This is the second of a two-part intro to the US Soccer team. Here's a link to part I that details the recent history of the team, including last summer's Confederations Cup. Today's part two is an introduction to the 23 players that make up this summer's World Cup team.
During his four years as USA coach, Bob Bradley gave a "cap" (international appearance) to 92 different American players. But for the world cup itself, he had to narrow the roster down to 23. It certainly wasn't easy.
The 23 players selected do not necessarily represent the best twenty-three American players alive. They are the best players suited to run Bradley's system, and with the right balance of players at each position, because fatigue and injuries are a reality at the World Cup. Some players also missed out due to injury. The most notable was Charlie Davies. Davies is a young striker, who went through a remarkable run with the national team last summer, and looked on the path to superstardom before a horrific car crash nearly took his life last Autumn (click here to read my emotional blog about Davies accident and rehab). He was not able to recover in time for the World Cup, causing a selection problem for Coach Bradley, and leading to controversy when he was left of the roster.
The World cup only comes around every four years, so while it's an extremely important decision for the coach, it's also an emotional one. Bradley had to cut players that gave their all to the national team for three years of qualifiers and build up. But after what was surely a difficult decision, Bradley released his roster in late May.
Without further ado, meet Bob Bradley's Final 23 for South Africa:
During his four years as USA coach, Bob Bradley gave a "cap" (international appearance) to 92 different American players. But for the world cup itself, he had to narrow the roster down to 23. It certainly wasn't easy.
The 23 players selected do not necessarily represent the best twenty-three American players alive. They are the best players suited to run Bradley's system, and with the right balance of players at each position, because fatigue and injuries are a reality at the World Cup. Some players also missed out due to injury. The most notable was Charlie Davies. Davies is a young striker, who went through a remarkable run with the national team last summer, and looked on the path to superstardom before a horrific car crash nearly took his life last Autumn (click here to read my emotional blog about Davies accident and rehab). He was not able to recover in time for the World Cup, causing a selection problem for Coach Bradley, and leading to controversy when he was left of the roster.
The World cup only comes around every four years, so while it's an extremely important decision for the coach, it's also an emotional one. Bradley had to cut players that gave their all to the national team for three years of qualifiers and build up. But after what was surely a difficult decision, Bradley released his roster in late May.
Without further ado, meet Bob Bradley's Final 23 for South Africa:
(Key players- If you can only pick 4 or 5 USA players to really learn about, make it these guys. These are the players that you really need to know, the players that will make the biggest impact in South Africa. Their bios feature a large photo, and you’ll notice they’re extra long.
For the other players, clicking on their name will open a link with a photo. Don't be afraid to click the other links either, it'll open highlight videos, articles, etc.)
Goalkeepers:
Tim Howard: Starter
"Timmy" (31 years old) is a key player for the Americans. He plays in the Premier League (in England) for Everton. He is regularly rated as one of the top keepers in England, and is probably one of the top 10 goalkeepers in the world. He is unquestionably the starter in goal, and will be crucial to American success in South Africa. He makes big saves again and again for the Americans, and was extremely impressive in the Confederations Cup last summer.
He is a veteran leader of the team both on and off the field. He helped Everton win a huge penalty shootout against Manchester United last season, and may need to save some penalties this summer in South Africa. He has a special talent for holding on to tough shots rather than parrying them into danger. His only weakness is on outside shots, where he can sometimes be exposed. This will be the second world cup for Howard, but his first as a starter. He has been the number one American goalkeeper over the last several years, and has more than earned his spot with stellar play in qualifying. He is steady and saves everything needs to, but can sometimes get to shots he has no business saving, making him the definition of an elite goalkeeper. Few teams at the World Cup wouldn't consider Howard an upgrade over their own net-minder.
"Timmy" (31 years old) is a key player for the Americans. He plays in the Premier League (in England) for Everton. He is regularly rated as one of the top keepers in England, and is probably one of the top 10 goalkeepers in the world. He is unquestionably the starter in goal, and will be crucial to American success in South Africa. He makes big saves again and again for the Americans, and was extremely impressive in the Confederations Cup last summer.
