Maybe it speaks about how Coaches like to use their Subs, when they have them..................................(gasp.)
or we could try something approaching accuracy 4/28 - 90 min 4/24 - ~10 min 4/18 - DNP 4/11 - 90 min 3/28 - 90 min
For anyone that says Adu isn't getting any PT, you must have been in a coma the past couple of months. Is Adu STARTING for his club? NO Is Adu playing REGULARLY for his club? YES
What are his stats (starts/minutes/games) for the season? I suspect if you look at those numbers, they will support those of us who point out that he's seen occasional action over the course of the season. With that being said, 3 starts in 5 is good progress, and let's hope that it continues. I genuinely do want to see Freddy become the player we all hoped he would become 5 or 6 years ago. But don't blame those of us who've been following him since his MLS days for wanting to see a bit more than a good game or two before getting excited and calling for his inclusion on the WC squad.
If this was anybody else but Adu, there would be a BS explosion that a 20-year old American was a Huge part in taking down one of the biggest teams in Greece with an assist and a PK drawn in a Play-off game for a Champions league spot. Every single regular US player knows that when Adu is on-form he is dangerous to play with. This isent really about WC inclusion but about more about a May camp invite to see where he is at. The play-offs end about a day before the camp starts. We will see what happens.............
I would say there was a BS explosion in reaction to his performance yesterday. And guess what, Freddy's past history plays a role in how people react to his play. Like I said before, we've seen false dawns from Freddy before so a lot of people want to see more from him than just one great game. Again, I thought he looked good yesterday and hope that it was a sign of good things to come.
I think that this is the bottom line. Adu is a creative player who creates space. The USA player pool is almost completely lacking in such players (apart from Adu, I think that only Dempsey truly fits that description). The USA NT is crying out for a player of Adu's skill set, regardless of how Adu stacks up against various other players in the USA pool who have different skill sets. As an example, other than Dempsey, I don't see any other player in the USA pool drawing that penalty against Olympiacos yesterday. A play like that can win you a game (or a point) in the WC.
Here are some facts: Freddy got there in January. He was subbed into his first game on 1/31. So including 1/31, he's played in 9 of 16 games. Since the first game he played it's been: subbed in start start start start DNP DNP DNP DNDress DNP DNP start start DNP subbed in start I didn't include any details above, obviously, like being subbed out, opponent, score, competition, etc, but not taking into account any overtime, Freddy has played 43% of Aris' total minutes beginning with his first game on 1/31. Two goals and two assists. In the last five games, he's played 62% of Aris' minutes.
Unfortunately, I only got to see the highlights but based on what I've read from those who've seen Freddy's progress first hand, this is what makes me so pleased to see he's working with Cuper in Aris. Holden certainly can play either wing or as an attacking center mid but I agreed that Freddy has become a much more versatile (and therefore intriguing) player in terms of improved understanding of the role of the modern wide attacking mid under Cuper. I don't put Clint on quite so tall a pedestal but I agree that considering our primary goal scoring threats are Jozy (still so young) and Charlie (assuming a practically miraculous healing) having an almost-in-form Freddy (want to see 2 or 3 more good outing with Aris) on the bench as a late game attacking sub seems probable. Again, many thanks to our Greek friends for their support of Freddy and Eddie. For me, this has been similar to Landon's time with Everton. I've so greatly enjoyed sharing the passion of the Aris supporters as they watch our American boys give their all for the shirt and gain from excellent coaching, teammates and atmosphere.
Agreed, and I really like Holden, he's looking pretty good so far for both club and country. Holden, along with Bedoya is your typical traditional wingers. They are workhorses with a great moto. Their primary job is to defend the flanks and racing down the sidelines to send in crosses, after crosses. Adu, as you've already mentioned is the modern day winger/forward that cuts inside and attack the box. This is where he shines. Adu can't play the same type of game that a Holden or Bedoya does. So, it really comes down to what types of game/formation you want to play and this will ultimately decide Adu's faith for SA. In all honesty, I would love to see LD, Demp, Jozy, and Adu on the field for a full 90. That's probably the collection of our most lethal attackers.
davies' story has been amazing. but i think it's almost certain that davies going to have to wait for 2014.
Holden and Adu are both better in the middle where they can be involved in creation of plays. Holden is a better defender than Freddy although I suspect Freddy is improving with Aris. Neither are particularly good wingers but play there out of need. I am not sure who has better speed. I suspect Holden. I suspect Freddy is more creative. Holden on the other hand works harder. In the Bradley scheme of things the player who has a better defensive posture would probably get the nod.
tell your english friends that 2 years ago ARIS was winning 0-1 bolton in england...and they made it 1-1 the last minute.... because i saw you were talking about bolton few pages before.. and now we have much better team than then..and better coach. In addition, if you want to talk about now , we are in top-5 and we are fighting for ch.l. and if you want to talk about the last 4 years our ranking are 4th-4th-6th and this year we will see.... and if you want to talk about all history of greek football we are 4th... ps.sorry for that but i was pissed off
You have a right to be. There is a definite "rose colored glasses" situation around here with regard to the quality of English football. Several EPL teams would get their @sses handed to them on a regular basis if they played in other supposedly "lesser" leagues (such as the Greek league, the Portuguese league, etc.).
Sorry if I offended (however you must have me confused with someone else as I haven't said anything about Bolton on this or any thread). With that being said, my obvious point was that 5 or 6 years ago Freddy Adu was being called the next Pele, and soccer fans all over the world were hearing about how he was going to be a great player. After hearing all that hype, people are a bit surprised (and amused) to find that he's playing in the Greek league (which is certainly a fine league, but not one of the top ten in Europe) and not for one of the best known teams in that league.
Sorry to interfere but Superleague is surely in the top 10 of European leagues. Actually after EPL, La liga, Campionato, Budesliga, French league, i m trying to find something better. I dont think Scotland and Netherlands have better leagues.
i get that i just talking about the midtable greek team ,that you said.. of course Adu was expected to play in bigger leagues,such as EPL or so.. but he is young yet..he has time to do it... i am pretty sure that he wil be great from now on... especially the next season.. ps.the bolton thing wasnt about you..thats why i said you WERE talking