Thanksgiving Week: Waiting For Happenings

It’s been a slow holiday week, but in the spirit of posting SOMETHING, this is what’s rumbling:

Kenny Cooper: Increasing rumors about a connection with Eintracht Frankfurt have heated up the transfer talk for this FC Dallas striker.  Pair that with the fact that Dallas doesn’t seem to be willing to pay DP money for KCoop and it looks like he’ll be gone in January.  Now the only question is WHERE.  Expect suitors to come out of the woodwork over the next few weeks.  Perhaps Rosenborg and Cardiff are still interested?

Eddie Johnson: After a kind and encouraging newsweek for EJ, he played like crap against Plymouth.  To make matters worse, two Cardiff strikers are coming back from injury.  Looks like Edward will be dropped back to the bench and stuck as 4th choice striker. Lame, but can any of us actually be surprised?

Freddy Adu: Still can’t buy a game for Monaco.  After scoring for the USMNT last midweek, Freddy didn’t get of the bench in his next club game.  You could argue that ‘oh he needed to rest,’ but that’s BS in my book because he’s an 19 year old who has hardly played all year; he can handle a double gameweek.  We’ll see what happens this weekend.

Jozy Altidore: With Nihat back from injury, US fans are still holding their breath to see if Jozy is used for Villarreal in the next month.  If not, we can expect Josmer to go on loan where hopefully he will find some first team minutes.  That’s something everybody wants.

Oguchi Onyewu: As we approach the January window, it’s time to turn our focus back to Gooch.  Where might he end up?  His contract with Liege expires this year, so it seems they must sell him (if he does in fact wish to leave).  Marseille have reportedly been sniffing around the US Centre Back, and recently Anderlecht has also shown some interest (although Liege would never allow that).  Word has it that Onyewu wants to make it back to the EPL, but I’m not sure any clubs there care.  Hey…Arsenal could use a centre back…Muahha.

Landon Donovan: While it seems his move to Bayern is all but set, we still haven’t heard much from Don Garber and the MLS.  I don’t expect them to prevent the move, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they make a few more stupid comments and get a little bit dirty.  Landon must be counting the days until January.

Chad Marshall: The young Columbus Crew defender has had an outstanding year in the MLS, capping it off with a goal in the cup final.  Now, it seems he has ambitions to play abroad and there is plenty of interest.  Crew wouldn’t be able to pay him the money he wants, so look for Marshall to head oversees in January.

What else is going on people? Still stuffed full of Turkey?

-psc

Landy Dandy Loaned To Bayern

Well there you have it.  Just as Donovan completed his 10 day training stint in Germany, Bayern has reported that he will join them on loan from January to March. Klinsmann had some positive things to say about Landon’s impression, as posted on the Bayern website (forgive the translation):

“Klinsmann has reported that Donovan in the last days of training a lasting impression did. That is what he also in talks with some experienced players. “He is an incredibly fast player who constantly one-against-one situations examined. He is a completely different Stürmertyp than those who are here as “the Bayern coach is convinced.”

I couldn’t agree more! Landon is such a different Sturmertyp!  Don’t you think so? All kidding aside, this is good news for Landon (obviously) but it also is another big test.  Bayern has stated that the loan will have an option to buy, so Donovan will need to work hard in the spring to make an impact with the German giants.  It will not be pretty if Donovan has to come back with his head low after not winning a contract.

Another article out of England has some more details:

“Donovan has spent a week and a half training at Bayern and scored both goals when the first team, minus players away on international duty, beat the club’s B team 2-1 in a practice match on Wednesday. His performances and attitude in training have impressed Klinsmann, who said he needed a fourth striker in his squad to help cover for any injuries that might hit Luca Toni, Miroslav Klose or Lukas Podolski.”

Fourth striker makes me a little nervous, but it just means that Landon will need to take every chance he gets for Bayern if he wants to stay in Europe. It is exciting though, Donovan is finally gonna need to put his money where his mouth is, and I’m pumped to see that.

What do you all think? Happy? A little nervous? Spit it out!

–psc

More Video of Landon

Another Bayern Munich training video has hit the German internets!  Head over to THIS link to watch the video and this time, the camera man pays some extra attention to Landon (how nice of him).

