Photos by ISIphotos.com
The U.S. men's national team has been missing plenty during the Confederations Cup, but one of the most glaring problems is a lack of attacking creativity. The poor form of Clint Dempsey and DaMarcus Beasley has left the U.S. midfield sorely lacking the necessary creativity to help spark the U.S. attack.
Enter young midfielders Jose Francisco Torres and Freddy Adu. Neither has seen a minute of playing time in the Confederations Cup, but now with the U.S. team all but eliminated heading into the group stage finale vs. Egypt on Sunday, U.S. coach Bob Bradley will be hard-pressed not to include one of these skillful midfielders.
Could Bradley leave both on the bench yet again? It's plausible, especially if he trots out the out-of-form Clint Dempsey again, but with the United States playing on short rest, it is tough to imagine Bradley not starting one of them.
So which of these left-footed skill players should get the call?
Adu has more caps, and has played in bigger national team games in his young career, but Torres has played more club soccer over the past year, emerging as a key player for Pachuca and playing well enough to start drawing interest from Europe. He also showed some impressive flashes in his start vs. Costa Rica earlier this month.
So why is it an either/or situation instead of both players playing? The fact is that neither Torres or Adu brings much to the table defensively and both bring similar traits to the table. A team can pick up the slack for one of them being in the lineup, but having Adu and Torres on the field together would require the U.S. team to have an all-world defensive midfielder (or two) playing behind them (perhaps we can see that when Jermaine Jones comes aboard).
So here' is the question. Which of these players would you insert into the starting lineup vs. Egypt on Sunday. Cast your vote below:
Who is my pick? I think Torres is the better option, but I also think the Gold Cup will tell us a lot more about where they both stand heading into the next stretch of World Cup qualifiers. Whether it is Adu or Torres, one of them needs to get the start vs. Egypt so we can see how they perform in a pressure match. We have seen enough in this tournament from veterans Dempsey and Feilhaber.
Who did you vote for? Why? Hoping both get to start? Would you rather see them getting steady starts in the Gold Cup to see how they do on that level, or do you want to see them against Egypt in a match with more pressure?
Share your thoughts below.
US MNT needs to go with both Torres and Adu. Recently, they both have shown heart and creativity and deserve a chance. Into the Gold Cup & beyond, BB should also give opportunities to Pontius, Quaranta, and Davies up top. They’re playing, Altidore isn’t. He should get Jermaine Jones playing as soon as he can, and find a LB that can stand up to international play – I say Bocanegra, with Demerit in the center with Gooch!
After watching the youtube video, it needs to be Adu. Yes, he got not PT at Monaco, but he needs to get some PT so he is not horribly out of form. Ideally, I think both need to play at some point on Sunday.
I picked play both. I hope the overwhelming majority that agrees with me is not looked upon as an overreaction by fans. the bottom line is we have to play to make progress no matter what. either we have to try to advance miraculously in this tournament by winning by a huge margin (which the current lineup has no chance of achieving unless they win about 40 corner/direct free kicks), or we have to look for players that can help us in the future by throwing them into a serious international competition. either way both of these guys perfectly fit the bill. In reality I predict one will start, with the other (likely adu, given bradleys seemingly low opinion of him) coming on as a late sub.
as a side note, if beasley starts (or even subs at this point in front of some of our other players that should get a shot) in this game, well I just wont know how to feel about the current direction we’re heading.
Play Harkes and Lalas. According to their commentary, they are unbeatable! Plus if they were in the game we wouldn’t have to listen to them!
The amazing thing is that after nearly 1500 votes, Play Neither has yet to get a vote. Yet I see a 50/50 chance of that happening. Sad, but true.
I would play Adu over Torres, although both are excellent options.
Adu has played in World Youth Championships (U-17’s, U-20’s, Olympics) and against high level teams in friendlies. He has the ability to make that magical play with great vision and footballing sense that none of the other players on the US team have. I have to say that he was one of the best players in the U-20 FIFA World Championship in Canada two years ago and the magic that he created for the winning goal against the Brazil U-20’s was something I’ll never forget. We need to give him the chance with the Nat Team and he needs to be playing in some league somewhere. I hope his attitude doesn’t kill his chances in Europe & with the Nats and I equally hope he learns how to track back on defense like Landon.
