Quote:
Originally Posted by Tress
Hope he does well, but initially I think it will be bloody.
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I completely agree. The US MNT is currently a mess - too many players that don't have good overall fundamentals are making it based on one phase of their game (mainly offense). I foresee major changes in the defense - currently the defenders are rigid, unable to adapt, and completely suck at moving the ball (and themselves) up field to start the attack. I would love to see someone with the skills of Carles Puyol back at sweeper. For all his hype Onyewu isn't even close to a complete player at defense - he's been burned more than once by simple plays that most U12 travel teams understand, and his attempts at offensive play are, frankly, terrible.
It is also quite significant that Klinsmann negotiated complete control over the youth team coaches. That is where the major changes need to be made. The U19 team I watched a few weeks ago lacked focus on the field, and were more than content to just play individual ball. The most current issue of the NSCAA Soccer Journal really lays out some good information on what the US is lacking in comparison to other countries. We have the talent, but the coaching is a complete mess all the way around. Our academy system is a complete joke compared to England, Spain, and others.