We all love soccer and know how important it is in our lives but I'm sure also know that it isn't the most important thing in life. Today, in the LA Times, there was an article that gives a little peek into Zardes' character. I think it is an interesting read. What ever you may think about his first touch with a ball, he definitely is making a good first touch in the community. “The thing about Gyasi is, he’s legit,” says Chris Cognac, a Hawthorne police sergeant. “There’s no cameras. There’s nothing. “He’s really an example of what athletes should be. [He’s] making a better place.” http://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp-zardes-20170528-story.html
Actually, I think that much of the grief that is sent Zardes' way is due to the fact that he was given such a prominent role under Klinsmann. He hasn't just been in the 23, he has been a lock starter. If he had been a bench player or a role player I don't think people would mind him so much. He has quite a few qualities that make him useful. If he was used according to the situation, fewer people would be griping about him. That being said, He has enough competition that right now that he doesn't belong in the 23...especially considering that he really hasn't found his form in MLS after his long injury layoff.
It will be interesting to see what his role will be going forward. I like the way he played in the Centenario for the most part. As for his Character I am glad that he is an upstanding citizen and is giving back to the community he came from and working with the Authorities in a proper fashion. If only other athletes would do that instead of doing pointless kneeling gestures.
He's a nice utility player to have. In a world of dead ball specialists, guys that only play one way and super subs, he's a guy that can patch a leaking hole in a pinch anywhere on the outside of the midfield or the front line. He's a very important piece for depth in this era where we are between generations and demonstrated this in the Copa where he was probably the most useful player not named Wood, Dempsey, Brooks or Jones the entire event. We don't even face ARG if not for his work and he was one of the two or three guys who looked unafraid against Argentina. I definitely have him in my 23. *edited to prevent drama*
There's an argument to be made for him to be in the 23, just not a lock starter like JK. But I wouldn't have him in my 23. He doesn't fit what I'd do if I were the coach.
Bruce didn't call him up cause he's out of form. But, Gyasi has a good soccer brain. He makes the right runs, he finds space, he supports and he tracks back. And, good for him on his support for his town.
I can't recall where or by who, but it was said on a broadcast that he colors his hair so one of his near-blind grandparents can pick him out on tv.
Clearly you're grossly ignorant of the other upstanding things Kaepernick has done aside from kneeling, which was an action that was actually hugely important to the groups affected by the cause of his protest, despite that importance being completely lost on many of those who are unaffected and enjoy the benefits of the status quo.
I think in the end that Gyasi is in the squad in Russia. Probably not starting, but on the bench and part of the squad. I guess we'll see if he can get back into form in MLS and through the Gold Cup. If he does he's a better late-game offensive addition than a lot of the other options currently on the MNT bench.