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Jurgen Klinsmann had a chance to take a good, long look at several players in the U.S. Men's national team's recent training camps and World Cup qualifiers, and it is a safe bet some of those players won't be back.
The question now becomes just which new players will Klinsmann take a look at when the team reconvenes in October for the final two matches of the qualifying round.
We already know that, assuming they are healthy, Michael Bradley and Landon Donovan will be part of the squad in October, but there are still plenty of other players who could merit a look after not being a part of recent national team camps.
On defense, you have players such as Eric Lichaj and Omar Gonzalez. In midfielder, there is Sacha Kljestan and Chris Pontius. Then you have forward Eddie Johnson. These are just some of the players who Klinsmann might be taking a look at the next time he brings the national team together.
Which player are you hoping to see get a call next month that haven't been called in by Klinsmann recently? Cast your vote after the jump:
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Who did you vote for? Was there a player who you would have voted if they were on the list?
Share your thoughts below.
“So, to judge his value for the NT compared to Bradley’s exclusively by his performance in competitive NT matches is more than a little disingenuous.”
Do you know why they refer to them as “meaningless friendlies”? It’s because nothing is on the line and it is hard to get a read on just how good or bad you really are.
Holden by all accounts is a great guy , a wonderful role model and potentially a great player. And I’m being deadly serious, USMNT fans love him and his hair to death. He’s the kind of guy that makes you feel good about the USMNT.
There is a great inherent value to that.
But I’m someone who realises that without the World Cup the game in this country is badly hurt. Holden had a neglible contribution to the last one and may not be back for this one.
So as far as I’m concerned he is a peripheral figure for the USMNT until he can prove that the guy who played 28 great games for Bolton a couple of years ago can do the same thing for the US, when it matters.
Benny is too inconsistent. I saw that game and saw nothing new from Benny. Like I said, half lame, half okay, one or two moments of brilliance. I don’t know if he fades or if the other team figures him out and shuts him down.
What does Teal have to do with Benny?
“And besides, some players continue to get looooooong looks even though when they play they don’t impress”
Don’t impress who? You? Ives? Why does that surprise you? It means the coaching staff sees something you don’t.
I love Benny and he’d could play for me anytime as long as he agreed to show up for 90 minutes or if the game was 30 minutes long.
What I thought of the subs in the Jamaica game is that Bradley went for a long time being blasted for having good starting lineups but being stupid with his subs.
Then when he started having effective subs, he gots blasted for having crap starting lineups. It’s always something.
I was fine with the subs in the Jamaica game. It was SOP. For about 50 minutes the US played Jamaica off the park,then scored, and then tried to shut it down. Other than Spain or Brazil very few international teams can do for 90 minutes what the US did for 50.
And the US could not have played like that for 90 minutes.
And you have to give Jamaica a little credit for being able to turn it up when they had to. After all they were well rested having stood around for more than half the game.
“So we should not play Pontius now because Shea will be better in the future?”
Those are your words not mine.
Pontius and Shea do not do the same thing. Pontius is being kept out by Clint Dempsey who Chris most resembles.
You don’t know what Pontius will give you in a USMNT shirt, since as far as I know he has never been to camp with JK. So to say he Pontius is a better player than Shea, well, maybe in MLS but not in the international game. Shea is a vet there, has played well and Pontius has never been there.
We have two games left in this qualifying phase. Shea already has a track record with the USMNT and is getting better. Do you really want to call Pontius in for those?
My guess is whatever friendlies the US has before those qualifiers will be used to try out some ideas and give some of the current guys, like Shea and Corona, some much needed playing time.
Pontius is not in the mix for the next two qualifiers. Unless someone gets hurt I see no reason to call him in until the January camps.
I did not say Shea was a better player than Pontius. I said Shea has a much larger upside.
You can argue about who is better now but you can’t argue that Shea probably has a more promising USMNT future. And if Pontius right now is an improvement over Shea I wouldn’t say it was a quantum leap.
Better finisher? Yes Pontius is. But far better?
In MLS Pontius has scored 23 goals in 93 games. That is a goal every 4.04 games.
Shea has 19 goals in 91 games. That is a goal every 4.78 games.
Pontius is better by .74 games. That is better but not far better as far as I’m concerned
And they are not exactly the same type of player. Shea is more of a winger while Pontius is more of a Clint Dempsey attacking midfielder type. Pontius’ is more in competition with Clint Dempsey than Shea.
And in Pontius’ case it wasn’t so much a manager holding him back as it was an inability to stay healthy.
And Pontius is doing this for DC United.
You have no idea if he will succeed right away, take a while to settle in or be a complete bust for the USMNT.