Not too much goes down in this video.  After 10 minutes of warming up, they go into a small scrimmage and Landon buzzes around blah blah.  Landon scores a tap in and mostly works to keep possession (it seems that they’re playing with a “two touch” rule).

I’m curious to see what happens in the next few weeks after the MLS Cup.  I’m sure Landon will be speaking more and more candidly about his wish to go abroad, and I expect to see at least a few words from Klinsmann and Bayern as well. From the other side, what will the LA Galaxy be saying?  They’ve already stated their intent to keep Landon with the Galaxy, but will they hold their stance as Landon becomes more and more vocal?

SO MANY QUESTIONS!!! Ah well, time will tell.  In the meantime, we have the WCQ against Guatemala coming up tonight, and I will be live blogging that game as it happens!  Hopefully we’ll have a chance to see Kenny Cooper working up top with Jozy Altidore, because every USMNT fan sees lots of potential in that pairing.

Check back later today!

–psc

VIDEO: Landon Training With Bayern

Mouth-water?

Kudos to Matt over at watchsocceronline.blogspot.com for these gems.  Two videos have emerged from the Bayern Training Grounds over the past two days, and they give us a little peak at Landon in action.

The first video is HERE

In the first vid, they’re mostly playing some small sided games (6v6 or whatever), if you don’t want to watch the whole 20 minute video, just skip to these highlights:

10:45 – Landon scores a goal

13:45 Landon hits a nice cross that leads to a goal

19:50 – some great interplay between Landon and Ribery, leading to a goal.

The second video is HERE

In the second vid, the Bayern lads do some warming up, then at the 10minute mark, they play a larger field 8v8ish scrimmage. Landon lines up as a forward alongside Luca Toni.  Seems like a situation that would only exist in my FIFA 09 manager mode.  Not too many exciting Landon highlights in the second video, but some nice passes, etc.  I hope his training is going well and I hope he impresses, because he does deserve to succeed and he does have all the skill and experience to do so.

Well it looks like I’ve answered my own question.  An article out of kicker.de says that apparently Landon is impressing so far (forgive the broken translation):

Coach Jürgen Klinsmann said that the 26-year-old is happy in the squad and that it’s no secret he would welcome him. He wanted him to move to Munich in the summer window, but failed due to skepticism and the veto of the bosses. But Donovan apparently is in the process of convincing them otherwise.

Thus, Bayern director Uli Hoeneß apparently has been convinced by the former Leverkusen man. “What he showed was okay. Kicken he can,” said Hoeneß on Thursday. In about one week, the German Masters will decide whether Donovan is committed.

“Kicken he can!” Sounds good.

What do you guys think?

–psc

Landon Chillin’ In Munich

Word on the Interstreet is that LD has jetted over to Munich and is training with Bayern so Klinssman and Co can get a better look.  Germany’s kicker writes:

If Jürgen Klinsmann at this Tuesday clock by 15 players of FC Bayern training welcomed, he will welcome a guest: It is Landon Donovan (26). The offensive players from the U.S. for about one week [training]...

…Donovan would be the type of attacker who is behind the master striker Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose would uncomplaining classified – and thus the exodus willing Lukas Podolski in the winter could replace. [Does he have the class?]

The Associated Press also chimes in with this quote from Juergen:

“Landon will train with us in the next 10 days to retain his level of fitness,” Bayern’s coach Juergen Klinsmann said on the club’s Web site Tuesday.

Don’t you just love translated German?  This is some exciting news for Landon as it seems he’s finally grabbing his own future by the balls and taking charge (as opposed to his former priority to just practice juggling on the California beaches).

A move to Bayern would be mouthwatering for any USMNT fan, but could it really happen? Well yes, it could.  The bigger and more scary notion is:  Like most attacking American’s who are abroad this season, would Landon be stuck in a late sub role and just be coming on in the 80th minute of every game?  God I hope not, and if any offensive-minded American has the talent and maturity to start (or play major minutes) in Europe, it’s Landon.  Right? RIGHT??

And then there’s always the problem of: Will the MLS and Galaxy LET Landon leave? Wow, they better.

Rock and Roll.  What do you guys think?

