Grant Wahl: Mailbag: Projecting the U.S. roster for South Africa: "TAMPA, Fla. -- The 'Bag is back, folks. During my days covering college basketball I would do a regular mailbag column in which I answered reader questions, shared nuggets that didn't make my magazine stories, engaged in various parlor games, tracked down 'Where Are They Now' figures and even recommended a movie or two. Now that I'm covering soccer full-time, the 'Bag (that's me) is back on the case. I'll be happy to answer your questions on just about anything in the soccer world -- the smarter and/or funnier the better -- so send 'em in and let's get after it.
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As for left back, the U.S. is going to be hard-pressed to come up with somebody to handle England's Aaron Lennon. I could see any number of candidates in that position trying to do so: Bocanegra, Spector, Beasley or even Castillo.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I'm going to say this, but we have to go with Beasley against England. I've seen Lennon abuse Bocanegra and Spector more than a few times in the EPL.
I don't think Beasley is a very good option at LB- he's just not a good defender imo. Bornstein is probably our speediest back.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, the only English player I'm really concerned about is Rooney. If we can contain him, we have a good shot. If not, it might be a long day.
Wahl's list leaves alot to be desired. Feilhalber is a lock, not Ricardo Clark. I've never heard of this defender Goodson. Cherundalo should be a lock.
ReplyDeleteHis front line is a mess. I'd rather bring a Davies of questionable fitness over Ching and Casey.
I've heard about Findley but never seen him play. Apparently he's got Usain Bolt-type speed but very little intl experience.
I don't like Beasley at LB either, but I thought his defensive ability was one of his strengths - that might have been from a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteJulie will be concerned about Lennon when she seems him again - he's been in amazing form all year and will be a massive problem for us if he's fit (still a question mark.)
I can't advocate for Davies just yet, but I hope this turnaround continues. A questionable Davies is one thing, but a questionable Davies who is coming off life-threatening injuries and has yet to play is quite another. I hope he comes back, but I'm not convinced yet. I suspect Clark will almost assuredly make the team.
Our forward line is a mess, imo, without Davies (unless you want to count Demps among that group.) I have next to no confidence in Casey, Ching, or Findley.
If our guys come back healthy, I like our squad... without them, I'm a little concerned since I'm not convinced of our depth beyond our top 15.
Feilhaber has not been in great form until recently - as long as he can fight off his recent injury, I expect him to make the roster as well.
I've seen plenty of Tottenham games this season and I stand by my comment- the only player that really concerns me is Rooney (who is easily one of the top 3 strikers in the world).
ReplyDeleteI think we have speed of our own and the physicality to contain Lennon.