Shea on the other hand took a while to settle, did well for a while, regressed and now appears to be coming back all for the USMNT. So he is much more experienced than Pontius when it comes to the international game.
Right now, it’s qualifying time and JK has minimum time to experiment even in the friendlies because some of the guys he knows he will use, like Shea, need the playing time.
Pontius hasn’t even been in camp or if he has it was very brief. So other than Gatt, who fills a very clearly defined role, I can’t see JK trying any new wild cards ( Pontius, Lichaj ) until January camp.
Simple. Freddy Adu. I don’t care what he is doing or not doing for his club. His skill set is sorely lacking with the current NATS.
Look no further than the last Gold Cup match with Mexico. Two passes. Two goals.
WHY HAVENT WE SEEN ANY OF THESE GUYS YET?!?
Yep, it’s because when you play with high level tactical players, and you help the team become better.
When you are playing with guys who don’t have a clue (tactically), it makes you look bad and seem like you make bad passes, but in reality those clueless guys are not making runs or reading the plays correctly to move into position.
This is why everyone (who don’t play soccer) says Beckerman was making bad passes, but he wasn’t, and instead those playing near him can’t “read” his passes.
I second this- We need more fresh, speedy, attacking, goal scoring football.. This list includes all of the above…
Lichaj, Pontius, and Gatt would be great additions.
Wait. So we should not play Pontius now because Shea will be better in the future? If we clinched a spot like Mexico did I would agree with you….but we didnt. The better player needs to play. Not saying Pontius deserves a start, but your point doesnt make sense.
I thought, for a friendly, even against Mexico, Besler would at least get on the field. I think his time will come.
Agreed. Internationals are a different animal than MLS. I don’t know why he keeps bringing in Beckerman, but I think he may have got it right with Zusi. Shea still needs time to mature. Kind of like wine, if you like wine.
You could add Charlie Davies to the list as far the comments relating to him as well, but probably even more due to a poor attitude. (DC United wouldn’t even play him at the end of his loan, even when they needed strikers.)
Maybe its just me and I am more than alittle tired of hearing about the hype of one vastly underperforming player, while other young guys never get a shot.
Adu has only played well for the senior national team ONCE, and even then he was a sub. Every other time he was on the field was unremarkable and he was eventually relegated to the bench. Offensive talent won’t get you on the field on the senior national team; your “WHOLE” game is considered. And in my mind, there is simply no way that the only problem for Freddy is simply that “all the coaches just don’t understand how to employ him”. Counting all the teams he has played for overseas, on loan, and under contract for, and now in MLS (round #1 & #2)….we are talking about at least 10 teams nad probably closer to 15.
At some point — he has to be accountable for his lack of performance, and if he is OK with an MLS only career. Good for him…..but there are plently of younger players whose “games” are progressing much faster than him. Zusi is a GREAT example. Even Sasha K. — I could see him getting called in again –and with consistent overseas play on an accomplished team would be deserving. Adu — not so much. His coach pulled him mid-season for inconsistency.
I am not a “hater”, only a realist.
Sooo, how is it Bradley’s fault that Klinsi isn’t inviting him into camp?
Agree with everything you say except Chandler. But I won’t get on my Chandler soapbox here. I was not trying to imply that current starters will definitely be be starting in WC 2014. But people who want to start Danny Williams over Jermaine Jones in two key games in October are—how should I saw, well, I will say Jones is still a much better and reliable player than Williams. But next sumer or the summer of 2014, it’s possible Williams will have surpassed Jones and Jones will be starting games on the bench. As for Tim Howard, he is still the man, no doubt about that. But I do think Klinsmann from here on out should sit Howard for friendlies, like in November, or not even call him up and give his number 2 and 3 international playing time. Same with other positions.
+1 as long as they are fit, they are a luxury. the young guns need their nurturing too, but old guns who still can are great for national teams
I ALWAYS know familiarity matters GW, and I’m a US fan. Bradley’s system demanded that, nothing new here
Omar lost out because he got injured in Germany and I agree he’ll get his chance.
I never said Omar should get called up either!!! Only pointed out that he’s better than Orozco Fiscal and Edu at CB…and he is
Stu’s an incredibly versatile player and responsible player, a glue guy on the field who covers a ton of ground and can cross it with either foot effectively
he’s a big loss to not have available, and I only hope his tenacity and heart and desire allow him to recover all the way from his latest injury. You have to think he’ll probably have more injuries but if he can return to form, he’s a player
I was at that game in Phoenix and Benny played well! what are you talking about? In that game, Bunbury was the starting lone forward, an experiment Coach insisted on for a while…do you remember? It didn’t work in that game at all, or really ever. Once Sapong entered and Bunbury came off things finally changed. for the better.
