Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Crazy Eights

I will get two of these up today to finish the midfield. This is not an easy position to foresee, but I feel fairly confident on the top two. But watch out for Arce Jr. - his pop was a great player, one El Tri guy I always respected. And do not look past the small group of veterans, either. I mean, would you ever count out Stu Holden?

Michael Bradley
Wil Trapp
Fernando Arce Jr.
Dax McCarty
Sacha Kljestan

Also being monitored: Benji Joya, Stuart Holden, Mikey Lopez







- Greg Seltzer
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15 comments:

justinwkoehn said...

Nice timing on the Arce Jr. pick. ASN reported that he's 100% committed to the US:
http://americansoccernow.com/articles/fernando-arce-jr-17-chooses-u-s-over-mexico

I've been impressed with what I've seen with Benji. I think if he continues to shine with Chicago this season, go back to Santos and become a starter, he'll be a strong contender. That's a lot of if's, but the kid is only 20 with a lot of upside.

July 23, 2014 at 5:30 AM
Mark Mickelson said...

Thoughts on Emerson Hyndman? Or did you list him as a number 10?

July 23, 2014 at 7:37 AM
Greg Seltzer said...

You will soon find out. :)

July 23, 2014 at 7:44 AM
DaM said...

Have to admit I am a bit surprised to see Dax in there. Not that it's not his "natural" position, but as someone who watches a lot of NYRB, I am just not sure he fits on the national team scene. He's in his "athletic" prime right now, does he get better in 4 years? Some positions you would say yes, but I am not sure this is one of them. I get that Joya and Trapp represent the next cycle of the u-23s at this position so its a question of who will be there outside of them... but I guess I just don't see Dax Mccarty as having the game to translate to the international stage.

July 23, 2014 at 8:06 AM
Tony M said...

I realize he is not eligible to play for us, but if somehow Ozzie Alanso gets approval from Cuba to switch national teams, does he crack your list?

July 23, 2014 at 8:16 AM
Greg Seltzer said...

@ DaM:

Seems to me McCarty has looked quite comfy in his few caps. And I am not over-reliant on athleticism. Presumably, Dax will be four years smarter out there in 2018, and that counts for something.

@ Tony:

He would go into the #6 battle royale.

July 23, 2014 at 8:26 AM
DaM said...

I assume he (ozzie) would be in the 6 slot not the 8.

July 23, 2014 at 8:27 AM
Zach said...

The list of #10's is going to have to be 10 players long. Which is exciting, as we barely had 1 during the past cycle

July 23, 2014 at 9:18 AM
Tom said...

Our favorite westhammer going on the 10 list?

July 23, 2014 at 10:59 AM
Tom said...

Maybe not, though, given he's still not broken through for real. Sad face.

July 23, 2014 at 12:06 PM
Ramiro said...

I see Bradley as a #8 today, but 4 years from now playing the #6 might be a better spot for him. Especially if we, as a national team, really do plan on playing a more possession oriented game.

July 23, 2014 at 12:11 PM
Danny Boy said...

For me Trapp is a 6 not an 8. He played as a 6 for the U-20's and plays as a 6 for Columbus.

July 23, 2014 at 1:30 PM
DaM said...

Is Dillon Powers not in the discussion at 8 or is he another wait and see?

July 23, 2014 at 3:30 PM
Adrian said...

No Lee Nguyen? Or do you think at 31 yrs old he'll be too old?

July 24, 2014 at 8:53 AM
Greg Seltzer said...

At this level, I prefer Nguyen further into attack. You may see him later.

July 24, 2014 at 9:05 AM

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