He is a veteran leader of the team both on and off the field. He helped Everton win a huge penalty shootout against Manchester United last season, and may need to save some penalties this summer in South Africa. He has a special talent for holding on to tough shots rather than parrying them into danger. His only weakness is on outside shots, where he can sometimes be exposed. This will be the second world cup for Howard, but his first as a starter. He has been the number one American goalkeeper over the last several years, and has more than earned his spot with stellar play in qualifying. He is steady and saves everything needs to, but can sometimes get to shots he has no business saving, making him the definition of an elite goalkeeper. Few teams at the World Cup wouldn't consider Howard an upgrade over their own net-minder.
Brad Guzan: Backup
Guzan is a young (25) backup goalkeeper for both the United States, as well his club team Aston Villa (also in the premier league). He is talented, but has not had very much experience. Long regarded as the #2 goalkeeper for the National team, he may have lost that spot to Marcus Hahnemann for the World Cup with a shaky performance in the last few tune-up matches. Guzan got his start in the MLS, before moving to England. He figures to be a major player in the build up to the next world cup, and perhaps even the subsequent tournament as well.
Guzan is a young (25) backup goalkeeper for both the United States, as well his club team Aston Villa (also in the premier league). He is talented, but has not had very much experience. Long regarded as the #2 goalkeeper for the National team, he may have lost that spot to Marcus Hahnemann for the World Cup with a shaky performance in the last few tune-up matches. Guzan got his start in the MLS, before moving to England. He figures to be a major player in the build up to the next world cup, and perhaps even the subsequent tournament as well.
Marcus Hahnemann: Backup
Hahnemman is the oldest player on the United States squad, and will turn 39 during the World Cup. In the World Cup, the backup goalkeeper, and especially the third stringer, are brought for insurance. The United States won't be fielding anyone other than Howard in goal unless something disastrous happens. While Hahnemann doesn't figure to see much time on the pitch, he is a great locker room guy, helps out in training, and is well respected by the players and coaches. If he does get called to play, he will be ready.
Defenders:
Carlos Bocanegra: Starter, Team Captain
Bocanegra is the Captain of the US national team. Captain is a very important position in soccer, and "Los" doesn't take it lightly. He is the leader of the team. In the past he has mostly played as a central defender for the Americans, but has slowly been transitioning to a Left Back. He will most likely start out left during the World Cup because it is a weak position for the American team. He can get up and down the wing and send in decent crosses, but his lack of speed is a problem for an outside defender. He makes up for this with incredible awareness. He is a very expereinced player, and always knows where to be on the pitch. He is a commited defender, and is never caught too far up field. Bocanegra is also probably the American's most dangerous weapon on set pieces. He is a major target aerially, and scores lots of goals for a defender (12 in 75 appearances). He pops up on corners and freekicks, and risks his body in the box diving for loose balls.
Oguchi Onyewu: Probable Starter
"Gooch" is the most physically imposing of the American squad. Listed at 6'4" 210lbs, he intimidates the other teams just stepping off the bus. Extremely strong and good in the air, he is a prototypical center defender. He is just coming back from a major knee injury last fall however, and has not been able to play much. If healthy, he is a certain starter, but it's not clear if he'll be ready for June 12th. His weakness in the past has been over aggression, leading him to concede too many fouls, but he has matured as a player (now 28 years old) and has improved that aspect of his game. He plays for world superclub AC Milan in Italy, where he recently made headlines by asking to forgo his salary for a year.
Jay Demerit: Starter
Demerit will likely be starting in the center of the defense, probably paired with Onyewu. He is a very solid center defender who plays for Watford in England. A late bloomer, he is relatively new to the national team (only 19 "caps") but played very well in last summer's Confederations Cup. He provides a steadying influence, and is sure in the tackle. Like Bocanegra and Onyewu, he is not afraid to throw his body around, diving to block dangerous shots and chances in the box.
Demerit will likely be starting in the center of the defense, probably paired with Onyewu. He is a very solid center defender who plays for Watford in England. A late bloomer, he is relatively new to the national team (only 19 "caps") but played very well in last summer's Confederations Cup. He provides a steadying influence, and is sure in the tackle. Like Bocanegra and Onyewu, he is not afraid to throw his body around, diving to block dangerous shots and chances in the box.
Steve Cherundolo: Starter
Cherundolo, age 31, is another of the team's veteran players. He is the captain of his club Hannover in Germany, and plays right back. He is a small player (5'6" 145lbs) but is a solid tackler. His greatest strength is how well he gets up and down the right flank, often serving dangerous crosses into the box. He is a team leader off the field, and a smart veteran on it. This will be his third world cup.