–psc

Landon Donovan Is Ready

As the MLS season closes, Landon Donovan is wasting no time clarifying his desire to try his hand at European soccer. ESPN has a piece today about Landon’s potential future abroad, and here’s the important stuff:

”Competitively I have that itch and I want to go and I will make that very clear to people.”

Donovan said he would approach MLS officials this week to request a move and added that he had told Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena of his wish to join a European club.

”I think the League is aware of my situation and I’ve had brief talks with Bruce about it and let him know, but it’s still early.

”There can be a lot of fluctuation between now and January 1. Teams that are in trouble might be playing great by then and vice versa. Injuries happen and we’ll see where we’re at.”

My Thoughts: Kudos to Donovan for finally sacking up taking on the big leagues.  Hopefully he can land at a strong club and doesn’t end up at West Brom, or Newcastle (yuck).  Even worse, I hope Fulham doesn’t try and buy him.  Our American stars need to diversify their European destinations.  I would be intrigued to see Donovan in La Liga as I think his game is well suited to Spain, but I also wouldn’t be upset if he did indeed end up at Bayern Munich.  We’ll see if Klinsmann is still high on Landon in a month or two.

In all, any move to a more competitive league will only help our USMNT as well.  This is a chance for Landon to truly take his game to the next level.  Whether you love him or hate him, the truth is that Donovan is the best USMNT player of the last 8 years.  If he can elevate his game even more, then he could become an even better threat at the National level.  Granted, I’m going to remain cynical, because there’s also a strong chance that Landon just ends up as a bench player in a Euro league, and we already have plenty of those.  I’d rather be pessmistic and then pleasantly surprised, as opposed to expect the world and then be disappointed.

Where do you think he’ll end up? Germany? England? Spain?

–psc

USA 6, Cuba 1: All Systems Go

"I'm not anorexic, I promise"

Well well well.  As a USMNT fan, is it possible to be up set with the 6-1 victory of Cuba on Saturday?  Is there really any way you can walk away from watching that game and have a sour taste in your mouth? HOW COULD THAT BE?!

Alright, enough with the melodrama. All in all, Saturday’s game was a bright spot for the USMNT that saw alot of very positive attacking play and solid defending.  Damarcus Beasley grabbed his first international goals in almost a year and half of play, and that has to make Walter Smith happy.  On the flip side, we have to remind ourselves that most CONCACAF opponents are horrible.  We SHOULD be beating Cuba 6-1.  Okay, Let’s check it out by position.

DEFENDERS

No big surprises here.  Cuba couldn’t really test our back four, and the one goal they DID grab, was a fluke-ish and lucky strike.  Gooch and Boca played well in the middle, and did a relatively good job building up play from the back.  There were even some instances where Onyewu played some slicing passes into the feet of Donovan and Ching.  I love seeing that from defenders, because that kind of accurate passing to link with our offensive players can be really priceless.  Dolo played well, if relatively quietly, and didn’t see too much action on the right side.  I think the brightest spot in our back four tonight was Heath; he did an excellent job of pushing forward and getting involved in the attack, delivering a slew of great crosses (one resulting in Landon’s goal).  He also had some clutch tackles up and down the left side.  However,  I think that Pearce does lack one vital wingback trait, and that’s PACE.  When the USMNT faces tougher opposition I don’t think Pearce really has the skill or speed to really beat other world class wing players.  But time will tell I suppose.

Oh yes, and let’s not forget Gooch’s 90 minute goal, a great header.  Although the star of that goal might’ve been Freddy Adu (no offense Gooch).

MIDFIELD

There you are Beasley!!  So Damarcus finally is getting some finishing done.  We can’t fault him for two strong goals, and this is the execution that we certainly NEED from him.  Because besides his goals, I don’t think Beasley looked that special out there.  He certainly has the pace to beat defenders, but he doesn’t have the trickery to really put his marker off balance.  The majority of his 1v1 ability seems to be “push it past and hope,” but this isn’t going to work when you weigh 90 pounds.  Beasley’s strength is using his speed to get the behind the defense and latch onto through balls, which is exactly what led to his goals today.

