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
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
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15 comments:
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.
Thoughts on Emerson Hyndman? Or did you list him as a number 10?
You will soon find out. :)
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.
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?
@ 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.
I assume he (ozzie) would be in the 6 slot not the 8.
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
Our favorite westhammer going on the 10 list?
Maybe not, though, given he's still not broken through for real. Sad face.
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.
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.
Is Dillon Powers not in the discussion at 8 or is he another wait and see?
No Lee Nguyen? Or do you think at 31 yrs old he'll be too old?
At this level, I prefer Nguyen further into attack. You may see him later.
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