And besides, some players continue to get looooooong looks even though when they play they don’t impress
benny has served it up for the nats on the biggest stages and is, in my mind, the best super sub the team has had for a long time
what did you think of Coach’s subs vs. Jamaica Tuesday night?
That’s a peculiar set of criteria for judging Holden’s worth — if you exclude the 2009 Gold Cup (fair enough), Holden didn’t have a chance to play in any competitive matches for the senior team except at the World Cup, where he was still not fully recovered from injury. It is the hallmark of Holden NT career that he has always missed his chances because of injury. So, to judge his value for the NT compared to Bradley’s exclusively by his performance in competitive NT matches is more than a little disingenuous. I also believe that Bradley is a stronger and certainly more reliable option going forward; I also hope (but don’t entirely expect) that Holden is able to recover his form.
Lee Nguyen and Ryan Guy. They’re wearing out the carpet getting up and down the sides at that horrible American football stadium. Maybe overlooked because of crappy team.
How ’bout this line-up?
—————-Gomez
——————-Dempsey
Donovan——————————–Gatt
———-Bradley——-Williams
Johnson—–Cameron—Bocanegra—Cherundolo
—————–Howard
The player who should be added is Freddie Adu. Despite his club situation he service in the Gold Cup shows he is a better player for the national team than for his club. He brings movement and passing that no on else can. His absence is the one complaint I have about the Klinsmann era.
A comparison can be made to Podolski who is not special in club play but shines for the German national team.
Adu is an offensive player, period. US at this point talent wise still need all players to defend. Add to that club coaches either don’t have the patience or don’t know how to use this kind of pure withdrawn forward/attacking midfield. Adu has always performed well for country, so the insults confuse me.
In the abstract Rolfe sounds nice and I think I even reflexively named him recently. But when I think about roles we need to fill, I don’t know if he’s a pure speed wing we need or a pure #10 setup artist. He’s more of a tiki-taka give and go guy, who slashes inside, and not as good as Torres or Zusi at that. So I lost interest because even though he’s showing well of late, he doesn’t really fill a need.
I heartily agree with your bext XI notions, it’s a test demanding our absolutely best team right now, not a training ground. With the Jamaica loss and state of the group we may need to win out to ensure advancement. You run your risks out at Camp Cupcake when the games don’t count.
I buy into the “regardless of age” except with the reservation that you really really really have to be monitoring fitness and health, and in everyone’s case but Howard, probably seriously developing the understudy. Because one of the lessons of 2006 to me was that you can stick with players like Reyna and Lewis way too long, and somewhere in the cycle they crest the hill, you’ve built the team around them, and if there’s no Plan B then your stuck going to the World Cup with decrepit players.
So, if Boca seems healthy, fine, as long as he is in fact the best, but if he shows any signs of fading or being surpassed you need to be ruthless.
In particular, I think when given the choice between Chandler and Dolo as RB, a conflict Klinsi has thus far evaded by shifting Chandler L, and also with the current “holdout,” Dolo has shown signs of losing a step and not being as effective. Chandler should probably start at RB if he gets his head right and shows up. But until he does, Dolo it is.
I also think we need to be cracking on development particularly the next couple Camp Cupcakes because the 02/06 generation of players like Donovan is starting to show signs of wear and tear.
Last, given that GKs hit the wall later Howard is less a concern. Injuries matter but in theory he could probably easily play the next two Cups without worrying he’s past it. Although for the next one I think you start what I suggested with Boca, etc., you start grooming a successor in earnest. And for our sake it better not be Guzan.
SH should be brought in for his attitude alone. His positive spirit would be infectious. Anything he could contribute on the pitch, even as the 23rd guy on the roster, would be a bonus. Having said that, I soooooo hope he gets back to the caliber of player he was before the injury.
Call back the best new face of all: DEUCEFACE!
Lichaj, Gatt and Bedoya.
Bob Bradley trades him from the Metrostars early in his career. Then Bradley became coach of the national team. Every coach has favorites and Davis wasn’t one of Bradley’s.
Since his return from Europe, Chris Rolfe is playing with confidence and determination. He’s the kind of forward the US National team needs. He can hold the ball, and distribute, and keeps his head in front of the goal, while being able to laser one in from long distance.
In the back, I would suggest keeping your eyes on Austin Berry. And eventually, Sean Johnson will take Tim Howard’s place in goal.
