Only his second game. The kid has skill, presence and flair. He is going to be a great complement to the veterans in the midfield
yes i enjoyed his performance very much... unlike magee, who was just plain invisible when he was in the game...
I am amazed at his composure and skill for his age. He is exceptionally good at making the quick mid range pass to switch the field or continue the attack without a lot of touches on his part. I think he must have a quick mind and pretty strong legs. He is also good at beating players. His is one of the better beginnings in the league I can remember. It reminds me a bit of when Ben Olsen came into the league.
how many times did Clark blaze the floor behind him with runs past players. Cobi Jones was made to look foolish by this kid more than a few times dre
With his size, speed, and ability to roam the defensive midfield and get mixed up in the attack, he reminds me of Tony Sanneh. I'm sure Arena has his eyes on Clark, in a possible Sanneh/Mastroeni/Armas role for 2006 and beyond...
We got lucky with this lad. Based on the performance of our other rookies, I figure luck had as much to do with his selection as an eye for talent. Okay, the rest show talent, but only Rico shows the ability to step up and deliver at this level. He seems to relish his role with the team.
I know we are only two games into the season, but I think Clark has already made a very positive impact. Still can't believe this kid is a rookie, he is playing well beyond his experience.
That's a little harsh. Magee is 18, and it's usually harder for a striker to make the transition to the majors. LeBlanc was a late round selection. Any contribution from him should be seen as a success. Those are the only 3 draftees seen so far. I'd say Bradley has a great eye for talent.
I love what I have seen from him, and look forward to watching him as much as possible in the future. But I just don't see the Sanneh comparison. Sanneh is taller and sort of gallops around, and his touch on the ball is heavier(although often effective). Clark seems much more agile with a softer touch and good holding skills. I would compare him more with JOB or Reyna(in style of play, not skill level-yet) than to Sanneh.
Clark looked very solid, but I'm not sure he made Cobi look foolish that often. I thought Cobi was easily MOM. I've never seen him play that well.
minus his otherworldly wc performance, clark reminded me of sanneh on a very good day. i too was amazed by his poise on the ball and willingness to challenge and move forward. really, one of the brightest us midfield talents i've seen in some time.
Even in the WC, Sanneh's judgement, ability to read the field and complete passes was still pretty suspect, IMO. Also, Sanneh has great north south speed, but as far as acceleration, mobility, jumping ability and desire - I think the comparison starts to break down. The WC has erased a lot of our memories about him, but Sanneh can sometimes be pretty clueless out there. IMO, Clark has a much bigger upside.
Rico I gotta agree with all you guys about Clark! The guy basically tried to single-handedly take over the match this past weekend! He is the real deal and he will be a member of the Nats very soon. Many people rated him better than Eskandarian before the draft, so he has only lived up to those lofty expectations so far. He is the one player, along with Guevara, that I would pay money to see, i think he is that good! He is so darn fluid and quick with the ball, as he can breeze by defenders! Besides the fact that he can defend darn well, and we got ourselves a great player for years to come.
You know it! I was sitting in Section 111 at midfield in the seventh row. Right in front of us this kid made a jump to head a ball that was astonishing. There was a collective "Ooohh!" that came from all of us. Great stuff. And Bradley's smart to keep him out there for the entire 90.
And Bradley was also quoted as saying that often rookies come ripping out of the gate only to hit a slump mid-season. He's looking great, but let's not put the hex on him by piling on undue expectations. I think it is premature to mention him in the same breath as Veron, but I do think it is safe to say he is no Steve Shak! V.O.R.
Now you guys see what I was saying about Ricardo Clark for the last two years. I have taken soooooooooooooooo much abuse for saying things like "he could start for several MLS teams this year [2002]" or "he's got a very good chance to challenge for a starting spot at Dmid with the Nats within 4 years." Well, all of those people calling me crazy back then ... I hope they see him now. This is why I wanted DC United (my fav team) to trade down with the Metros and take Ricardo Clark in the draft. Not knocking Esky, but IMHO, Ricardo has a bigger upside and is more likely to become a dominant player in MLS. -Digital
Nail on the head- a talent of the Clark variety is MUCH more needed here than an Alecko (overall College tallent notwithstanding)
I just hope people don't go ripping him the minute he has a bad game - It's bound to happen sooner or later.