Now I don't want this thread to turn into a....Marquez is too old, he is too slow, doesn't deserve to be NT...basically hating on him. Rafa is one of the most celebrated players from our country and deserves respect. That being said, is his time with NT actually done in Chepo's eyes? I know he was hurt early on, but he only played a little bit against Wales during this batch of games. I would figure if he was that hurt, he would not have been on the bench last night. Perhaps Chepo has talked to him and said.."look, you aren't a starter for us anymore, you can still play and i want you part of this team as a mentor, leader, and a great backup...are you in or are you out?" If this latter is the case, I think it could be an ideal setup, I know during the broadcast last night they mentioned that Rafa went up to the coaches during the game and seemed to be taking tactics with them or pointing stuff out. I think this is very helpful and if this is his role, that I'm good with that and hope to see him in Brazil. Or is he more of a starter but wasn't 100% fit so chepo sat him during these games? thoughts?
I think it would be very beneficial to still have Rafa around for his futbol IQ. He has a very good eye for tactics which I think is evident by his passing skills. Also as you mentioned he has an awesome resume and experience, which I think could help the younger guys who are moving up learn. overall I dont see him as a starter anymore, but definitely a leader/player-coach
I much rather have him on the field than Salcido. Rafa > Salcido What does Chepo see in Salcido that Rafa can't do?
Salcido is still pretty quick and I think he can dribble better, but that is all. Rafa's passes>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Salcidos passes
Yeah, Salcido's passing last night against El Salvador was really poor. I lost count how many times he lost the ball and/or miss hit the ball. Rafa at DM >>> Salcido at DM My theory of why Chepo is not playing Rafa is his discipline issues with the Red Bulls. I remember reading somewhere that Chepo did not like how Rafa was acting at NY. To Chepo, if you are captain of the NT many times but act poorly with your club team it will look bad on your part.
He is too slow now. I think Chepo ha him on the team because someone in power told him to include him. It happens.
Rafa still offers leadership on & off the pitch. I'd much rather have him play as DM alongside Zavala than Salcido. even though Salcido is much faster than Rafa, what good is speed if he can't defend or pass? Rafa at least offers that and we could have used his passing last night.
If he is done with the NT than the Olympics would be a perfect sending off. Take Salcido out who doesn't even deserve to be there and put Rafa who is a better player. Win/Win.
It's clear that even at 100% Rafa is not going to start as long as Maza and Moreno are healthy. Even then i think he's behind Hugo Ayala I think the reason why he's still being called up is for his leadership. It's good to have a guy like him who has won it all in the group. I think he makes it to 2014 in a role similar to Claudio Suarez in 06
I think Rafa should make the Confed 2013 squad and that be it for him. Maybe he can make the world cup just for motivational reasons. But a 23 man squad and with all the youth we have coming up it will be a tough decision. Ayala not starting but in 1 of our last 5 games has me a bit worried though. Maybe de la Torre has more faith in Mier instead of Ayala who knows. I just hope we don't see Maza leading our back-line in 2014, Sure he is a above average defender and makes pretty decent choices, but at that point he will be 32. That's my little input on it.
RAFA ES Y SERA UNA DE LAS MAS GRANDES ESTRELLAS DEL TRI. JUEGA EN LA MLS POR ESA RAZON TOMA EN SERIO LOS ENTRENAMIENTO
la mayoria de nosotros pensabamos que peralta la romperia en los olimpicos,pero solo estorba en el campo. porque no pensaron en Rafa?