When the USMNT lineup that would face Belgium came out last Tuesday the sight of Steve Cherundolo and Timmy Chandler in the squad led to the immediate realization that Jurgen Klinsmann was getting serious about his search for a reliable left back.
Chandler responded to the positional switch with a surprisingly steady defensive performance. Facing Belgium's dangerous attack, including star winger Eden Hazard, Chandler stood up to the challenge, using his outstanding athleticism to neutralize one of the best young players in Europe.
Sure, Chandler's national team debut at left back wasn't perfect. He tried but generally failed to provide left-footed service from the flank, and was never really used much on his attacking forays forward (something that was as much Brek Shea's fault as his own), but considering the awful performances at left back in recent memory, Chandler's form was, without question, very promising.
Now it's pretty clear that Chandler is the leading candidate to replace Steve Cherundolo at right back one day, but with Cherundolo still playing at a high level and not showing signs of slowing down, moving Chandler to left back just might the best move to make to get the strongest USMNT lineup on the field.
We saw what Edgar Castillo could do, and it wasn't that encouraging. Eric Lichaj looked good at left back in the Gold Cup, but is sidelined with an injury and still has a limited number of games at the position against top competition. Even German-born Fabian Johnson, currently playing as a midfielder on the club level, has experience at left back. There are some other options to look at for left back, but Chandler has shown that he just might be able to handle the switch.
Chandler's showing against Belgium has me wondering what SBI readers thought of how he did. Do you think Chandler is the answer at left back? What did you think of his performance? Still holding out hope that Eric Lichaj returns from injury in time to win the position next year? Ready to give Edgar Castillo another look?
Share your thoughts below.
Iam really surprised how quickly everyone has written off Michael Bradley- I like what JK is doing with the direction of better soccer, lord knows the change is needed.. but if nobody has noticed the lack of linkage and buildup without MB in the lineup in these 3 losses.. At some point JK will get his back 4 straight ( I think with Dolo & Chandler on the pitch at the same time).. at which point he’s gotta put his best 6 players at MF/F on at the same time- which means Donovan & Dempsey up top.. and MB still has a lot to offer to be one of those 4 guys
There was a long stretch when Torres was hampered by injury in 2008-9. He did not get much playing time for Pachuca then and was a reason he was not often called up to the USMNT until just before the W.C. (less than halfitime for Pachuca was not a compelling case for Bradley to have called him up in that period)
Donavon is 29 he gets fouled a lot, he will begin taking longer to recover from those and it will impact his play. Dempsey still seems to be able to handle the rough treatment in the EPL, but the reason he missed the C.R. game was for treatment of an injury.
So yes there is good reason to think that it would be a luxury to have all 4 of those guys available for the same game (and that is even before you consider what their club teams might have to say).
My guess is that LB and RB are more of a concern for JK right now, as far defense. It’s pretty obvious he was using those games to work out a midfield. He did mess around with the backline too, but mostly due to availability of some players. My guess is once the midfield, RB and LB spots are figured out, we’ll see more focus on CBs. As for striker, we have so few options that we can figure that out as we figure everything else out.
Let’s not forget, no LB or RB will stay there for long if his defense is not excellent and his speed is at least adequate. The USA needs 2 outside backs and with Dolo, Chandler and Lichaj, we have 3. None of them is strictly a LB, who can get forward and serve great balls with his left foot, but each of them is good defensively and that is the most important thing.
Despite that 3 outside backs is not enough! Dolo is not young and eventually his recovery time will get longer and his speed will decline. He is a great defender and will be important to the US for some time.
The odds that at least one of the 3 will be hampered by injury for a good percentage of USMNT games exists, so regardless of how Chandler evolves as a LB, we need another.
Bobby Convey is playing in the MLS reserve league. Lets talk when he is starting for SJ again.
Maybe someone can help me… but I am confused with our CB position. Why does Ream and the others keep getting called into camp and yet do not even make the sub roster for the games? I personally do not think Tim Ream will ever be a national team caliber CB. Goodson is okay but leans on Boca to much. If Tim ream can not make the sub list in a friendly dont bring him in. I want to see what Omar can do, I want to see what George John can do. Why not partner one of them to see how they play with Boca. There is a 25% chance that Boca will be starting in the next world cup and I would say 75% chance that we will need 2 new CB for the World Cup. Mine as well test some of these new guys now.
Heath Pearce blows. We have seen him at LB, and he does not cut it at the International level. Bobby Convey I would be open to seeing.
Better then anyone else we have until Lichaj returns!
Todd Dunivant definitively deserves a call up.
So does Omar Gonzalez actually.
Short term? Sure.
Long term? No, Chandler is the answer at RB. Cherundolo will have to be replaced eventually.
The best long term options at LB are Fabian Johnson when he gets his passport or Eric Lichaj when he comes back from hip surgery.
Anyone heard anything on Davies is he okay and still fit to play ?