Next up, I think Kljestan featured very well today, and he’s making a strong case for himself as a partner to Michael Bradley.  They seem to play well together, as Sacha focuses on going forward and creating offense with Mikey sitting back and tackling, crashing the box when necessary.  I thought Kljestan orchestrated well, grabbing two assists, and he was unlucky to not have a goal on his excellent header (which Ching ended up scoring).  If Kljestan can keep improving his protection of the ball and lower his turnovers, I think he could be our starting center midfielder through the hexagonal.

Bradley Jr and Dempsey had pretty quiet games.  I was happy to see Michael getting forward on occassion and he had one or two good chances from the top of the 18 yard box.  If he can find some finishing prowess, it would be great to have someone who can strike some nice long shots from outside the box (but it might be a little wishful to expect this from Mikey B).  Dempsey didn’t let anyone down, and should’ve had a goal in the opening minutes.  He attacked strongly and by my estimation is still playing well for the US, hopefully Hodgson gets him in this weekend.

FORWARDS

Landon is the hero of the day.  Yes, the opposition has been inferior, but I finally see Donovan imposing himself on the match, and I think he did an excellent job of staying on the ball tonight.  The biggest problem we’ve seen from Donovan in the past, is his tendency to disappear for long stretches.  Against Cuba he came back deep for the ball and seemed to always be involved in the offensive buildup.  This is crucial if we are going to build a cohesive attack.  He grabbed a well deserved assist and goal, and his pace provided real problems for the Cuban defense.

Okay, Brian Ching played well tonight.  His holdup play and subsequent distribution to Heath Pearce which led to Landon’s goal was EXCELLENT.  I am a little resentful to see Ching get on the scoresheet, because it was a true poachers goal and pretty much stolen off the goal line from Kljestan.  But hey, that’s how Ching scores, and a goal IS a goal.  This was a good game from Brian but let’s be honest, we all saw Jozy come on, and we all KNOW that the future is Jozy and Landon (with maybe some Kenny Cooper sprinkled in, right).

SUBS

Jozy Altidore came on the 68th minute and USMNT fans everywhere tried to contain their elation.  He made an impact right away, and nearly scored within three minutes of being on the pitch.  His ability to use his body is amazing and shows such maturity for someone only 19 years old.  He can just shrug off defenders and create space for himself with great ease, and this is so important for a striker when trying to get a shot off.  His goal in the 87th was well earned and finished, and if he plays a good number of minutes against TnT (which I expect), I wouldn’t be surprised to see some more goals from the man I will now dub as “The Future.”

Torres also came on in the 68th for his first cap. Hurrah Jose.  While he didn’t really do anything noteworthy, he definitely seemed to fit in right away, maintaining our offensive flow and finding the right pass.  I’m excited to see him against TnT and hopefully he’ll be given some more freedom to dictate the pace of our attack. I think this kid has alot of potential.

Last but not least, Freddy Adu came on the 74th and was relatively quiet for the final minutes.  Of course, he did very well to beat his defender and deliver and excellent cross in the dying moments for Gooch to head home, so that is certainly a positive.  Not too much to critique though, hopefully he gets some more time against Trinidad, and I think he will.

DISCLAIMER: for as happy as we all are with this victory, lets remember that Cuba played the majority of the game with 10 men and had a depleted squad because of defectors.  Not that I want to rain on anybody’s parade, but let’s just remember that and hope that the US squad does too.

In all, a great result and I can’t wait for Wednesday’s match.  Bring it on Soca Warriors.  Hopefully the ESPN feed isn’t shitty.

–psc

Some Questions and Updates Before Cuba

The USMNT has been hitting the training field hard this week in preparation for Saturdays match against Cuba.  After the first day of training, new man Torres had this to say:

“The first day was good. I was really nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. Everyone has treated me really well. I started to feel very comfortable, and after the first day of training I’m feeling better and better.”

Also, Michael Bradley took the time to chime in about the coaching change at BMG:

“Ziege is the sporting director and everyone has a relationship with him… He is around every day, he sits on the bench at the games, he is out at training quite a bit. I think it will be a good thing for me because, at the end of the day, he was the one who really, really pushed hard to bring me to the club… I think he has confidence in me and he likes the qualities that I can bring to a team.”

So that sounds like good news for the young Bradley and hopefully he’ll start to feature more strongly for the German side.