Torres is fantastic with the ball at his feet, has a good first touch, and can dribble out of pressure. He’s another one who definitely needs a chance and needs to gain more confidence. However, he has not been tested at this high of a level before and I fear he might be a bit out of his element. He still needs to adapt to the US system which is vastly different than the slow tempo of the Mexican League (this is not a criticism — just a comment on the difference of styles between the US and Mexico. Sometimes I actually wish the US would slow the tempo down). I have no doubts that he will adapt and be a key player for us with the right coach. He should come on as a substitute and is definitely one to watch for the future.
play both of them a half.
I haven’t seen Adu play in so long, I can’t recommend him – he may be completely out of form, for all anyone knows.
Egypt is some solid competition to test them against,so give each of them enough time to show what they can do.
just got done watching the italy v. egypt game. doesn’t matter who we put on the field, if egypt comes out with that intensity they’ll destroy us. wish we played like that.
Dempsey hasn’t been as bad as everyone says. Get him the ball in dangerous spots and he’ll do the business. He’s been better than Josey and Casey. And Beasley has been 10x worse than Deuce.
Torres, maybe. Adu. No more than 10 minutes at the end, though I think Davies is better.
Stop putting Torres on the wing in the fantasy lineups! He’s a CM. Dempsey needs a rest – that’s it. Plus, he responds well to challenges, just ask Roy H.
Blood all of the youngsters. Guzan included. If Bob is trying to ‘ascertain the squad’ then he sure as hell better play others than the same retreads…or it should be his head.
Play with some heart fellas, and I don’t care about the result.
By the way, I’ve bashed Freddy for selfishness and praised JFT’s spirit in the El Salvador game.
As many have pointed out, both have some qualities not seen much in our side, the ability to pass accurately, position themselves to be passed to, stay calm on the ball and, surprisingly, since neither is a winger, the ability to hit a cross.
Still neither has the physical presence the US prefers and even needs in midfield, and I think both have skill sets that say midfield. JFT may fit current plans a little better.
Also, even at DC United Nowak let Freddy hit free kicks, and our current free kick taker is a bit inconsistent. Paco I haven’t seen take them(don’t follow Pachuca so much) although he did hit at least one corner in Mexican league final.
All that said, I think for now those are guys who come in as subs, especially for a team whose whole tactical plan is to boot it forward and pray.
If you saw the LD interview after the Costa Rica game, he mentioned the first goal as someone making the mistake of playing a short ball out of the back. The way he said made me think it was against coach’s orders to build from the back, and US play since then seems to confirm that.
Finally, I feel a bit sorry for Orozco and Torres that they’re cap tied. Especially Michael, because it appears there were never any real plans to use him.
As for the red card in the Olympics, after Robbie Rogers hanging him out to dry for two whole games, I don’t blame him(more seriously, he usually plays centrally, and probably now is smart enough to get his licks in where the ref, 4th official and linesman aren’t all on top of him)
Sorry for putting my 2 cents in, my Spanish isn’t great(although if I get to talk soccer in my small town it is in Spanish) but the skinny is that lots of Mexican sides want Omar Bravo, and Pachuca is willing to toss Paco to Deportivo la Coruña to get him.
Depor owns Bravo but owes money to Atlas(Guadalajara side) for Guardado and another player, so are paying that off with Bravo.
Some of you who follow Mexico more closely can add more details to the soap opera.
It would seem to mean Pachuca doesn’t feel they need Torres all that badly, giving him up to get a forward.
Blokhin -Funny! They way coach Bradley keeps playing the same players (like he did with Johnson, and now with Beasley) over and over again, after they completely fail is mind-numbing. It makes me think if you put a round shaped hole infront of him and you gave him a square block, and a round ball he would spend weeks trying to put the square through the round hole.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wlm9MRVER3E&feature=channel_page
Never forget this, and then adjust what you’d like to see accordingly.
Or at the very least show it in the locker room sunday.
As some have already pointed out, we need to acknowledge our slim chance of advancing.
With that in mind, we should play the lineup that gives us the greater likelihood of a multi-goal victory, even if that lineup decreases the overall odds for a result.