JA CD
LD
Shea Chandler
Holden
EL Dolo
John Boca
ok that didn’t work like i hoped
Lineup i would like to see (if everyone is healthy, etc.:
Similar to the diamond Chelsea used a few years back
——————Jozy—————————————————————–Dempsey—————————————LD————————————-Shea————————————————————————-Chandler——————————-Holden———————-Lichaj——————————–Dolo—————————John——-Boca——————————————–Howard———————–As Dolo ages move lichah as RB and F. Johnson as LB. As Landon ages insert Adu or holden. Then for the deeplying CM you have Jones, ,Edu, Bradley, or Torres based on form. Eventually slide Agudelo in for Dempsey. Seems like the deep lying CM is the deepest position. Also for center back you have Goodsen,Gonzalez, Ream and others to consider.
We are overstating Dolo’s value because everyone else on the back line was so bad in the Gold Cup. If either back is going to play on the attack, they are going to need significant minutes with whom ever is designated on the wing (Shea and …???) so their overlapping runs look seemless. I think Chandler should get the nod on the right but it would look bad as Dolo hasn’t sinned at all to deserve the demotion. Agree with the Lichaj boosters for the left even if I can’t figure out the phonics of his name.
The Marshall Plan (1947) babies are like 65 now. They have the veteran experience and leadership the US squad needs.
The Marshall Plan (1947) are now like 65. They have the crafty veteran experience the US squad needs.
Who out of the 3 non-Holden players have been sidelined long-term in recent history?
Are you implying that Stu is going to get hurt again? Or am I missing something?
Not meaning to be condescending, I just don’t remember Donovan, Dempsey, or Torres being big injury-bug guys, and let’s hope that the football Gods aren’t as cruel to Holden as they could be, seeing as how he’s had his fair share of injuries.
Hejduk “king of the two foot tackle” was a good player. Chandler has only played a few games yet he has been proclaimed the anointed one. Comparing him to Hejduk isnt laughable yet, maybe in the future but not yet.
Klinsy said the exact same thing about Boca at left back. “I don’t want someone in a position where they play 90%, because then I lose 10%”
And then he put Chandler there instead, where he lost more like 15-20%.
That’s not to say I disagree with putting him there when we have no other option…it just went against what he said 2 days earlier.
I think Chandler has a slight edge right now as the best option at left back. Lichaj is definitely promising as well, but Chandler looked a bit stronger defensively to me. Who cares if Chandler is less effective going forward from the left than from the right? First of all, Stevie is the starting right back right now, no question, so we don’t lose anything by playing Chandler at left back (and Stevie is still pretty effective serving in crosses). Second, Chandler is likely to improve his attack from the left. His left footed cross is something he can work on. It’s more important that he was steady defensively, which would be tougher to improve if he didn’t seem like he had what it takes to handle it. Third, anything you get in the attack from the LB spot is gravy right now for the team.
Down the road, Chandler at RB and Lichaj at LB might be the answer. But right now, Chandler looks a bit less likely to get beat than Lichaj to me.
While you need a clear starter, in the twists and turns of qualifying and tournament play, you need at least two players you would be happy starting at any position. I don’t think the Chandler is “the” answer at LB, but he’s much closer to being the guy at LB. Dolo seems ageless, but he will get tired, or injured, or suspended at various points, so Chandler will get plenty of chances even before Dolo heads off into the sunset.
Brooklyn Beckham.
Bornstein did not have “good” WC.
he was passable and was able to occupy space where otherwise the US would be playing shorthanded.
Chandler is heir apparent for Dolo’s spot…but Dolo may have another World Cup in him. So, Chandler must play left, R Mid or sit.
I would like to see Lichaj and Fabian invited in and play a meaningful matches before we pencil in Chandler.
what about bobby convey or heath pearce? still convinced both deserve a shot at LB. Chandler might end up being a better right-mid if we keep Dolo at RB.
In my view Brek Shea is the answer, in a 4-3-3.
dempsey altidore donovan
Torres Holden Edu
Shea Bocanegra Goodson Chandler
Dam straight.
Chandler on the wing -speed, power, his crosses were off the last 2 games, but he’s still in preseason form.
Cherundolo still at RB.
and if Rogers wants to still play for the US instead of making his one time switch to Leftoutistan, make him convert to LB and back up whoever is starting – Lichaj, Castillo, anyone not named Bornstein.
also, bring in Feilhaber and Adu to compete for playing time with Torres,etc. No one should be anointed anything, yet under Herr K.
I wouldn’t know, because I watched NASCAR on Tuesday
still want to see what Fabian Johnson brings to the table.. and wouldn’t mind seeing what Spector can do there too. but ya now that Lichaj isn’t healthy, its Chandler’s job to lose. I wouldn’t say he is the answer to the LB issue, but he is a great temporary fill as the RB and RW spots are full.
After the drought at left back since perhaps Eddie Lewis, I am delighted to be able see debate above about the relative merits of SEVERAL competent candidates at LB. I will reiterate what I posted right after the match on SBI and Shinguardian below:
Defense:
Solid effort from the back four (especially seeing how Mexico carved up a line with Bornstein’s introduction. – solid 6 (from the defenders) – above average, decent support going forward and played calmer out of the back. No gaping exposure due to bad offsides lines or blown coverage/out of position play (first time in a while).