Eddie Gaven. People forget he is only 25. Been a professional since he was 16. I believe only Adu signed younger. Might have the most professional games played over anyone his age. He is steady, reliable, crafty, fast enough, and always gives max effort for 90 min. He just isn’t flashy. This season has proven that his game is even more elevated when surrounded by high level talent – witness his production since Higuain and Arrieta joined Crew. Been capped i think 8 times on sr. team and 10 times with youth squads. But not much recently. JK should at least call him in.
lletget and Gyau
True.. In fairness Stu emerged as a strong contender after the WC via his play at Bolton and more unfortunately ended at the hands of the Man-U goon squad
For the October group, I expect to see Bradley, Donovan, Gatt and Chandler (based on comments he made earlier this month) with Corona, Beckerman or Edu, Parkhurst and Spector being the odd men out.
Also expect to see Dempsey playing left outside mid or more of free role underneath a lone striker. However playing him there with Torres on the left does not really work because they like to occupy the same space.
Based on this week’s play I would like to see something like this:
——————Gomez——————-
————-Dempsey———————-
Donovan————————-Chandler/Zusi
———————-Bradley————-
————Williams/Jones—————-
Johnson——————————Dolo–
————-Boca———Cameron———-
—————– Howard ——————
+1
Pontius has way too much talent not to be included on the national team. He will be in Europe within the next 1 to 2 years.
Freddy Adu and Chris Pontius can make a huge impact for the USMNT but they need a coach that believes in them, would work with them, would mentor them. Klins believes in Shea, he is having a very bad season, his stats are nowhere and not doing much for his team but still got called with the plan to build his confidence…..BB did that for Robbie Rogers and Agudelo. I beleive if klins believed in these 2 players they would electrify the stage of US soccer….
The crazy thing he is a far better/all around player than beckerman, Robbie rogers etc…..but never gets the call
By the way,for a national team spot. Competiton is there every day. It is called excelling for your club.
Since national teams play the only a few games a guy like John has to prove himself is the way most every one does by excelling for FC Dallas.
And before you talk about players being called in even if they aren’t doing well, those guys usually are already a known quantity.
As far as the USMNT is concerned John is a unknown quantity.
Here’s what logic will tell you if you listen.
John was called into Camp Cupcake and declined it to trial at West Ham. He did so reportedly with JK’s blessing.
Meanwhile Cameron was at the camp and impressed and eventually wound up where he is today.
The trial did not work out so well for John and he is still recovering. John gambled and lost. Cameron benefited from John’s failure.
Centerback is a position where most managers like to have a veteran and a young guy; not two young guys for obvious reasons.
Cameron is now way ahead of John in that USMNT young, developing centerback category.
John may in fact be everything you say he is but he now has proven vets in front of him.
John let Cameron take his spot in line.
It may not be fair but it is a fact. Short of injury Cameron isn’t going anywhere. Short of a loss of form and/or injury Boca is not going anywhere. And should Boca falter there are a number of other guys already ahead of John.
Opportunities to get into the USMNT mix do not come along every day and John gave his away so you have no grounds to complain.
Yes, but does having him on the team help it win? Specifically, the SENIOR USMNT.
I can think of only one game, Panama in the last Gold Cup, where all his skill made a difference.
Otherwise what you have is a lot of sizzle and no steak.
He got quite a bit of Natinal team time under Arena.
Adu is a lazy, headstrong, lazy, out of condition, non-defense playing, lazy player who teammates can’t rely on. (Have you EVER heard of a teammate sticking up for him throughout his career struggles??!!)
Did I mention that he was freaking LAZY!!????
Shea is a better player that Pontius?? As what? Better Finisher, passer, control, vision?? Or just because he’s younger… For right now, not even close. Pontius is a far better finisher, has better control, is a better game changer than shea, and thats exactly what we need on the USMNT. He doesn’t need to go overseas but a coach who believes in him (like Olsen, and he stepped up and scored against Chelsea)
Shea, Agudelo etc are the next wave of players for USMNT but should be just that…the next wave
Agree completely…..I am tired of the coach’s favorite’s (Bradley had them too! – Bornstein) such as Beckerman and Brek getting serious time. There are plenty of other midfielders who are more skiled that Beckerman and less freaking LAZY tha Shea! Ex.- Try Alejandro Bedoya, Beasley, Robbie Rogers on the wings for Shea or the boatload we already have in the middle of the park instead of Becker.
Saucedo is 30 or so.
If he starts the whole process today,and he has yet to do that according to him, he might get his passport around 2017 when he will be 35 or so.
Right now Zusi is better at the “Benny” role than Benny so there is no need for Benny.
Maybe it’s because he had Benny in camp and then watched him go out and have his typical Benny half lame half good game against, I believe, Venezuela.
Benny needs to be more consistent if he wants back in. Right now he is at best a 20-30 minute end of game sub and that isn’t good enough to waste a roster spot on.