Ives–
Can we also have a poll about who we think will get the red card in the Egypt match? Please?
While the trend would indicate a midfielder will step it up and draw a red, I’m not so sure.
Here’s my reasoning:
Kljestan’s out with a suspension, so not him. That leaves Bradley, Donovan, Dempsey, Feilhaber, Clark, Torres, Beasley, and Adu. While Clark would probably the favorite among those listed to be sent off, since he already has one this tournament, he’ll be extra careful if he even reaches the pitch. Of course, when Michael Bradley was younger, he too was good for a card a match, but playing in Holland and Germany seems to have done wonders for him in that aspect.
Donovan, Dempsey, Feilhaber, and Torres don’t tackle hard enough to draw red. Adu doesn’t tackle at all. I guess there’s always Beasley, and if he is in the starting lineup for the next game, I’d be hoping for him to get sent off.
I don’t see any of the defenders picking up a red, especially since Onyewu is trying to land a team in the EPL for next season.
That leaves the forwards, Altidore, Casey, and Davies. I’ll going to go out on a limb and say Davies. He’s young and aggressive. It wouldn’t be out of character for him to pick up a card on a rash challenge.
Both Torres and Adu should start.
Torres isn’t a defensive liability; I don’t know where that came from beyond the CR gaffe (for which he was only partially at fault).
As for Adu — those of us who support him hear a lot of guff that we’re delusional or whatever. All I know is I’ve never seen a US team get worse when Adu comes on, or get better when he goes off. The guy has real skill — as anyone who actually watched the 07 u20 WC or the Spain and Argentina friendlies knows. Let him deploy it.
FF
Holy Schnikes! That guy completely took over the thread!
g’nite!
“hey guys now do you see the lame excuses of lack of defense against Freddy the last year in regards to he USMNT when video clealry shows Adu hustles back alot and intercepts some passes. The same lame excuses are now being said about Torres. Adu and Torres are now best friends!!!!!!
Posted by: Harry | June 18, 2009 at 11:02 PM
”
you MUST be the guy Ives was talking about “Harry,”
or shall I say, Adu’s agent?
“If Egypt win by 3 that eliminates Italy no matter what the Azurri do, I believe.
So start Beasley, Wynne, Califf, Pearce, and sneak in Kjlestan with another jersey.
Posted by: madmax | June 18, 2009 at 11:11 PM
”
hahaha, awesome, but don’t forget Casey and Dempsey!
I kept saying how those Adu games are no fluke and that he is a big-game player…anybody remember against Argentina at the end when Donovan got floored to ground cheaply…a just-turned 19-year old Adu got into all these 28 year old Argentine player faces and stood up For Donovan. Adu is a born leader our True #10 in the making.
Damn, I just noticed that Landon has 2 more WCs to prove that he is a respectable player. Bocanegra, this will probably be his last WC, same with Demerit. Being in your mid-30’s at a WC is not the smartest of moves by any coach.
Someone here said that players from MLS shouldn’t even be on the roster? Well there are only 6. And only 2 have been on really at a time. Landon being the constant. While Kjestan and Clark being the ones that got ejected are the two that have started. Casey has come in as a sub.
For the GC there is no reason why Adu, Torres, Davies, shouldn’t be starting. There is too much to fix with the Federation/MLS’s approach to developing players. Some stuff seems to be changing, but it will be a few years before we can see the change on the Senior team.
Lastly, let me just question our youth development. Why is a player like Adu even told to learn how to defend? He has always been known as an attacker. Ronaldinho I am sure was never told to defend. But then again, Brazil knows how to develop players to the point that its one of their top exports. If you know someone like Adu exist within the system, why would you hold him back and not just allow his attack prowess to grow and sharpen even more. At this point, I honestly believe that the number 10 spot should be divided between Donovan and Adu. Once Donovan hits his mid-30’s Adu can get the keys and hopefully we can have either Renken or whoever seems like that new 10 to be his apprentice. Donovan won’t be around the US national team for nomore than 6 years. Thats this cycle and the next. I would hope that developing Adu or someone else as our future playmker would be priority?
I remember Puyol having to kick Adu constantly.
I remember Gago dissing him, and them “having words” after the final words.