Better wing back play (especially from Chandler and good defensive coverage between he and Shea). Castillo should not see a call up again without a catastrophic injury issue to others. Orozco is faded deeper into the depth charts as well.
Let’s let Chandler get another rep or two, let Lichaj get healthy again and some reps, and take a look at Fabian Johnson as well. In any case I see promise where there was little before.
Eventually I’d like to see Chandler moved back to RB once Cherundolo retires. Which leaves us between Lichaj and Fabian Johnson (for the moment). I think we have to see Fabian Johnson play the position before we decide for sure.
lol, I think I played a very small part but at least he doesn’t have to read my apeals any more! Is there anyone else I need to be hounding?
The only thing is that Lichaj needs to learn how to cross with his Left Foot. He always cuts back to his dominant right to cross it in.
for now, with Cherundulo showing no signs of slowing down, we should try Chandler on the right wing. Rogers is clearly not the answer and never will be, and I think with Shea and Chandler hugging their respective touchlines, it will really open up our attack and make us very dynamic.
when Lichaj comes back he should definitely get his spot back, and hopefully Fabian Johnson will get his one time switch in by the next pair of friendlies so we can really get this German-American train rolling
Using Bornstien is like using 50% Chandler. Meaning you would need two Bornsteins on the field at the same time to cover the space Chandler covers.
What’s the word on Sean Cunningham? How good of a prospect is he?
Thank you for discovering Jermaine Jones and convincing him to join the USMNT.
I hate to say it, but more often than not 1 of those 4 will be injured.
Ok Ok Ok….I just drawing at straws here. It has been hard to be a US supporter of late knowing we have the tools to be a real top 20 team but we just come up short in too many areas of the game. The use of a footy game is only a reference tool as “someone” had to do the legwork to cite most of these “English” named players as dual citizens. That’s how I heard about JJ and once I did I went onto his official website and pestered him relentlessly (via his forum) to play for the USNT. And besides it was too early in the day for me to come on here and write something coherent and or relevant. Cheers!
Agreed.
What news came of Lichaj’s apparent hip injury I saw floating around?
I was at my father-in-laws house last night and he was watching the Mexico U22 game vs Chile and I have to say we really missed out on Ponce–kid is a beast. He is young and is good both defensively and offensively, his crosses are good, gets involved with the attack without forgetting his defensive responsibilities. He reminds me of a young Patrice Evra, he really does.He also had a really bad head injury in the game so hope he’s ok. As for chandler I think it would be better to play him at right since he is so good in the position, seems counterintuitive to place him on the left when we know he is great on the right.
Chandler (or healthy LIchaj) is the best option at LB for the moment, but it should only be a short-term solution, as Chandler is much more dangerous going forward from the right side. As for the long-term LB solution, the search continues.
“Sure, Chandler’s national team debut at left back wasn’t perfect. He tried but generally failed to provide left-footed service from the flank, and was never really used much on his attacking forays forward (something that was as much Brek Shea’s fault as his own)”
I don’t think it was Shea’s fault at all. Assuming they practiced together, it was fairly obvious to the viewer that Chandler was completely useless in the attack as soon as we first attacked that side. He couldn’t use his left foot to save his life, and a wing back cutting into the middle of the field is a very dangerous thing, especially with Shea playing an advanced position. I wouldn’t put any of it on Shea for not using Chandler.
This was really the main reason that I think we can’t afford to have Chandler on the left. He was great in defense, but he’s a complete liability once we cross midfield on that side.
are you seriously comparing Busquets and Mascherano to Bocanegra or Edu or Clark for that matter? Besides Klinssy already said Boca is not playing LB period!
“American names” come from different origins all over the world not just English
Probably the same place as all the badass non-American players from Guam, Okinawa, Guantanamo Bay, and Iraq.
Playing Chandler in the midfield guarantees at least one of Dempsey, Donovan, Holden, and Torres are off – two depending on the formation. Maybe others can speak more to his quality, but I haven’t seen near enough of him in any position to be ready for that. Dempsey may be slow, but he’s effective. Marvell Wynne is fast.
Exactly.
And to be honest, Welshbean, if you cite video games as a reference in a soccer argument, it makes it hard for people not to ignore you completely. Looking through rosters for American-sounding names is not a recruitment system; a coherent scouting system, active connections with clubs and management, and an expanding youth system are the way forward, and Klinsmann is fully committed to making all those things happen. The man knows what he’s doing.
And give MLS some credit. Clint Dempsey, came from MLS. Landon Donovan came from MLS. Timmy Howard came from MLS. Michael Bradley came from MLS. I could go on, but I don’t need to. The growth of MLS, in combination with the movement of American players to European leagues when they’re ready, will continue to be a boon for the U.S. setup in years to come.
I tend to agree with this sentiment in general, but let’s hold off on the world class talk for a bit. We are so hungry for stars that every good, young player immediately gets hyped to the moon. Let everyone develop at their own pace without unreasonable expectations. I’m just glad we apparently have 3 good, young options at wing back. Ideally, Johnson at LB would be the option since he is a natural left sided player, but Lichaj looked pretty comfortable on that side.