tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198732413882406269.post5421641496098170311..comments2023-10-14T19:01:03.490-04:00Comments on The Fullback Files: There Can Be Only Juan? | a USA Match ReactionAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14548145598767127627noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198732413882406269.post-76730332812791063932011-03-29T14:03:48.702-04:002011-03-29T14:03:48.702-04:00Update on the programming note...
My initial view...Update on the programming note...<br /><br />My initial viewing of the United-Revs match was an oft-interrupted, distracted one. I had intended on going back to watch the match again and post some detailed reactions, but that's not going to happen (for various reasons). How about I just sum it up as "Poor start and Toledo finished the job" and prep for a reaction to tonight's USA friendly? <br /><br />Sorry.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198732413882406269.post-6529520803988997682011-03-29T14:00:10.728-04:002011-03-29T14:00:10.728-04:00@DM:
I wouldn't go so far as to say Agudelo is...<b>@DM:</b><br />I wouldn't go so far as to say Agudelo is a provider, but I take your point on his value as a link-man. My concerns still stand. Confidence is everything, particularly for strikers. EJ had it. EJ lost it. Agudelo has it. Does his style of play mean he doesn't need goals to keep that confidence going? Perhaps. He's still awfully young, and nobody is consistent forever.<br /><br />As I said in the post, I doubt Edu would have been in that "top of the triangle" role if Holden were healthy. And as promising as Diskerud is, I'm not sure he's Argentina-ready. That said, I stand by my comments from the Chile friendly that I think he'll shine more when surrounded by better players. Feilhaber or Kljestan would have been the more natural, veteran replacements. It either speaks to a fear-based selection on Bob's part or current form (Kljestan) or level of competition (Feilhaber) making those guys unpalatable choices.<br /><br />One last thing. I thought Loyd's play on the ball against Chile (once he got over the early game jitters) was a highlight of that match and, for me, immediately made him a more interesting choice than Bornstein. We shall see. <br /><br /><b>@rob</b><br />I'm mystified by Bob as well. I'll be really interested to see what he does tonight.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198732413882406269.post-16149814725087297382011-03-27T22:35:32.396-04:002011-03-27T22:35:32.396-04:00The worst thing for me was how static our lines we...The worst thing for me was how static our lines were in the first half. I know the idea is not to be drawn out of position when Messi drops back towards midfield and whatnot, but there was this huge gap between Onyewu/Demerit and Bradley/Jones that Messi was just sitting in, and other Argentinians were making runs into/receiving the ball and turning easily in. Seemed like this was closed down much better by Edu/Bradley in the second half? Though I paid closer attention to the first half than the second. <br /><br />This was a big problem at the World Cup, too, so it's odd to me that Bob seems able to diagnosis (and fix) this at half time in games, but not before they start. (He has to know its a problem, right?)robhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08135636157110053449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198732413882406269.post-8242211090822967502011-03-27T11:11:17.976-04:002011-03-27T11:11:17.976-04:00Primary difference between Agudelo and EJ: Agudelo...Primary difference between Agudelo and EJ: Agudelo is a provider. He came up big in the scrum to equalize, but I saw his primary role as providing outlets and linkups for holding or breaking players, always keeping his head up, never making it easy for Argentina to earn a turnover. I see him as much more support- and possession-minded than toss-me-a-ball-and-I'm-going-for-goal Johnson. I have confidence that he won't flame out in the same way.<br /><br />Too many wrecking balls, not enough architects, indeed. No offense to him, but I was always skeptical about slotting in Edu as the playmaker. It's not that he can't contribute to the offense, but I just don't think he's sly enough to work the pocket. If we need to try a five-man midfield versus Paraguay--and, given the budding chemistry between Altidore and Agudelo, I'd say we have more than enough reason to stick with the 442--then I'm shouting for Mixx to get a look. He's shown glimpses of the one-touch creativity we always want Donovan to have, and I think we need to encourage that with some playing time.<br /><br />I had a lot of love for Chandler too. I was worried that for all his fire getting into the final third, he'd be caught way out of position on the turnovers, but he seemed to have some good understanding with DeMerit and Onyewu so he was always covered. His touch and dribbling weren't a liability, either, not like Loyd's or even Bocanegra's, who got stripped by Lavezzi that one time which caught Onyewu and DeMerit completely off guard, almost gifted Argentina a square look at goal. Anyways, welcome aboard, Timmy!<br /><br />Also, what's with Onyewu's indecisiveness in passing back to Howard? There were a few times where Onyewu was being pressured by Lavezzi or DiMaria and he flip-flopped about whether to get it wide or pass it to Howard, and it almost cost him each time. Make the choice and make the play, big guy.<br /><br />Solid recap as always, FB. Big thanks!DMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10802370804762539167noreply@blogger.com