You guys, he can play. He should play. We need goals, he’ll help us do that. If you’re worried about his defense, play him up top with Jozy or Casey.
I know this is a LOT to ask for but I hope Bob Bradley gives some of these less experienced guys a look. I would hope Torres and Adu both get some time on the field and see what they can do in this type of environment. It’s a toss up for me but I am going to go with Torres on this one. Torres is good on the ball and is not as much as a liability as many think he is. He has more of a defensive midfield role given all the attacking options they have at Pachuca.
I really hope that Adu has been working on his defense, and whatever else is keeping him off the pitch. I hope Adu and Davies get some time on the pitch and see if they can give us a different look.
anybody watch that highlight reel from spain and arg…its gotta be adu…thanks jpc i had forgot how pumped i was about freddy at the time
THE USMNT IS IN FULL ON CRISIS MODE!
——Altidore——–
———–Davies—–
—-Torres-ADU-Donovan
———Bradley——
Boca-Demerit-Gooch-Spector
BOB NEEDS TO GET GONE!
Posted by: Johnny
Johnny- after looking at your post I believe that is actually our best line up at this given time. I love the midfield and especially putting Boca out on the left. Good one man. It would actually be fun to watch. Defend with 5 or 6(Torres) and attack!
They ought to put out that line up just so the fans would have something to sit up and watch.
As far as Bradley losing face goes…Too late!
2 red cards in 2 games. Clark maybe should have been out there against Italy. But Sacha no. Not ready for Brazil.
My pick for Egypt. Lets see the kids play.
——-Donovan—–Altidore—–
Torres——-Benny——-Adu—
————–Bradley——–
Bocanegra—Demerit—Onyewu—Spector
————-Howard——–
Sub Casey when Alti gets tired and bring in Deuce when either wing gets tired. He’ll have something to prove. If he’s into it
I think its high time we see the three man backline with Beasley at LB…
someone above just made a great point…if klejstan got benched by his MLS club…if hes not even good enough to start in MLS…why in the world is he getting PT over torres…a dude who plays most games for a team that is one of the best in the region
If the US wants to try to advance, they have to score 4 or more goals, and Bradley should put in all his offensive options. Its more likely Egypt would be scoring a lot, but you would give him credit for trying.
I’d like to see Bobby’s line up with Dempsey instead of Altidore. Then sub Alty in for him (at 20-25′) if he’s not performing. Maybe with a new lineup he would try harder, if he thinks people are going to help pick up the slack offensively and not just turn it over. Donovan does very well to stay so motivated. Bradley should also sub the least active player at half. He doesn’t have to wait until the US is down 2 goals to use a sub!
Unfortunately, Bradley will never risk losing face and putting out too many new faces together. It’s all wishful thinking.
from left to right play Donovan, Adu, Torres, Dempsey in the midfield with Bradly playing behind them.
with Jones becoming available play he and Bradley behind Donovan, Adu/Torres and Dempsey.
Something has to be done to take control of the midfield.
JPC
thanks for the highlight clips. I remember that Adu was fearless in his attack and that he was not gonna let the big teams intimidate him. I also remember him playing very well with Donovan in the Argentina game so why can’t it work now. (Man I wish that Donovan was available during that Spain match) Basically I think that Adu is a way better option than most of the players that Bradley has been givin time to. He actually takes players on and is not afraid of tough competition. He needs to play or im gonna really pissed off.
If Bradley starts Beasely, so help me God…
Nobody’s position should be safe! So why not play both if other players are under performing? Two red cards in two consecutive games, that is the coaches fault. The first half of play from the US against Brazil was embarassing. Why does he keep playing Beasely? Bradley should be fired!
What’s interesting about ADU watching those highlights is that he draws red cards from the other team, rather than receives them… Maybe that’s why he never plays
I think it’s time to bench Dempsey. I’ve been a big supporter of him in the past, but I’m getting fed up with his antics. He constantly holds on to the ball too much, when he gets hit he stays on the ground as if taking a bullet in the head instead of trying to win the ball back, and his bunny hop attempt, etc at the end of the Brazil game drive me crazy. I can’t believe those who say it’s okay if he’s underachieving because he doesn’t respect Bradley. That’s ridiculous. He should be proud to play for the USMNT.
