42LikesHe didn't play, blisters on his feet supposedly the reason.Originally Posted by Pagliacci
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Nice Q & A with Klinnsmann
*U.S. team*must develop more attack-based*style - Grant Wahl - SI.com
Klinnsman addresses Dempsey in his interview with Grant Wahl (must follow on twitter for US Soccer fans), with Martin Jol new to Fulham, Dempsey's starting place might not be so secure. Makes sense to let him stay at Craven Cottage. On the other hand Howard is Everton's unquestioned #1 plus I think it's easier for a goalie to make that cross country trip and play on the weekend compared to an outfield player.
He scored in his debut against PSV
‪Jozy Altidore's First Goal For AZ Alkmaar vs. PSV‬‏ - YouTube
Still think Donovan is best deployed wide right where his pace is more of an advantage. Klinnsmann preferred the 4-4-2 with Germany albeit with much different personal. I'd like to see Adu get a start, he deserves one after some good performances in the Gold Cup. It'll be interesting to what Kilnnsmann thinks of Agudelo, Bradley gave him a nice run of games in the last months but hasn't overly impressed.
Also hope Brek Shea gets a start at left mid, he looked out of depth in his international debut but he is having an awesome year for FC Dallas.
Millwall fans say stop the rioting!
Millwall fans protecting Eltham Highstreet, you might hate th... on Twitpic
Nice comeback tonight by USA even though they played an undermined Mexican team (at least with few strikers).
I am ecstatic with Klinnsman being with Team USA as I have been wanting him to be the team's coach for a long, long time. Great to see the team play with some enthusiasm and a very, very solid second half. I think this is a great start for Jurgen and Team USA.
What's up Paolo? Long time no talk. Hope you are well.
Apparently this is no longer a Red Card
http://www.sawauto.com/uploader/up/x...2wtwMWxoZK.jpg
Shea was quite impressive out there, he should definitely get the start against Costa Rica next month. His quickness and speed are incredible for his size, he absolutely exploded past the Mexican defenders in a few quick bursts on that shot that Ochoa barely got a hand on. With Shea, Chandler, Lichaj and Gatt all knocking on the door the flanks for the U.S. looks pretty solid.
red card x 10.
I spent a lot of the LA/Dallas match last week watching Shea, and really felt he'd be good for the US team. Liked him again last night. The guy really is big, quick, and has power in his leg while seemingly looking effortless.
Jose Torres is still my man-crush since sasha victorine retired.
Buddy sent me a text "Juergen just smiled more in 60 minutes than Bob Bradley did in 5 years". hmm
http://gif.mocksession.com/wp-conten...8ysJTTkb-M.gif
Positive start to the Klinnsman era.
First half was pretty sloppy but positive changes in the second led to a much beåtter played half. US was unlucky not to win, foul on Donovan was a clear pen and an obvious red card was missed. It wasn't a great Mexico side but the US was out some key players as well so a draw was a very solid result. Although we were sloppy in the first, Mexico didn't have many clear cut chances throughout.
Some talking points
1. Formation
US lined up in a 4-2-3-1 that was not that different than what Bradley used. This formation is definitely the "flavor of the month" so to speak of international sides and with the our depth in center mid it makes sense to use it. It wasn't very effective in the first half but that was due more to personal than anything I think. Jones did not have a good and Buddle was non-existent. Donovan was isolated on the right, never got the ball and to be honest he has the tendency to drift out of the game when he gets isolated rather than seeking more possession. Bradley is miscast as the central attacking midfielder, I don't think he has enough pace to take advantage of the space, he is best suited playing deeper.
Bringing on Shea and Agudelo allowed more players to play in roles they are suited for. Torres moved into he center of the attacking midfield 3 where his vision and pace are more suited. Shea provided good width on the left and Donovan was brought into the game more, while Bradley provided stability in the engine room alongside a surprisingly good Beckerman.
2. José Francisco Torres
It was nice to see Torres back into the fold. In Bradley's 4-4-2 I believe he was too lightweight o play as one of the two center mids. He would get knocked off the ball too easily and couldn't handle he battle. In a 4-2-3-1 though he has more freedom and doesn't have to battle at much with two defensive minded mids behind him to graft and win possession. I think he was a bit uncomfortable on the left early, not knowing whether to provide width or cut inside, but when he was moved to the middle late he was superb. He always looks to play the ball forward and is poised on the ball. As long as we play a 5 man midfield he will continue to be a factor.
3. Going Forward
All in all a good debut for Klinnsmann and I am excited to see a full strength US squad play in this more attack minded 4-2-3-1. Our backline played pretty well but Klinnsmann will have to develop a new crop of defenders for this cycle. Bocangegra and Cherendolo have been mainstays in the national team for quite some time and they are still very useful (both guys played very well) but I doubt either will feature in 2014. Both guys are still essential for qualifying but we will have find younger talent. I hope to see Ream, Gonzalez, etc. get looks. Lichaj and Chandler look to be fullbacks for the future but depth will have to be developed behind those two.
In the midfield we have plenty of options. I think Bradley is best used as one of the two double pivots in the 4-2-3-1. Ideally you'd want his partner to be a bit more defensive minded. Beckerman played well against Mexico and fits that role since he'll sit in front of the back 4 and hold things together. He didn't put a wrong foot forward against El Tri but at the highest level international level I wouldn't be confident with him in the starting 11. Beckerman/Edu/Jones/Clark will all vie for that other double pivot spot in the coming weeks. It'll be interesting to see how things shake out. I like Edu the most out of those four but I don't think he is disciplined enough yet to play a more holding role. Jones had some good games in the Gold Cup (Jamacia comes to mind) but he is too inconsistent and sometimes avoids playing the simple ball. Clark and Beckerman are both destroyer types who would compliment Bradley well.
The attacking three is where we have a ton of really good options. My dream scenario is to have an attacking three of Dempsey, Holden, and Donovan. Three talented attacking players that have pace, skill, intelligence, eye for the pass, and the ability to score. That is a dangerous trident of attacking mids that can interchange and interplay very well if everyhing clicks right. Torres form could force him into the lineup, with Dempsey possibly playing at a false 9 forward. Another option is playing Shea to provide some width on the left. Bedoya is another player who had a pretty good Gold Cup that provides width.
Up front Buddle was not impressive while Agudelo was. I still think that at this point Dempsey is our best bet playing as a false 9 lone forward but hopefully Altidore/Agudelo can develop into more consistent options.
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