I actually think he has brought even more as a CM player because of his defensive/possession ability, but with Rico in the middle and having a possession guy like Camargo in there we very well may be able to move him to the wing. Although, I don't think that is as much his natural position as what people have been saying. Right now he seems really comfortable and he doesn't really beat people off the dribble all that often because he's more inclined to keep the ball than take those chances. I could definitely be wrong though and I could see him garnering quite a few assists with his speed and unselfish nature.
It's a 4-3-3 on attack, a 4-5-1 on defense. But that's what's supposed to happen when you're playing in a 4-3-3.
You know when we first started this formation we were defending a lot as we were learning the system. Over the last several games we've gotten confidence and are attacking a lot more. It really has gone from primarily 4-5-1 to an outright 4-3-3.
I'm not going to argue with anyone who wants to call it a 4-3-3. It is just not that important what it is called. But to pursue a useless academic exercise anyway, here is why I call it a 4-5-1. I saw it as that the first night. I see is as that last night. - Defenders are the players who will form the defensive line. The guys who move back and forth to trap offsides. Some might go forward to attack -- but if they form the defensive line they are defenders no matter how far forward they roam. - Attackers are allowed to stay high at midfield and wait for the ball to be won. They are not expected to stay inside the ball on defense. - Midfielders are the rest of the players. They have defensive responsibility and do not stay above the ball. Under those definitions the Dynamo, SKC, and just about everyone else running around saying they play a 4-3-3 are playing a 4-5-1. With the Dynamo only Will Bruin stays high. Only Will Bruin is playing like a forward. Kandji and Carr are expected to track attackers all the way back to the defensive end line. Now you can call that a forward all you want but that destroys any meaningful distinction with a midfielder. If you watch the second half again last night you will see NYRB actually employ a real 4-3-3. Henry, LeToux and Cooper would all stay above the ball and not chase back while the Dynamo attacked. It is much different than the Dynamo with 9 players behind the ball. But if anyone wants to call it a 4-3-3 be my guest.
We are not far off on our understanding. However, if the Cameron deal falls through Clark cannot join the roster until something happens. That could (read could) include having to trade Clark before he takes the field. Obviously I don't think the Cameron deal falls through and secondly I don't think they would want to trade Clark, but they would be in the situation of being forced to trade someone and that requires takers. I was just pointing out the risk of parading him out in front of the fans on Friday.
Again, I have no thought that he would be traded this year - so we can set that aside. Next year is year two of his contract and he is likely on the standard 2 + option contract. MY point is this: if the Dynamo are going to stick with a 4-3-3 (you can call if whatever you like) there is only one starter between Clark, Camargo, and Moffat given the other guys on the team right now. Sure minutes will be spread thin and everyone gets there chance, but will he find the field in a regular way next year? Camargo may (again may) find himself on the outside looking in next year if Clark is in form mainly because he costs 135k more than Moffat. While I agree with you that 200K for the vision and skill he brings is a decent price, it is a terrible price for a player relegated to the bench. I don't know but I find it unlikely the team will have 550k+ in defensive midfielders on the roster.
dang dawg, that's before they 'inverted the pyramid'. a million cool points to the person who best lines up the current Dynamos in this formation:
um.... hmm ok I'll play. Kandji - Ching - Bruin - Boniek - Carr Davis - Camargo/Clark/Moffat - Hainault Taylor - Boswell Hall
Ashe - Kandji - Bruin - Carr - Boniek Davis - Camargo - Creavalle Bobby - Hainault/Taylor Tallyhall! With that said, I'd rather have Geoff here as a Libero.
Two quick thoughts: (1) the MLSsoccer.com article by Darrell Lovell states that Clark is signed thru the end of the 2014 season, probably meaning this half year plus 2 years and then we go into option years and (2) while it would seem unlikely for the Dynamo to have $550K tied up in DMs, last year the Dynamo had upwards of $350K in backup fullbacks riding the bench for a long stretch last season and Freeman & ERob rarely played after about August 1st at all so the Dynamo will eat dollars at times at certain positions, although that situation developed during the season unlike the Dynamo going into next year with $550K tied up at one position. Moffat is a good value but I think is limited into how much better he gets.
Trade Clark? Ricardo Clark? The guy we're thrilled to have just signed? Why wouldn't we trade a couple other players like Colin Clark and Nathan Sturgis?
2-3-5 -------------------hall---------------------- ------------bb------------taylor------------ hainault-------camargo--------------ashe carr------boni---bruin---davis------kandji
Never said that would be the desire. But you have to have takers for other players. Then you have to trade for non players (draft pick..allocation) to clear cap. If Cameron doesn't go and we have no takers we may be forced to trade him. None of it matters if Cameron deal goes through.
I think you hit on the difference in that Freeman was expected to start. But all the money on the back line was for four spots. In this case it would be all the money for essentially one spot. Now in a 4-4-2 I think the math changes as Camargo is our primary option for attacking mid at present. Moffat brings too much toughness at a ridiculously low rate to cut.
GREAT. ********ING. BOOK! I actually know about formations and stuff but I'm usually too busy chanting and doing other stuff to pay attention at home games. The only time I actually enjoy soccer for soccer's sake is away games. lol PS how'd you do that? :/
I am thinking now we integrate Rico slowly into our lineup. Let him get settled and integrated with the team. No use in messing with a good thing.
Maybe...but at that one position we have had Moffat, Camargo, Creavalle, and Cameron all start during the streak. I bet if he us in form it is his spot by game two.
I've been a fan of Rico Clark since his time with the Quakes. Your Houston team just got a lot better with him returning.