So what did these superfriendlies tell us about our players' current form heading into our first World Cup Qualifier series? My opinions: In form: Tim Howard - he's been his solid self, as of the Argentina game, call him on fire Brad Guzan - doesn't organize quite like Timmy, but if called upon, you know we're in capable hands Heath Pearce - his Nats performances of 2008 have been of a higher standard than before, he was one consistent (relative) bright spot throughout this difficult stretch of schedule Maurice Edu - though in all honesty, he could just as easily go into the "somewhere in between" category, but he's seemed the most confident of the central midfielders Eddie Lewis - These next few months just may be his last hurrah. It certainly looks like he's going at it for all he's worth. Freddy Adu - he may not be reaching his potential, but he's one of the best and most dynamic we've got, and kept two top teams just a bit on their heels when he was around Out of form: Steve Cherundolo - Argentina was a step up for him, but the last few performances otherwise have been less-than-stellar Mike Bradley - Has been a step behind the game the past three games, a problem from last summer that I thought he was solving. Then again, the pace of these past three games has been very high. Rico Clark - Was simply outmatched... but will that affect CONCACAF qualifying? Probably not. DaMarcus Beasley - Has not shaken off post-injury rust and lacks sharpness, though he seems to have regained his mobility. Clint Dempsey - Really looks like he needs a break. Josh Wolff - Pretty much done. Somewhere in between: Carlos Bocanegra Ogunchi Onyewu Pablo Mastroeni Dan Califf Frankie Hejduk Eddie Johnson Landon Donovan - first game after injury was a good one, though he looked a little less quick, but I'm sure he'll be back to his pre-groin sharpness
If his teammates would have done a better job rewarding his outstanding runs, I think you would rate Beasley higher.
No, his touch is generally not the best, but at the moment is downright rusty. I'm not calling Beasley a bad player, just and out-of-form one. He was a touch better tonight, and consistently earned fouls throughout the series, even in the England match.
Just to mention one: I am starting to think we might have a solid LB in Pearce. He has shown good agressiveness and smarts when he gets forward and pretty solid defense - He has held his own, anyways. I honestly don't remember how good of a crosser he is, maybe I am just forgetting some attempts, I don't recall any. He does seem to work pretty well off the Left Wingers (Beasley, Lewis, etc.) But I think we put him in there for now in WCQs.