Cherundolo, age 31, is another of the team's veteran players. He is the captain of his club Hannover in Germany, and plays right back. He is a small player (5'6" 145lbs) but is a solid tackler. His greatest strength is how well he gets up and down the right flank, often serving dangerous crosses into the box. He is a team leader off the field, and a smart veteran on it. This will be his third world cup.
Spector is a young (24), talented defender. He is very versatile, and while his natural position is right back, he is capable of playing any position in the back four. He was a starter for most of the Confederations Cup run last summer, and played very well. He has endured a tough season for his English club West Ham however, and has also not played up to par in the last few USA friendlies. He has likely lost his starting spot to Cherundolo for the June 12th match against England. He will definitely feature in South Africa though, and may even start a match.
Goodson is another relatively new player to the national team. He has only 14 caps, but has often been in USA training camps, and has featured as a back up regularly. He deputized in the center of defense when starter Onyewu was injured, and will fill that role again if Gooch can't go.
Jonathan Bornstein: Backup
A true Left back, Bornstein is a speedy player who loves to get up and down the left flank. The young defender (26) plays in MLS for Chivas USA. He has featured often for the national team, as Left Back is a weak position. However, with Bocanegra's move to left defender, and some poor play in recent matches, Bornstein will likely be a reserve, though he can provide cover as center back if necessary.
Midfielders:
Clint Dempsey- Key Player, starter
A star for his Premier League team Fulham in London, "Deuce" is probably the best known American player in England. His goal in the European Cup for Fulham a few months ago, was voted the greatest goal in club history.
Like Landon, he is crucial to the United States hopes in South Africa. Capable of playing at Forward or Midfield, Dempsey is one the United States most dangerous attacking players. He plays with a special flair, and is known for his tricks and skill on the ball, as well as lethal long range shots. He has a habit of disappearing for the majority of a game, only to pop up at the right moment and score huge goals. He was voted the third best player of the Confederations Cup, a huge honor when one considers the talent playing in that tournament.
Clint is 27 years old, and has scored 18 goals for the national team in his 62 apperances. He played in the 2006 World Cup, and scored the American's only goal of the tournament, against Ghana. He also moonlights as a rapper, and released a music video before the last World Cup.
Michael Bradley- Starter
The son of head coach Bob Bradley, Mikey is one of the youngest American players in South Africa. While only 22, he has cemented his spot in the center of midfield for the Americans. He already has 43 caps, and has added 7 goals. He set goal scoring records for American players in europe with his exploits in the Dutch League a season ago. His role for the national team is often more defensive though. He plays as a box to box center midfielder, but covering for the back four is his first responsibility. He may not be that noticeable to the casual viewer, but he is flying all over the place, doing the dirty work, stopping opponent's attacks before they get going.
He is a passionate and competitive player, and has a reputation as a hot head. He has already received several red cards for the national team, often lunging into reckless tackles. A fter the Confederations Cup Semi-Final last summer in which he received a controversial late red card, Bradley confronted and threatened the referee in the tunnel, and was suspended a further 3 games by FIFA.
Ricardo Clark- Probable starter
"Rico" is another defensive center midfielder. He started next to Bradley for most of the confederations cup, and they pair well together. Clark doesn't do anything amazingly well, but is a very solid player in all aspects of the game. He can score goals from long range, but his greatest strengths are probably defensive. Like Bradley, he helps clog up the midfield and makes it hard for the opponents to get through.
Maurice Edu- Possible starter
Like Clark, "Mo" is a big and strong defensive midfielder. The young player (23) started his career in MLS before moving to Scottish powerhouse Rangers. He has found a big role with Rangers, becoming a starter and fan favorite. He made himself a club legend when he scored a late winner against arch rivals Celtic. He is a possible starter in the center of midfield with Michael Bradley.
Maurice Edu- Possible starter
Like Clark, "Mo" is a big and strong defensive midfielder. The young player (23) started his career in MLS before moving to Scottish powerhouse Rangers. He has found a big role with Rangers, becoming a starter and fan favorite. He made himself a club legend when he scored a late winner against arch rivals Celtic. He is a possible starter in the center of midfield with Michael Bradley.
Jose Francisco Torres- Key substitute, possible starter
Paco Torres is a very interesting player for the Americans. He is also a center midfielder, but plays a completely different style than Clark and Edu. Torres is tiny (5-7 135) compared to the rest of the American midfield, and doesn't offer as much defensively. But he is extremely composed on the ball, and adds a needed calm to the yanks build up play. He is a great passer, and has outstanding vision.
