DMB and JOB are givens to start when healthy and either Armas or Mastro will get the start at D-Mid. Assuming Bruce uses a 4-4-2, who should start at right midfield?
I say Reyna if we play that 3-5-2 that we used in the Mexico game in the World Cup. However for the longterm, I think we all have to hope for either A) Ben Olsen to get his speed back or B) see somebody set up and solidfy that position.
I think that if we have other options on the left like Convey, we could put Beasley on the right. Another option would be JOB on the left, Convey in the middle and DMB on the right. If Convey doesn't come along fast enough to start in one of those spots, perhaps Martino will come along enough to start in the middle and have JOB on the left.
I voted for Klein. At least, for now. He's EARNED the right to start at RM. He's not the quickest or the most skilled, but he gives you 110% & is VERY tenacious!! Fact is he may be our ONLY true option at RM. My # 1 option is Olsen & the "jury's" still out on whether he'll EVER return to his pre-ankle injury form. My # 2 option is Reyna & there's no SURE bet that he'll EVER play for the USMNT again (though, I'd take that bet & win IMHO). Plus, IMO Reyna is best at AM. I know he was phenomenal v Mexico in WC 06 playing at RM, but the US offense runs smoother when Reyna is at AM. Just my $0.02. A third option, Ralston, doesn't seem to have worked out.
Being a DC fan, I have seen almost all of there MLS games this year. I promise you, any DC United fan would say Ben Olsen is a better player right now that Bobby Convey. Olsen is really one of the few bright spots on the team. I voted for Reyna, but if he isn't available, my #2 choice is Olsen just ahead of Chris Klein. Olsen has provided some dangerous crosses and through balls for DC, but the finishing is what was lacking. Convey is overrated right now in my opinion.
for friendlies Klein starts, but if were playing qualifiers right now it would be Reyna. have a 3-5-2 of both Armas and Pablo in the back with Beasley and Reyna on the wings and JOB up front. Then have McBride up top with Donovan and let Landon go wherever he wants. that would be a killer mf.
I think you put in Martino, Donovan, and Convey, and let them cycle around the attacking midfield. DMB should be left sided, but could attack down that flank if needs be.
ttrevett do you mean to have all 4 of those guys play at the same time? I don't think they are physical enough as a group and would get run over and also lack international experience to play as a group. That would be a great lineup for the Olympics though.
Not so fast there! Olsen may have had slightly more impact on the DCU games than Convey, but that is strictly because of the role Convey's been given, instead of a consistant central role. I promise YOU, Olsen is not a better player than Convey!
I hope to never see Ben Olsen on the field for the Nats again. While he is a tenacious player and hard worker, the Nats have progressed beyond putting the "best athletes" on the field. I like the idea of giving Convey or Martino a go at right mid. Would also like to see Ralston given another shot. Reyna should retire.
what the hell? Why would you want to cycle between Donovan, Convey and Martino? Martino has no business running the flank. I would put my midfield as Mastro, Martino, Johnny O and Donovan. Beasley would ride the pine until he learns how to finish on a consistent basis. All "lightening in a bottle" doesn't mean anything if you never capitalize on it. But then of course, I would be playing a 352 with adding Hedjuk on the left, Donovan on the right, Martino in the middle, Mastro at DM and O'Brien alternating between helping Martino and Mastro.
With all the talk about a couple of DC guys (Olsen & Convey), what about Quaranta? Could he be considered as an option to drop back into midfield on the right flank?