Back to US training camp, you can see a few video highlights of training here:

So what do we thinkg about Cuba? Well first off, sadly I think Brian Ching is a lock to start up top.  That will probably bring a frown to the faces of some Yanked Around readers, but in any case Ching is a veteran and seems to be in good graces with the coaching staff.  We all know how the USMNT loves “experience.”  I think there is a small chance Jozy could start, but the more realistic notion is that Donovan would start up top and then Jozy would come on in the second half to spell one of the forwards.  Another interesting question remains regarding Torres: Even though this is his first camp, does Bradley throw him in the game to cap-tie him to us?  I think Torres is pretty committed to the US program, so I don’t think it’ll be disastrous if we DON’T cap him, but it is still something to consider.  I think we will see the same starting lineup we’ve seen in the past:

Howard

Dolo, Gooch, Boca, Pearce

Dempsey, Bradley, Kljestan, Beas

Donovan, Ching

The least certain starter is Sacha, but I do think he’ll get the nod over Edu, who hasn’t seen enough playing time with Rangers yet.  I think the back four is immovable, and given Dempsey’s strong play for Fulham last week as a forward, we COULD see him up top, but I think he belongs in the midfield for the Nats.

The more interesting hopes arise when we consider what subs might see the pitch.  With a bench of Jozy, Adu, Davies, and Torres, you have to hope we grab a few goals early in the first half so we can see some fresh blood as soon as possible.

What do you think about our lineup for Saturday? Any different ideas about our starting lineup?  Think we’ll crush Cuba?

–psc

US Roster: Some Wishes Come True, Some Don’t

The US Roster has now been released, and the good news? It includes Jozy, Freddy, Szetela, and Davies! The bad news? Still no Cooper.  But oh well, we can’t win all our battles, can we? Check out the team:

GOALKEEPERS

Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Troy Perkins (Valerenga).

DEFENDERS

Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Danny Califf (Midtjylland), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock).

MIDFIELDERS

Freddy Adu (Monaco), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Maurice Edu (Glasgow Rangers), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Danny Szetela (Brescia), José Francisco Torres (Pachuca).

FORWARDS

Jozy Altidore (Villarreal), Brian Ching (Houston), Charlie Davies (Hammarby) Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy).

My Thoughts: Yes I still want to see Kenny up top for us, but hey, Thank God EJ isn’t in the squad.  I’m really happy with the team, especially the midfield, because I think the nucleus of bradley, edu, kljestan, adu, and beasley will be the long term midfield force for the USMNT.  If Szetela can keep growing, he will join those ranks too, and it’ll only strengthen our core.  I still find it interesting that Bradley lists Dempsey as a Forward, but whatever, that’s just semantics.

The next test for this promising roster, is WHO STARTS, for the Cuba game?  I expect that unfortunately we won’t see Adu and Jozy leap right into the starting lineup for the 11th (Jozy has a better chance of cracking the XI).  Ching and Donovan starting up top is what we probably will see, with Jozy coming on for Ching at some point.  I hope Torres can see the pitch at some point, but I wonder: at whose expense will that opportunity come?  Our listed midfield is full of amazing youth and I have to figure that Beasley-Bradley-Kljestan-Dempsey will start.  Szetela could even start in the central midfield because he has been getting ample playing time for Brescia.  I don’t think Edu will pair Bradley in the middle to start, simply because he hasn’t been getting alot of games for Rangers yet.  The most interesting choice for Bob, will be WHERE to deploy Adu, if he chooses to do use him.  Will Bradley use Adu as a forward sub? A midfield sub? Will Adu get in the game at all?  Unfortunately, I wouldn’t be surprised if Adu stayed on the bench for the duration.

What do you think of the lineup? You’ve gotta be happy with it, yes?

–psc

Yanked Around USMNT Player Power Rankings

Step forward, be ranked.

In a new Yanked Around installment, we’re going to start doing some Player Power Rankings of guys in US pool.  These will probably happen bi-monthly and come from careful analysis of both club and country play.  So without further Freddy Adu, let’s see where the guys stand.

NOTE: This is not to suggest that these are the 18 players who should “make the roster now!” just a ranking of our guys based on current performances.

