Agree. And he's the best set-piece taker I've ever seen in an American uniform since I began following the sport in the early 90s. What does he have to do? I'll tell you MY opinion. He's got to step up his level of MLS play. Then maybe Arena will take note and we can start talking seriously about it.
There is a heck of a lot more to the game than just set pieces. Yeah he's pretty dam good at em, but is being good at set pieces enough to offset what he is lacking right now? He's a talent, of that I don't think anyone disagrees. But the trade off to what he brings to the table and what crap he brings along as well isn't worth it. It's way to easy to get into his head. Clip him once and he's following you around the field trying to get you back. Can you imagine him playing against Mexico? He'd be sent off within 30 minutes.
How many red cards does Mathis have with the USMNT? I think the answer is Zero. I rest my case on that issue. And as far as skill Mathis brings more to the table then free kicks. He's an accurate shooter who shoots loaded balls. His shooting range is better then anybody on the USMNT. He is also one of the best passers on the team and very creative. I rest my case on that issue.
Here ya go. Actim is the EPL's stats mechanism to track players. it currently has Reyna as the top EPL player (which is August). Now, I think it has to be taken with a grain of salt, and I don't believe he will stay up there, but still, it is quite an accomplishment nevertheless. EPL stats
Again, nobody has said he isn't talented. That is obvious. This season he isn't even on the list for top scorers in MLS. Out of the 30 players shown. Nope, no red cards for the nats, but is tied for the league in MLS for discipline points. At least that's something.
That's because he's on a bad team that doesn't play to his style. He can't carry a team on his back anymore like he used too. He probably would be amongst the leaders if he was on his former team the Metrostars. And there are other teams too.
actually, it pains me to write him off.I am a HUGE USA fan and we could surely have used his talents if he had not wasted them.
Not this again.......the Reyna who plays 90 mins in England's Premiership and gets praised by a stud like Stewert Pierce is "done" contributing to the US National team.....what a joke. Mathis however will hopefully get another shot after we qualify......Bruce will have time to experiment and depending on where Clints head and form are he may get a shot.....I hope he does and can take advantage of his chance, but I that is wishful thinking.......
It's really hard for some people to let go. I now see why there are still so many people who think that Tupac and Elvis are alive.