He has played very well in recent friendlies, but is considered unlikely to start against England. He certainly has a role to play in South Africa, and will get minutes. The twenty-two year old has a Mexican father and American mother, and was eligible to play for either nation. He chose the United States in late 2008, and was called up by for the national team by Bradley only days later. He is known as "El Gringo" in the Mexican league where he plays for Pachuca.
Stuart Holden- Possible starter, Key substitute
Holden is another of the American's young players. He had plied his trade in the MLS for years, before moving to England's Bolton earlier this year. Capable of playing as a center midfielder, Holden is much more likely to feature as right midfielder with the American glut in the center of the midfield. He is a quick player, and very good at passing and crossing. He may even start as a wide midfielder if Bradley decides to play Dempsey as a forward.
Holden is another of the American's young players. He had plied his trade in the MLS for years, before moving to England's Bolton earlier this year. Capable of playing as a center midfielder, Holden is much more likely to feature as right midfielder with the American glut in the center of the midfield. He is a quick player, and very good at passing and crossing. He may even start as a wide midfielder if Bradley decides to play Dempsey as a forward.
Benny Feilhaber- Substitute
Benny came out of seemingly nowhere, but cemented his place in American Soccer lore with a stunning winning goal against Mexico in the 2007 Gold Cup Final. He featured intermittently for the yanks after that, but endured a couple tough years fighting injuries and failing to get playing time for various clubs in Europe. He is still a relatively young player, and underwent a bit of a comeback last summer in South Africa, playing very well as an attacking center midfielder off the bench. He should have a similar role this summer.
Damarcus Beasley- Spark off bench
"Beaz" is another of the American veterans in this world cup. He was one of the young stars with Landon in 2002, and has been a stalwart of the American team since. In the last 18 months or so, he struggled with injuries and rarely played for the American team, or his club team, Rangers. While Landon had developed into a World Star, Beasley had regressed a bit according to some, and never quite lived up to his potential. His place for this summer's world cup, his third, was in doubt. But he played well in a friendly against Holland this spring, and is a good veteran influence.
A left midfielder, capable of playing left defense in emergencies, Beasley is an extremely quick and small wing player. He loves taking players on, and has had a long goalscoring history for the national team. He is relatively unlikely to start in South Africa, but should get chances off the bench, or maybe even a start if the team struggles. His contract has ended at Rangers, and he'll be looking to impress to find a new club.
Forwards:
"Beaz" is another of the American veterans in this world cup. He was one of the young stars with Landon in 2002, and has been a stalwart of the American team since. In the last 18 months or so, he struggled with injuries and rarely played for the American team, or his club team, Rangers. While Landon had developed into a World Star, Beasley had regressed a bit according to some, and never quite lived up to his potential. His place for this summer's world cup, his third, was in doubt. But he played well in a friendly against Holland this spring, and is a good veteran influence.
A left midfielder, capable of playing left defense in emergencies, Beasley is an extremely quick and small wing player. He loves taking players on, and has had a long goalscoring history for the national team. He is relatively unlikely to start in South Africa, but should get chances off the bench, or maybe even a start if the team struggles. His contract has ended at Rangers, and he'll be looking to impress to find a new club.
Forwards:
Jozy Altidore- Key Player, starter
If I had to pick the ultimate X-Factor for the Americans' performance in South Africa- the one player upon whose shoulders the American hopes really lie- it would probably be Jozy Altidore. While those shoulders are broad, they're also very young. Jozy, only 20, is the youngest player on the American team.
Jozy was drafted by MLS's New York Redbull in 2006, when he was only 16. He missed a game late that season to attend his high school prom. But it was evident very early on that this young kid had the potential to be a star. Not just an MLS star, but something more than that. He has all the tools to be a World Super Star. Listed at 6'1" 175lbs, he is exceptionally strong. After Gooch, Jozy is probably the most freakish athlete on the American team. He muscles defenders out of the way in a style reminiscent to a basketball box-out.
