He had a bad game, but so what, everyone does. He just came off a couple of good ones. In addition, he was clearly having trouble with his footing.Maybe he was wearing the wrong studs. I am not saying he was good ( duh), but I am surprised why people are so ferocious after one bad game.Virtually every player, USA or otherwise, have stinkers. Glad his was in a friendly.
Ummm....this was his first bad game? And please don't use the two goals he scored recently as reasons he had good games. The goal against Canada was almost as cheap as the goal Kiro just scored, and the goal against Jamaica, while very pretty, was set up so well that any player should be expected to at least put the shot on frame. Klein sucked as bad in both those games. His only real contribution so far has come in the qualy against barbados way back when. That's it. He's slow, not the best passer, and unless his crosses are spot on just isn't the best choice on the wing. There are better options.
Most US players would have put the service from the Jamaica game in row 78, that was a one touch on the half volley at about 70 mph into the opposite side netting near the top. A fantastic finish that required skill. He also outran several defenders. Apparently, Bruce thinks he is better than Ralston, I'm not saying I agree, but Ralston hasnt shown anything as good as what Klein has shown. I think Olsen, at 100%, can put Klein on the bench, who else did you have in mind? Personally, in a match that requires our real best 11, I like Reyna on the right side, but not as a "winger" so to speak. Give Klein a break. Mods, there are alot of threads on this topic. James
It was a good finish, yes, but so was Kirovksi's finish against Germany years ago, in another friendly. Big deal. Giving Klein a break is settling, pure and simple. And settling won't get us any farther. I prefer Olsen on the wing if he starts to show well this season. Stewart is a far superior short term option. A healthy Reyna, I agree, would work in the short term on the right. Donovan would be fine on the right provided we have a healthy set of good forwards, i.e. mcbride, mathis, wolff
Hell, Beasley on the right is an option if everyone is okay with Lewis or O'brien on the left and Mathis or Landon in the middle. Just anything but Klein on the right, anything. Unless we are playing Barbados, of course.
I don't disagre with any of this, except I think Landon's speed is absolutely required up top. Really loosens the other teams D, worrying about his through runs.
I thinlk this is an over-reaction. He has played some good games. It isn't like we have Pires as a choice.
Like I said in another thread, if Olsen gets back 85-90% of his pre-inury speed and quickness, that right side spot is his to lose. I think for the Cups this summer we would see Earnie out there, he showed yesterday that he is still one of our best field players.
But keep in mind, please, that Olsen has thrown a few serious stink-bombs too. I remember on game a few years ago where he forgot how to trap a ball.
I've been saying this since Klein started getting playing time. Klein is a good MLS right midfielder and he has some qualities that make him occasionally effective at the international level against inferior competition, but I hope we have better players there in 2006. I really like the idea of Landon there in 2006 because I think we'll have the forwards by then that he can be more effective in the midfield.
I like the idea of Beasley on the right with Lewis or Convey on the left. Beasley can't cross with his good foot so let him dribble penetrate from the right. What is the lasted on Thorington sp?
This is roughly my sentiment, except I would say against mid-level competition. The thing about Klein --- He's big, hustles, has a pretty good cross (although not lately) plays good defense. ANd he has the least amount of imagination near the box of any player on the US team. It's either a cross or a hard shot that could end up anywhere..
The problem with Klein AND Beasley is that neither is good at crossing accurately. Everyone is dazzled by Beasley's speed but the fact is that he can't deliver the ball in the air and that's a hugh part of his job. The end result is that good forwards end get bashed for not producing when the problem is really the lack of outside halfs that can deliver the ball. Ernie can deliver the ball and that, more then anything else, that changed the game
Go ahead and complain about Beasley's crossing. I won't argue ... not completely. But he stuck the ball on McBride's foot twice and Kiro's foot once and they both hashed it. Klein has the touch of an army mule and is S-L-O-W. This is readily obvious and he should be dropped from the Nats. Period. It's not like right wing is the most difficult spot to play or find good players. The list of options for right-sided midfield is huge, depending on how the position is defined and who is playing in the other midfield spots ... though several are currently injured. LD Stew Mathis Reyna Olsen (not a big fan of his) even Wolff All these guys bring more skill and/or speed, which is what the US needs to succeed. Hopefully, Klein is filler material at the moment.
LD- need him up top Stew- will be 38 in 2006, forget it Mathis- sure, he will REALLY track back on defense... NOT! Reyna- maybe Olsen- we will see if he is even playing soccer in 2006 Wolff- NEVER plays midfield. have no idea if he can even play D. Damn, that list shrank fast!!
LD - who says you can't play offense out of A-mid or on wings. See Paul Scholes and Luis Figo. Stew - better than Klein for next two years in WCQ. Mathis - you'd leave him off the field for Klein in order to get additional defense??? Since when is Klein a defensive rock? Reyna a maybe over Klein??!! - ummmm Olsen - said I'm not a fan, so I'll give you one ... just to be nice. Wolff - I watch him play in person, so I can tell you that he can play right mid, though I prefer him at forward. Hey - I refreshed my list.
Klein has performed better than I had expected. I think he should still be considered for regular playing time.
And on Donovan's once, but Donovan hit it at the goalie. That ball was a very, very nice one. He curved it just enough to get around the defender between him and LD and hit it hard enough the goalie couldn't run out to get it. I was actually impressed by Beasley's crossing Saturday, and think with Eddie Lewis on the left and Beasley on the right we'd have what is our current optimal set of wingers.
Jury's still out. I don't think we have a ton of options TODAY, but I would hope we can find someone that can beat people off the dribble as a regular starter out there.
Klein should be dropped in a heartbeat. His crosses are off, no speed on the wing, gets beat on defense, and just doesnt have the skill to play on the USMNT. At no point during the 3 games was i impressed of his play.
That would cover it pretty well. Although a couple of times he did body an opponent up effectively; he's not one of those skinny wings who's always falling down. But if having bulk is your main skill set, don't plan on having a long U.S National career.