1. Landon Donovan

A hat trick against DC United this week saw Donovan take his goal tally to 19 goals in 20 games for the Galaxy this season (he also has 8 assists).  Match that with his sturdy play in our recent Qualifiers and that takes Landon to the top of this, our first installment in USMNT Player Power Rankings.

2. Oguchi Onyewu

Gooch holds down our #2 spot behind strong play in the CL, UEFA Cup, and WCQ’s.  After a heartbreaking loss to Liverpool in which Onyewu featured very strongly, the American has kept Liege at the top of the Juliper League and also helped his team to a draw at Goodison Park in the UEFA Cup.  He has also been instrumental thus far in helping our USMNT keep clean sheets in each of our WCQ’s, and has even threatened to get on the scoresheet himself.

3. Tim Howard

#3 may be a little high for Timmy considering he and Everton have had a difficult start to the Premier League season.  The Toffees defense has let in 11 goals in just 5 league games.  While that can’t be all placed on Howard (it’s no secret there are some big defensive holes at Everton), those goals against don’t help his case here.  The upside is, that Tim has kept 3 clean sheets in WCQ, and he made a few stunning saves in those tough road matches.

4. Carlos Bocanegra

This is probably as high as Carlos could get on our list, but scoring the gamewinner in Rennes’ UEFA Cup victory last week has propelled him to number 4.  He also grabbed the lone goal at Guatemala and has played his part in our 3 WCQ cleansheets. His performances say it all.

5. Michael Bradley

Michael Bradley messes with the mind of every USMNT fan.  On one hand, we have his outstanding season with Heerenveen last term, scoring loads of big goals at a high level like no other USMNT player has ever done.  Then on the other hand, we have loads of lackluster National Team performances while playing the most minutes of any player in the US pool.  In any case, that’s the makings of another column, so here lets just say: Bradley has been more than solid in our last 3 WCQ’s. The reason he makes it to #5 is based on his tireless tackling (if at times sloppy execution late in games) and the great play he showed against T&T.  His sharp long passing in that game is something that the USMNT desperately needs.

6. Clint Dempsey

Dempsey is lucky to be at #6, and I was just about ready to throw Heath and Cherundolo before him. A pair of well-taken goals in our WCQ’s are the main reason he’s here, and also the fact that Dempsey has made a strong name for himself despite playing out of his favored position.  The truth is: Dempsey isn’t a striker, and he isn’t a winger either.  That said, he has worked hard and adapted through that to still become a vital contributor to our MNT.  If his club struggles continue (and things don’t look good), Dempsey could fall further down this list, but as long as he can produce for his country he’ll always be in the mix.

7. Steve Cherundolo

One of the most underrated players on the USMNT, Cherundolo has consistently shown himself the best US right back since before WC 06.  He is a constant fixture for his club and he is a true example of a defender who does “the little things” (his positioning is excellent).  It isn’t abnormal for him to grab assists regularly for Hannover, and I think that is one of Bob Bradley’s challenges: How to get Stevie C involved in the attack.

8. Heath Pearce

It hasn’t been an easy road for Pearce.  He’s had to fight through rumors of an “attitude problem” and let his play speak for itself, but he is finally starting to place a firm grip on the US left back spot.  I think he still has some mental lapses, but he showed some great 1v1 defending in our WCQ’s, and if he can get his club situation sorted out, he’ll further distance himself from other left back competitors.  I’d love to see Pearce in the Eredivisie where he could develop as an attacking back.

9. Maurice Edu

After a good showing at the Olympics, you could make a case for Edu being higher than #9, but I think this is where he belongs.  However, there is no where for Edu to go but up, pending that he can step into a strong contributing role at Rangers.  He has showed flashes for the USMNT of being a great partner for Bradley in the middle, thinking creatively in attack but still being able to track back on defense.  His consistency is still a bit lacking, but if he can get rolling in Scotland, the other central midfield position is his to claim.

10. Damarcus Beasley

Beas is a player who in a good run of form, could be #1 on our list. However he has looked FAR from classic Damarcus in our WCQ’s and has been playing poorly for his club as well.  His touch is rusty and he is missing that killer instinct in the final third that would really make him a threat on goal.  He bungled a beautiful Edu through ball last weekend for Rangers, and had trouble this week as well.  Here’s hoping he can get his business sorted out.