After starring for the Red Bull, it became clear that the league wouldn't be able to hold on to Jozy. He was sold to Spanish side Villareal for an MLS record $10,000,000 in 2008. The next couple years were somewhat disappointing for Jozy on the club level. He scored a goal for Villareal in limited minutes (becoming the first American to score in La Liga), but didn't get much playing time. He underwent a disastrous loan to lower league Spanish side Xerez, where he struggled through injuries, and issues with management. In 2009/2010, he was loaned to English side Hull City. Hull were over-matched in the premier league, and their style did not suit Jozy at all. He only scored one goal, but showed glimpses of his potential, and became a fan favorite.
While his club soccer wasn't going as planned, Jozy continued to star for the American team. He scored his first goal against Mexico in 2008 in his first start for the Yanks. He quickly established himself as an automatic starter, and has starred throughout qualifying and the in the Confederations Cup. He suffered a minor ankle sprain just last weekend, but all indications are that he will be fully recovered to play against England. The question is who will start with him?
Robbie Findley- Probable Starter
Findley like the two strikers below, essentially came out of nowhere. The 24 year old started his career with the LA Galaxy, and now plays for Real Salt Lake. He is not an MLS star by any means, and didn't feature significantly in the national team until the injuries to Charlie Davies. He played in a friendly against Holland this spring, and did not impress most US fans.
When Bradley selected him for the world cup roster, over national team veteran Brian Ching, columnists were shocked and fans were up in arms. But Bradley knew he needed to find a way to replace Davies' speed and aggressiveness. In the last two World Cup tuneup matches, Findley has impressed everyone, showing why he might even start on June 12th.
Because he is so fast, the opposition defense has to play off him, and this creates big gaps, and space for play makers Donovan and Dempsey. He has been poor with his finishing recently, even missing an open goal on a breakaway, but his speed is such an asset. It really changes the whole game. It will be very interesting to see who Bradley pairs with Jozy for the world cup opener against England, but my hunch is Findley will get the call. Bradley can only hope Findley takes his chances when he gets them, because he certainly will get them in the World Cup.
Edson Buddle- Possible starter
If Findley came from nowhere, Edson came from the boonies of nowhere. Before he was called into the national team camp for the World Cup, he had received exactly one cap with the national team... in 2003. He was never really in consideration for the National Team during those seven intermittent years. Edson (named after the Brazilian superstar Pele) bounced around various MLS teams, spending time in Columbus, New York and Toronto, before eventually settling with the L.A. Galaxy in 2007.
Playing with David Beckham and Landon Donovan, under attack minded coach Ruud Gullit, Buddle really began to impress. The powerful forward scored two hat tricks in his first full season in Los Angeles, breaking out in 2008. In 2009, he suffered through injuries, but still played a role in the Galaxy's run to the MLS Cup final. Fans didn't know what to expect from him heading into this season, but in early 2010 he set the league on fire. He scored nine goals in the season's first seven games. He was on on an unbelievable run, and peaked at exactly the right time.
USA coach Bob Bradley had no choice but to call him in to training camp to get a look himself, and came away impressed. Buddle made the roster, and continued his streak in the Americans last tune up game, scoring two more goals against Australia. An in-form striker is extremly valuable in the World Cup, and Buddle may have a role to play. His is a big striker, strong, and good in the air. He is a good dribbler and passer, but not extremely fast. His skill set is pretty similar to that of Jozy, so Bradley will have a decision to make: does he go with Findley's speed to compliment Jozy, or does he play the hot Buddle? As Buddle himself said of Bradley's problem- it's a headache "but a good headache".
Herculez Gomez- Spark off bench
Gomez is another player that really came from nowhere. The twenty-eight year old, who some have anointed "the best named player in the world cup", has a similar story to that of Buddle. He hasn't been part of the National Team for years, but got hot at exactly the right time. He played for Puebla in Mexico, and led the league in goals with 10 in 14 appearances.
The remarkable thing about Gomez is that nearly all of his goals were scored as substitute, making him especially attractive to Bradley, because a super-sub is so important in the World Cup, and Herc clearly knows how to get involved quickly from the bench. He is likely to continue this roll in the World Cup, coming off the bench in games where the United States need a goal. He also brings the important skill of entertaining the rest of the team on long bus trips.
My projected starting 11 for June 12th:
-----------Altidore------------Findley---------------
Donovan-----------------------------------Dempsey
---------------Bradley---------Clark-----------------
Bocanegra----Demerit---Onyewu----Cherundolo
----------------------Howard---------------------------
I am still reading, but you can't say that the accident in August took the life of Davies, cause he is still alive.
ReplyDeleteI take that back. You said nearly, I just misread it.
ReplyDelete