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Bradley enters January camp as one of few veterans Berhalter hopes to rely on in 2019

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U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Michael Bradley enters the annual January camp with five more caps than the other 26 players on the roster combined.

With so many new faces called up by newly-minted head coach Gregg Berhalter, the former Columbus Crew boss is tasking Bradley with providing experience over the month-long training camp.

“This is an opportunity for Michael to show his value to the group,” Berhalter told reporters on Thursday. “We’re excited to see him and how he works through this training camp leading the team and also contributing to what we’re trying to do on the field.” 

Although the main focus of the USMNT has been to acclimate younger players to the international stage and test their qualities at the high level, the specter of experienced players coming back to the group has lingered for the last 12 months.

Berhalter expects to add more experience to the squad in the coming months, but the time wasn’t right for other veterans to join January camp.

Bradley’s Toronto FC teammate Jozy Altidore is still recovering from an injury, but the forward will make an appearance in California during the first month of 2019.

“Jozy will be in camp to come around and see the environment for one or two days,” Berhalter said. “He’s still injured. He won’t be able to participate in training so we’re obviously not going to include him in the full camp.” 

Atlanta United’s Brad Guzan and Darlington Nagbe were left off the 27-man roster to stay fresh and get healthy with the Five Stripes beginning their season on February 21 in the Concacaf Champions League round of 16 against Herediano.

“Brad’s an example of a player who’s played long into the MLS season and he needs to rest,” Berhalter said. “They’re going to have a new coach and Champions League games coming up and i thought it was best for him to get rest at this time.

“The same thing goes for Darlington,” Berhalter said. “He’s a guy that was injured for a large portion of the season and we feel it’ll be more beneficial for him to get a good solid preseason in with his club and build up his strength. First get the rest and then build up the strength and have another good MLS season.” 

Comments

  1. Berhalter if you rely on Michael Bradley YOU WILL FAIL AS A COACH. It doesn’t matter how you want to use him or how you plan to play him….Bradley is finished. He hasn’t done anything this past season or in a long time, to warrant a call up, not to mention he is older, slower and only a shadow of his former self….like the mistakes of all the coaches before him, doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is ABSOLUTE INSANITY. Again Gregg Berhalter, if you rely on Michael Bradley you will fail as USMNT HEAD COACH

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  2. The usmnt dont need veterans. The veterans failed us. Time for new cycle. As for MB its time to let go!!!!! LET HIM CONCENTRATE ON CLUB FORM.

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  3. I’m not opposed to Bradley’s inclusion in this camp, or in camps through 2019, if he can prove that he still belongs in the side. Put him on the bench and bring him in if someone (Adams, McKennie, Acosta, etc….) is struggling or if their gassed at the end of a game.

    This is the only roll (other than water boy) that I see him filling in 2019….but by summer 2020 I don’t think he’ll even be able to do that.

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  4. From what I’ve seen in interviews and his other comments ,I’m very optimistic about his approach .Only time will tell but I like what I hear so far. Wish him good luck.

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  5. On another thread, is said something along the lines of: MB did not have a great last part of the year for Toronto, but he spent a large part of that time being used as a CB or any other spot TFC was hurting due to injuries. TFC was in difficult straits after the Champions League and never recovered, largely because of injuries. Bradley continued to play where ever he was needed. He is still the best player the US has to sit deep and provide support for teammates.

    No other player has shown the ability to be open and available to teammates under pressure. Failing that presence, possession was surrendered too cheaply. That was a constant theme in the past year when Bradley was not there.

    MB is getting older and father time will have his say, but so far, even a slightly slower MB is better than any other player on the USMNT at doing the hard work of staying open for teammates. To be fair, providing those passing options is something that is expected of every player on Spain’s team, the US just does happens to many who can seem to figure that out.

    of the youngsters, Adams seems best at it and Sargent does seem to be available a lot as well.

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  6. It isn’t that hard. He plays like he did last year, no way.

    He plays like he used to, he battles for a spot, but I still think the talent passes him by. I don’t care which way it goes. I would love for him to be better than Roldan for the bench spot or Acosta for a starting spot/rotation player. We would have a pretty good team then.

    I don’t think it happens, though, so the rest is just talk.

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    • I said this in another thread, but I really think people are way too hung up on Bradley. He is one of 27 players called into January camp. If he’s being outplayed by other CM options he won’t last very long in the squad. There’s no reason I see that he can’t get an opportunity to earn his place just like anyone else. Its going to take Berhalter until after Gold Cup to really get a feel for everyone in the pool though due to call up restrictions, injuries etc. Lets be a little patient and not get all pissy when we see Bradley and Jozy’s names pop up again.

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  7. MLS’ers Acosta, Trapp, Roldan, Canouse right now are better players than Bradley based on performances week in and week out for their club teams. They also have higher ceilings and the gap in play is only going to increase as Bradley get’s older and slower. I get the argument to bring Bradley in for his experience and leadership for camp cupcake, but actually look at the results of his recent leadership so that’s questionable. I’d rather see Beckerman called in who is probably on par with Bradley in this past MLS season. But most importantly, I’d rather see younger players given more opportunities.

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  8. I know this is hard for people to understand, but the USMNT won’t qualify for Qatar on the backs of sub-23-year old players alone. Whether any of these vets mentioned are the guys to bridge that gap, I don’t know, but some guys from the failed 2018 campaign will still be leaned on.

    Learn to deal and live with it. Fan base is already too toxic as it is.

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    • Jay Berhalter loves this response, with more supporters accepting USSF’s current ways, he can now become CEO, after Flynn retires and have direct say over his brothers coaching performance.

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      • KIR what is the alternative? I’m not saying you’re wrong. But I want to read more about what you think works.

      • What’s the lowest average age for a WC qualified team over the course of qualifying? Hey, if we can set a record or something, that’d be great. It’s not realistic though. I’ve been furious with the vets over the 2018 failure as much as anyone. I’m burnt out, however, and some point we have to move on..even if it means some of those guys are still along for part of the ride.

    • Fake news! Berhalter played for Arena and served as an assistant but their philosophies on managing are about as far apart as you can get. Their tactics are completely different, their pregame approach is different, their feelings on analytics, and film study completely different. How Berhalter approaches his relationships with players is nothing like Arena. Berhalter is humble and Arena believes he’s never made a mistake. You don’t like Berhalter that’s your opinion but actually, do a little fact finding before you start spreading your conspiracies and blatant untruths.

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    • Wrong, KIR. As Johnny already pointed out, Berhalter and Arena are nothing alike. I understand you are bitter, but at least get your facts straight.

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