Maybe I wasn't paying attention and there was a big injury to Bennie but I was curious - anyone know why Ben Olsen wasn't called into camp for the Mexico match?
Since he has not played soccer for 2 years with his serious ankle injury, I think Bruce wants to leave him alone for a while and build up his strength so as not to get him injured again. I don't think you have to worry about Bruce simply overlooking Olsen. He used to live in Bruce Arena's house.Literally.
What got me thinking about it was the Wales match. He used Bennie in several games before the Mexi match and will likely include him in the Wales game. I was guessing that it was an injury to BO that kept him out but you bring up an interesting point - was Bruce scared that those huge Mexicans were going to try to hur little Bennie?
The fact remains, no matter the reason for his exclusion from the Mexico game, that Olsen will never be a starter for the U.S. again. Possibly he could offer something coming off the bench, he still has good grit and willingness to get right in there. But he hasn't developed as a player since before his injury and surgeries, his speed is diminished, and honestly he isn't that great of a player. Sadly, our needs on the right wing might just keep him floating around for a while and if he really starts playing well in MLS then fine with me if he keeps getting looks. But right now the best seems for him to keep improving his fitness and skills. If what he has to give now is the best he will ever have then we don't need him.
I haven't heard Mike give this definitive of an opinion since his pre world cup, McBride sucks threads. With regards to Olsen, with our lack of a true right wing, I hope that BO comes back to post Nottingham Forest, pre ankle injury form. However, the more I see of DCU games, the less and less likely this seems. I hope he has the opportunity to take some time in MLS games, build up his strength and really improve. But his injury has seriously hurt his quickness. He still sends in pretty good crosses from the right side and he has tremendous hustle. But his pace is lacking right now at the international level. Unless things change, it will always be lacking.
Thank You!!! If he ever gets another nod to the USMNT it should be in a supporting role like Jones or something.
He's in the squad against Wales. I'm *really* surprised at the reactions on this thread. I've watched a few US games that Bennie has played in since he came back from his injury and he hustled very hard, did what Bruce asked, and worked defensively as well as creating opportunities. Would someone please list the US games when Bennie was not playing well? You guys were probably sh*&ting bricks when he went down with injury before WC2002 lol
Yes, Bennie hustles, he runs and runs and runs. But he has a tendency to GET IN EVERYONE'S WAY! He needs to trust his teammates to do their job and concentrate on his own job.
I haven't seen Olsen play for DC this year. However, when I think of Olsen I remember a player that could finish crosses at the back post. The guy was always first to the ball in the box. Maybe he would be a good wide midfielder in a 3-5-2. Klein and Hejduk are not the greatest on the right. in a 4-4-2 Stewart plays well on the right, but not as a wide mid in a 3-5-2. Bennie will remain in the pool until some young stud steps up and takes ownership of the position. In a 4-4-2 as a right mid, I agree that Bennie drifts middle too much and messes up the other players. It is interesting that the US has such a hard time developing right sided midfielders. The European guys like Reyna, Sanneh, or Cherundolo could help here.
Right now, his pace is lacking at the MLS level. Sad, but true, considering the promise he showed 2 years ago.
Unlucky for Bennie - was injured this week during practice so no game last night for him. He just has to feel cursed...