See this article http://www.ussoccer.com/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=26142&itype= for more about the USMNT context.
Here are the segments of his article that I really found interesting On the transition from MLS to International Soccer - "...at the international level the emphasis is on making quick and sharp decisions. You need to play faster and be aware of everything that’s happening on the field. It’s not so much about formation; it’s more about mastery of the basic skills like connecting passes, being in the right spot, positioning … it’s all those things that need to be really sharp. Being solid at those skills will get you a second look." On his MNT mates - "Pablo Mastroeni is winning balls in the midfield. DaMarcus Beasley is just amazingly quick, and can get past people better than most players I’ve seen. The way Clint Mathis finishes; the way Landon Donovan moves with the ball - everybody here has something that makes them standout." On the role of an outside back in Arena's system - "In my position, I think the coaches are looking for more of a role player. You have to fit in with the backline, keeping good communication with the center backs and staying organized. They also expect you to be able to contribute offensively, which means you have to make good decisions when you have the ball and try to get into the attack as much as possible." I'll comment later. I'm hungry.
Great stuff, Wade. I've been a fan of you since when you first join the San Jose. Even nominated you for a try at the national level back then and made the guys on BS laugh their a** off!!! Damn, I love time.
I guess what he's saying about the difference between MLS level and the international level is that you can't get away with not having basic skills(first touch, some decent passing vision and connecting passes) at the international level. Somebody needs to send a memo to Frankie Hejduk on that one. I agree with Barrett also and that is why I tend to favor players who are more skilled and less athletic than ones who are less skilled and more athletic. Of course the ideal situation is to have athletic AND skilled players. However, within that realm of inconsistent youth coaching in this country that bases their 'coaching' on fitness and work rate instead of technical skill development we end up with some players who are great athletes but have a donkey's first touch. Dante Washington and Ali Curtis spring to mind as prime examples.