How much of a cliche would it be to post the image of Daphne Szetela when he was allocated to the Crew. Man, as much as Freddy was an underachiever, at least he achieved SOMEthing. Szetela’s career was like the temperature in deepest space, barely above absolute zero.
Don’t look now but Tillman just played the 6/8 type role in a massive champions league match vs City. And was sensational, leading all players in duels won, recoveries (9!) and tackles (6) and was instrumental in the build up to both goals.
Cardoso returning after a long injury absence started and went ~60 in a Atletico 2-1 win over Napoli. Did not watch was toggling between Bayern/Arsenal and Liverpool/PSV. Looks like he played as a #6 in a 4-1-4-1. Anyone watch?
As I said earlier in this thread and yesterday showed it again. We are going to have a UCL level midfielder not make the final roster. Thats crazy good actually.
IMO the results of today's WC draw guarantee Roldan a roster spot (and probably a starting spot in at least one group stage match) and damage Cardoso's roster chances. Roldan helped set up all the goals in the recent friendly victories against Paraguay and Australia, while Cardoso made the colossal blunder that led to Turkiye (our likely third opponent) beating us in the pre-GC friendly.
Against 2 teams in our group that don’t press, that play low or mid blocks, to me this is a boost for players are better in a “half court offense” than on the counter, and also a boost for Seb and his set pieces. Interesting idea though
Roldan isn't really competing with Cardoso. CR7 is a vibes guy. He will be one of the 3 extra roster spots. That's not to say he won't play. The proper competition for CM in 3421/4231 are Adams, Tessmann, Berhalter, Cardoso, Musah, Morris, and Sands. Tillman and McKennie can also play CM.
Roldan is ahead of all of them to Poch save the top two, and even Tessman is questionable. You’re right, Roldan isn’t in competition with Cardoso, that competition is over, if it ever existed, and Roldan won it. Easily better with the Nats than Cardoso to this point.
I’m not sure what extra three is, but he’ll play more than everyone you listed save Adams and Tessman, and may even play more than Tessman. In fact, I’ll wager he plays more central mid than Tillman or McKennie, they have a different role now. Could be wrong of course, we’ll see next summer.
Honestly, I could totally see Tillman play almost anywhere in our midfield. While McKennie is basically a central midfielder, I have the feeling that he'll mostly be used in the attacking midfield or wing, like he gets used with Juve. He may end up coming central and deep a lot, but he'll be used as a chance creator and force multiplier more than as a solid metronome. Tillman could be used as a solid, ball-secure metronome and duel-winner, or as a creator, depending on the opponent, game plan, and game state.
With the draw I think Sebs stock just went up. Playing two low block sides is going to make set pieces a prime consideration.
Ironically, I think it also helps Reyna, as somebody on the back end of the squad (even if he's not a starter) who can be brought on in the second half to break down a packed in defense.
I sure hope I am wrong but I can foresee a decisive WC moment in which Roldan or SB isn’t up to the occasion.
Well Pulisic wasn’t up to the occasion for a big moment against the Netherlands so obviously it could happen to Roldan or Musah or someone like that.
I wasn’t focusing on Berhalter, I was enjoying the match, but my first impression is that he wasn’t good today.
There are lots of reasons players have bad games. Given that he’s an elite athlete used to playing against the best players under the brightest lights, I don’t think I would make the inference that that was the reason for that bad game.
You were talking about decisive moments, now you’re talking about bad games. A bit of a distinction there. I could see Roldan doing a lot right in the course of a World Cup game.
Then I misinterpreted the post to which I responded. But if you think Pulisic is not mentally and physically better inclined to handle the big stage than either Roldan or Berhalter, then we disagree. Which is fine.