only one as a US player). Here's how that was described by US soccer's website: "Jamaica’s chances improved markedly in the 58th minute, as Ben Olsen was forced to pull down Andy Williams at the top of the box, who was otherwise alone against Keller."
I must admit. These stats are surprising. 6 goals in 16 starts? That's better than most of the forwards we keep bringing in. The cards are to be expected, especially in his role as a d-mid. He better be playing hard and earning a few cards. I've never had anything against the guy myself. I've never been lights-out impressed, either. But, I think that's more a result of his style than his ability.
In contrast, Reyna & O'Brien combined have 12 goals in almost 140 games. They have culture, but not goals.
Chris Rolfe is good, no doubt, but it seems he is just the flavor-of-the-day on BS right now. We're all looking for another forward so we're going down the line of MLS forwards with some skills. I'm sure in a week or two, there'll be a new name everyone is screaming about, and cursing that they didn't make the WC squad, but should have. First Clark, now Rolfe, next...
Let's argue about the definition of the "Holding" Midfielder. Claudio Reyna is our "Holding" mid. He's the guy who the D mid gets the ball to then distributes it. But his job in Arena's system is to control the pace of the game and keep possesion. Where The F*** does Dempsey exhibit these skills? He's an out and out attacking Mid a la Donovan or Beasley. When Reyna goes down it's going to be JOB and if he's down Donovan fills that role. Dempsey is best utilized behind the forwards in the middle of the pitch where he can use his head on the receiving end of crosses and where he can create a dangerous chance with his talent. Your analysis is great but I disagree with your description of a Holding Mid.
Flavor of the day can be turned into "flavor of the last 6 months," as he has had a strong rookie season and continued to be the most dangerous player for at least the Fire in the first 3 games this season. We talk about players that need "service" to score but I see Rolfe as someone who can create shots for himself and others. His two goals have come from others for the Fire, but he has the ability to break down defense on the dribble which Ching and Twellman cannot do. EJ can create space for himself and I consider Wolff decent but nowhere Rolfe's ability. I think Clark is a great player and deserved to be looked at but had the injury...besides Mastroeni and O'Brien can play the D-mid role better. However, I cringe when we are considering Wolff, Twellman, and Ching for our forwards. They have all had enough caps to prove how effective or ineffective they are. Regardless, I dont think Rolfe is going. Waca Waca.