GO USA,
No, but here are Adu’s highlights from Spain and Argentina matches
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIYYx4DkZdM
If Egypt win by 3 that eliminates Italy no matter what the Azurri do, I believe.
So start Beasley, Wynne, Califf, Pearce, and sneak in Kjlestan with another jersey.
Anyone with an answer is free to answer my question.
Does anyone know where I might be able to watch a replay of the argentina and spain matches that we played last year. I remember watching them live but its been a while and I would like to re watch how Adu played. If anybody could let me know if it is possible or not I would be grateful.
I don’t buy that these guys hurt our defense, in fact I think they make it stronger.
This is b/c all the goals we have given up were from stupid turnovers in our half by Beasley, Kljestan, Feilhaber, etc. Or as a result of stupid red cards (albeit undeserved) from Clark and Kljestan.
These two don’t make stupid turnovers like most of our midfielders, which allows the rest of our team to be in proper shape when on defense.
This isn’t Football, offense and defense are completely intertwined w/ one another, and any player who can’t play offense is by default terrible at defense in my opinion (Beasley, Kljestan, Mastroeni I’m looking at you guys)
hey guys now do you see the lame excuses of lack of defense against Freddy the last year in regards to he USMNT when video clealry shows Adu hustles back alot and intercepts some passes. The same lame excuses are now being said about Torres. Adu and Torres are now best friends!!!!!!
-First of all. No one player is going to make the team play better (my apologies to the Adu Jock-strap riders fan club).
The only thing that will improve the team is a proven manager at the helm.
If I was an owner of a company (USSF) I would want a proven, accomplished and inspirational leader to get sh-t done and reproduce that same success with my organization. My friends, Bradley aint done jack. From a players perspective, In my personal opinion, playing for someone that has not accomplished anything on the international level is not the same as playing for a legend. Yes there are exceptions to any rule (Ruhd Gullit <—-Sp) But I think we are all in agreement that he is bonkerz.
My point being, is this. If you put a bonafied futbal head in charge of that team. Players will be more attentive more agressive and will have intensified that hunger to prove to that coach that they can play the game. They will be seeking that coachs' approval. In addition to that, the players will have to compete for their position. They will be competeing not only during USMNT camp but with their clubs. You don't play for club, you dont play for the Nat. and ultimately those that do play will be held accountable for their performance.
This is the fundamental basis for highering a proven manager. Bob Bradley, bless his soul, is just a bit in over his head. He is a good coach, but until he can find a way to motivate these players, light a fire under there rears and implement some accountability, Bob will always be your average guy you bring in to uphold the status quo.
How is it possible that Sasha starts over Torres. Torres gets pt with one of the best clubs in the Americas(Pachuca)…Sasha is in mediocre form for an MLS club? Does Bob just take Sasha because he coached him in LA?
mcjones, if that’s the case then I don’t want Dempsey on the team. He’s playing for the United States of America and should take pride in that. I was pissed when he was show boating out there today with ten minutes left and we’re down 3-0. Bench him. Why is it okay for a player to play like **** because he doesn’t like a coach. That’s unacceptable.
I don’t really consider Dempsey out of form. Sure, he has played horribly the past couple games, I admit that. Yet, I would like to explore the possibility that it could be because of a coach that he lacks respect for and at the same time one that doesn’t possess the ability to motivate him. Dempsey fights tooth and nail for coaches he respects (Hodgson).
Casey and Torres should be on the field at all times. Adu should get much more time. Feilsaber is awful.
Altidore is out of form and out of shape. He shoudl have been replaced a long time ago.
“Someone needs to light a fire under these guys or show pictures of the opposing raping their mothers/ kicking their dogs. To say “ho hum we couldn’t beat goliath” or “we needed to play a perfect game” is utter Bee Ess. These guys are supposed to be professional and they are nervous and tentative? Come on man, I’ve been defending you and this is all you’ve got to say. Play with some sense of urgency and leave your heart on the field, not in the locker room.”
^if you say ludicwisp in Mike Tyson’s voice it makes more sense
Maybe Bob believes that all good players are at least 6ft, except Lando.