Thursday, May 31, 2012

The Defensive Debacle

The US Men's National Team has always had quality defenders. However, there have been quite a few issues with the national team defenders lately. Following this week's past two US Men's National Team games, against Scotland and Brazil, I noticed issues on the defensive side of the team. I'll begin with Geoff Cameron. While Cameron is a great player with the Houston Dynamo, he hasn't shown that same impact with the national team. Between his red card against Panama, and then his Own Goal against Scotland, I think it's fair to say that Cameron isn't the most liked player by most American fans right now. Albeit, his goal didn't end up changing the result of the game, it still proved Cameron has a long way to go before he can be counted on in a match of great importance. Next, I'll mention Onyewu. 'Gooch' has not been performing or playing very well lately. In the game against Brazil yesterday, Onyewu was caught walking, staring, and standing still as opposed to being his typical menacing self. Remember the Onyewu that broke Imbrahimovich's rib and was scary and menacing when playing teams such as Mexico? He doesn't seem to exist anymore. The same goes for captain Carlos Bocanegra. 'Boca' was off his game ately, especially against Brazil. Bocanegra, like Onyewu, didn't seem to have the same drive or determination as usual, and played rather poorly yesterday. Continuing on to Steve Cherundolo. Cherundolo is a very good right back, however I have one major problem with him. Cherundolo is always running the whole length of field, often going to the opponents box with the ball. I don't understand why 'Dolo' does this, as a defender. There are plenty of capable midfielders and forwards on the team that can do this as opposed to Cherundolo, yet he does it every game. When the ball is stolen, the 33 year old defender has to double back to cover the backline that he left exposed. Michael Parkhusrt hasn't played enough, and Clarence Goodson hasn't even played at all, to be fairly be judged. 
The two bright spots I have seen lately on the defense are in Fabian Johnson and Edgar Castillo. Johnson has been called one of the best defenders/midfielders in the Bundesliga and he has shown that same skill on the field for the USA. Klinsmann has said that Tim Ream is not very high on his list at this time, which is understandable seeing that he has gone through quite a bit this past year: between his marriage, moving to the UK, his trade to Bolton, and Bolton's relegation from the EPL. 

I believe Jay Demerit deserves a call up. Before anybody says Jay is too old, I have a few things to say. Jay is 32 - a year younger than Carlos Bocanegra and Steve Cherundolo. Jay is a strong defender, is built like a true centerback, and could be mistaken for linebacker. He is exactly what is needed in my opinion. Coach Jurgen Klinsmann was recently quoted as saying, "the team needs to be nastier".  Jay is the type of player that would fit this role, in my opinion. Seeing as things with the current defenders aren't optimal, it can't hurt to try something new. 

Is it right or fair to automatically give these players, including Bocanegra, a starting position every game, even though they didn't necessarily earn it with their play lately? Who should Klinsmann call up as a defender for the USMNT next?  Give me your opinions below. 

Monday, April 30, 2012

The World's Best Soccer Players

I was thinking recently about the world's top soccer players, so I amassed a list of the best players. The majority of the players on this list are from the modern era.

Please also keep in mind that the order of the names does not denote any ranking.

Which names on list do you agree or disagree with?
Leave a comment below!

  1. Zidane
  2. Henry
  3. Cantona
  4. Beckham
  5. Owen
  6. Rooney
  7. Shearer
  8. Figo
  9. C. Ronaldo
  10. Ronaldo
  11. Ronaldinho
  12. Kaka
  13. Pele
  14. Maradona
  15. Messi
  16. Raul
  17. Xavi
  18. Iniesta
  19. Ballack
  20. Klose
  21. Podolski
  22. Klinsmann
  23. Matthaus
  24. Stoichkov
  25. Baggio
  26. Totti
  27. Van Persie
  28. Beckenbauer
  29. Chinaglia
  30. Bergkamp 
  31. Drogba
  32. Dempsey
  33. Donovan
  34. Valderamma
  35. George Best
  36. Ibrahimovic
  37. J S Park
  38. Schevchenko
  39. Eto’o
  40. Roberto Carlos
  41. David Villa
  42. Ruud Gullitt
  43. Ozil
  44. Casillas
  45. Cech
  46. Howard
  47. Kahn
  48. Cruyff
  49. Nedved
  50. Gazza
  51. Cannavarro
  52. Carlos Alberto
  53. Rivaldo

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

The Donovan Dilemma


Landon Donovan is known as USA soccer's native son. He has been chosen to carry an entire nation's hopes and aspirations of soccer dominance on his back. Donovan is the US Men's National Team all time leading scorer, playmaker, and without a doubt, the greatest soccer player the US has EVER produced. Landon deserves his number 10 shirt he wears for both the US National Team and his club team, LA Galaxy. Landon is also the poster boy for USA soccer and the best known USA soccer player, among casual and non-soccer fans in the US. Landon has just returned from his 2 month long loan to EPL club, Everton, for the second time in two years.

Landon is loved and respected by the Everton fans, and has been named as player of the month during both of his loan spells with Everton. Landon has proven himself, time and time again, and many fans and critics, including Donovan's former national teammate Brad Friedel, have criticized Donovan for "taking the easy way out" by staying in MLS.

I disagree.

Donovan, is the final remaining US Men's National Team star, in MLS. If Donovan left, it would be disastrous for the league on many levels. Every other National Team hero, including; Tim Howard, Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley all left their MLS clubs to play with European clubs - Manchester United, Fulham, Villareal and SC Heerenveen. These four, along with nearly every other US National Team player, left the league to move on to "bigger and better" teams in Europe.

Every single MLS fan, wants the league to eventually grow, thrive, and prove that it can be one of the best leagues in the world (while our league is already arguably one of the ten best leagues in the world, it can and will get better). How can this happen, when every national team player, from Howard, Dempsey, Altidore, & Bradley, on down, leave MLS and play abroad? How can we as fans or a league say Major League Soccer is a strong and thriving soccer league when not a single USMNT star player plays here?

With Donovan here in MLS, it proves that the league is a strong and good one. He proves on countless occasions that he is the best team player for the stars and stripes. He proves that he has the skills and talent to play on top teams.

Donovan sends the message, that he, as best American soccer player, stays in MLS and plays, despite his ability to play in the Bundesliga or EPL. He is speaking volumes to the skill quality of the league ans he is encouraging other Americans to follow suit.

If we look at every other league in the top 10 leagues in the world, there are star players from their national team, play there. Look at the German National Team, for example. The stars - Lukas Podolski, Thomas Muller, Mario Gomez, and Manuel Neuer all play in the Bundesliga. Yet, there are star national team players playing with top teams outside the Bundesliga (Klose with Lazio, and Khedira and Ozil with Real Madrid). By National Team stars staying in Germany and playing in the Bundesliga, it aids both the Bundesliga and the German National Team. Imagine if every German Star played outside the Bundesliga. It would be disastrous.

Donovan is doing the right thing by staying in the MLS. He could be scoring goals and assists on a weekly basis in the EPL, La Liga, or the Bundesliga; however, he chose to stay and help grow the MLS. An admirable and great cause, and we should all thank him.

Landon Donovan is helping American Soccer grow and thrive by staying in the MLS. I stand behind his decision and American Soccer fans should too, especially if they want MLS and soccer in America to grow.

Thank you, Landon Donovan.


I want to hear your thoughts and opinions, leave a post below.