A lot of people were suprised by the Eddie Gaven and Brian Mullan call ups for the Poland friendly. Bruce seems to be rewarding players for exceptional form in MLS. If this continues, who do you see getting the next call-up for a friendly or WCQ and having a chance for their first cap? A couple of young players that come to mind right away is the Revs Clint Dempsey (very smooth on the ball/great vision) and KC's Davy Arnaud. Who do you think is next?
If Beasley gets sold to Southampton of PSV, then maybe Justin Mapp. Convey wants to go to Europe, Lewis is already there. If all three are overseas and we have one of our patented "all-MLS" friendlies, Mapp would be the next logical choice for left mid. Dempsey maybe, but Bruce might hold off. Rico Clark possibly. Here's one out of the blue, but if Bruce is really paying attention: Jose Burciaga Jr.
I do like Mapp and Ricardo, they're two of our brightest young talents. My only concern with Mapp is that he disappears from time to time. With Rico he does turn the ball over in some dangerous spots. But, they ARE young, and overall I do like what I have seen of these two, especially on the ball. Good call voros, I'll get Bruce Almighty on the horn.
It's not sexy, but I suggest Jim Conrad. He's been the best defender on the best defense in MLS this year. He's won a ring before with San Jose and he's been a consistent starter in MLS most of the past four years. I know we have some depth at central defense, but you can never have too much and Conrad is playing good soccer right now and should be rewarded, especially when national team central defense stalwarts like Pope and Gibbs are playing on some pretty bad defenses with their club sides.
If Dempsey and Arnaud keep playing the way they are than it is a definite possibility. I remember Ricardo Clark playing real well last year but so far I have not heard any great news about him this year. How had he developed so far?
Wasn't Borchers completely lost on the field in Mexico? I know a lot of guys didn't shine, but I remember him looking real weak. Has he played that well in MLS do deserve a call up in the center spot?
Rumor has it, that the German Immigration office is speeding up his citizenship request, so that they can cap-tie him to Germany in time for the World Cup. First Rossi, and now Krautman. DAMN this SUXXORS!!!
Well, he's been a key part of the #1 defense in the league. I think he's a long shot for now since we have so many good central defenders, but maybe Bruce will give him a shot for experience's sake. I never got to watch that Mexico game BTW. Which is probably a good thing.
I, actually, may not be that suprised to see Jose get a call up or two soon. Relativley young, imposing physically, a great wide defender that gets forward as good as any attacking midfielder. Seriously, what's Bruce not to like?
I tend to think that, actually, Shavar Thomas is the best defender. But then again, there's that whole "American" thing...
The main problem with this would be that he hasn't been able to start in a healthy line-up....though IMO he should have been started. Prolly too old and not too much more upside, but I'd like to see Josh Gros
Apparently the next "suprise" callup was Zack Thorton... (sigh) I am sorry, they guy is a good MLS keeper but shouldn't be in the US mix, then again, our friend Johny Walker been playing like he's drunk for a couple of games.
I agree with Burciaga although it might be just a bit early. He still had some recovery left at the beginning of the season and had to sit out another game early due to a questionable red. He has played nearly every game since. As a left back, I'd prefer him to Convey although I recognize Convey is the better overall soccer player. He can defend as well as get forward a deliver some nice long balls/crosses. For a man coming off back to back ACL tears, he's really been playing well both as a left back and as a midfielder.
I have to agree with voros here. Burciaga is yet another kid who looked bad playing for Myernick in the Olympics Qualies, but who has looked great for KC. He and Diego Gutierrez have probably formed the best left-sided attack in MLS this season. Both are deeply underrated. Burciaga's best qualities are his size and strength, excellent tactical defense (I disagree with those who say Conrad/Thomas have been KC's best defenders), and ability to deliver excellent crosses and pinpoint longballs from the back. My biggest concern would be his speed. It's pretty good, but not great. If Bruce wants a player who can get forward and then fly back to recover, Burciaga may not be that guy. I'll throw out a name that may not be the next suprise, but will stun a few when it happens, is the return of Kyle Martino. Also look for Jeff Cunningham to return to the MNT picture sometime in late 2004 or early 2005.
Rico had a rough start at the begining of the year because he was recovering from hernia surgery, but the past couple weeks he has really came on. He is back to his best form from last year, IMO even better. He is showing great touch on his passing and he has that "bite" back when he is wining balls with a slide tackle or his qucikness. Sometime this year i think he will be called up for a FRIENDLY. Clint Dempsey has really impressed also, i wouldnt miond seeing him get a call.
I don't think anyone was surprised at the Gaven call up...just the timing of it. I confess I was surprised at Mullan's call up, but as far as both of them are concerned, let's see (a) how much time they get out there and (b) how well they do. I will be interested, too, to see where Bruce slots Gaven. I think his best position is forward. However, I think the game results/performances will be somewhat less revealing than the camp/training performances. Too bad we can't be privvy to that. Somewhere, somebody posted Bruce's record on integrating new guys into the picture. The information underlying that I think would go a long way to explaining (a) when the "surprise" call ups occur and (b) what kinds of players they are likely to be. Though in this cycle, the challenge is to transition from an older to a younger team over the course of the next two years. As for other players discussed in this thread, I will say this: unless Jeff Cunningham revamps the style of his game to dovetail with the demands of international competition -- or Bruce is compelled to move down the depth chart farther than he wants -- he may never again see the inside of a USMNT locker room.
I was pretty surprised by it (pleasantly surprised), I thought Gaven's first look wouldn't come for a year or so. I would agree with you, but Gaven has a good soccer mind (even at his age) and I think that's one thing that impresses Bruce. It also allows BA to experiment him at different spots (like a Bobby Convey) so I wouldn't be surprised to see him line up at any position. Well put.
Nothing really "Surprises" me with Bruce Arena, but why not Jason Kreis. LOL, he'll be on medicaid by '06 but it would be neat to see him in a USMNT uni.