11. Sacha Kljestan

Sacha could be higher on this list too, but he needs to settle.  He was equal parts exciting and frustrating in the Olympics and he played smartly in his minutes versus Trinidad and Tobago.  Unfortunately, in the long run I think Sacha Kljestan will fall into the “there’s not enough room in midfield” category.  But for now, his strong play keeps him in competition with Maurice Edu.  However, unless he can get to Europe fast, I think Edu will distance himself from the Chivas USA man.

12. Kenny Cooper

WHAT? KENNY COOPER? Yes. Kenny Cooper.  Even before Freddy and Jozy.  While only at a club level, he has been producing consistently.  Plus he has been scoring difficult and blistering goals, not just 6 yard box tap ins.  Sure Freddy and Jozy haven’t been given much of a chance, but I can’t place them higher just on faith alone.  Kenny was denied a move to Europe in August, but still stayed composed enough to keep delivering goals for FC Dallas.  Bob Bradley will call up Kenny Cooper.

13. Jozy Altidore

After Jozy’s La Liga debut with Villarreal, you could argue that he deserves to be higher.  But the facts are he hasn’t had enough minutes to truly prove himself and earn a higher spot.  Sure, like all other US fans, I am 100% sure that he is ready to start contributing to our USMNT as a starting striker, but he still has yet to do so.  After a dissappointing Olympics marred by lack of PT (thanks Piotr), Jozy needs to get back in the USMNT mix, and getting him there is Bob Bradley’s responsibility.

14. Freddy Adu

Like Jozy, Freddy is currently suffering from lack of opportunity.  He is scrapping for minutes at Monaco, and he NEEDS to be playing regularly.  Obviously, I know that he has boundless potential, but it’s not being realized.  We see it in flashes, but in the Olympics we also saw him disappear for large stretches.  Freddy needs to see game time, because at his best he is the most creative player the USMNT has at it’s disposal.

15. Eddie Lewis

Eddie Lewis is consistent.  You always know what you’re going to get from him: 65 minutes of hard work and a few crosses, maybe if you’re lucky, you’ll even see a nice 1v1 move.  But it’s time for Eddie Lewis to be phased out of the USMNT.  He doesn’t bring anything that our younger players can’t also deliver (besides “experience” perhaps, but c’mon…), and his lack of pace really bogs down our midfield play.  A solid roleplayer who shows grit.

16. Marvell Wynne

Wynne is another player who is screaming with potential.  We saw his blistering speed in the Olympics on a few lengthy runs, but he just lacked the quality on his final touch.  If Marvell can work on his technical skills and composure, he could be an instant challenger to Cherundolo.  I expect to see Wynne get called up in the next few qualifiers, especially as he could be hoping for a move to Europe in the winter.

17. Brian Ching

Sigh. Brian Ching.  The endless argument about Ching is the “he doesn’t belong on the team” versus “but he holds the ball up well!”  The truth is, sure he can hold the ball up, but he is hardly an exceptional Post-Up striker. His touch is too poor. He can use his body decently, but he doesn’t really have the technical skill or vision to really lay the ball off inspiringly. He hustles and he can grab the occasonial poaching goal, but alot of times he seems to just be running around like a chicken with his head cut off.  You can’t look me in the eye and tell me that his assist to Dempsey versus Cuba was truly supposed to be a pass and not a trap.

18. Frankie Hejduk

Hey, to be honest, Frankie didn’t look bad in his WCQ appearances, and he DID score a cute little goal for Columbus last week.  Sure, he blew alot of great crossing opportunities against Cuba, but his tackling was strong and you can always count on him to hustle.  The fact of the matter, he just doesn’t really offer anything to the team.  You stick him in the lineup because you know you can count on him to “not mess up.”

PLAYERS ON THE CUSP

Chad Marshall, Stuart Holden, Charlie Davies, Jeremiah White, Eddie Johnson, Robbie Rogers, Danny Szetela, Michael Orozco, Sal Zizzo, Michael Parkhurst, Charles Renken (just kidding).

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Disagree with me? Think someone’s rated too high? Let’s hear it!

Check back after the next batch of WCQ’s for some updated Player Power Rankings!

–psc