The Beautiful Game (The All Inclusive Soccer Thread)

[jwfocker]

BENTEKE WINNER!

Pathetic dive. glad I'm not a Crystal Palace fan.

[verb_to_trust]

I know. I just haven't had a chance to say his name much this season.

[jwfocker]

I know. I just haven't had a chance to say his name much this season.

I hear you. I didn't want to take away from it but I just couldn't help it. I hate diving.

[verb_to_trust]

Awesome solo effort by Lukaku today against Chelsea. They should have started Miazga...

[E.H. Ruddock]

I've watched a few Bundesliga games recently and I'm starting to really enjoy the crowds in that league

[Bammer]

The Sounders have opened this season 0-3

Now maybe their stupid fans will shut the fuck up

[verb_to_trust]

Jordan Morris has looked lost and I cant believe that Nelson Valdez guy is an international. He does nothing.

[jwfocker]

Jordan Morris has looked lost and I cant believe that Nelson Valdez guy is an international. He does nothing.

Yep. Something seems to happen to US strikers/forwards when they reach their early twenties. All that potential disappears and what's left is a player who never progressed and took that next step. There's no development in off the ball movement, hold up play, or expanding their range of passing. They basically become poachers.

[verb_to_trust]

I guess I'm glad Morris signed for Seattle. He would have been glued to the bench at Werder Bremen.

[jwfocker]

I guess I'm glad Morris signed for Seattle. He would have been glued to the bench at Werder Bremen.

Probably true.

Slightly on topic but I've noticed that England and the USA are developing a similar type of player. Very direct, aggressive, fast, athletic players who lack the high end skills and intelligence you find in players that are developed in Spain and Germany. Just an observation but I think there is some truth to it.

[LetMeSleep]

I'd say that's been the case for quite a while in England. The high tempo play of the EPL has probably meant that certain skills haven't been trained into the local players. When a playmaker is required they are usually foreign. I remember when Joe Cole was young he was lauded as being a skill player and that he could compliment the Ince type of player. Sadly England hasn't really had either type since and have had a plethora of almost players with energy but not great ball skills (Barry, Carrick, Gerrard, Wilshere, Milner etc)

[jwfocker]

I'd say that's been the case for quite a while in England. The high tempo play of the EPL has probably meant that certain skills haven't been trained into the local players. When a playmaker is required they are usually foreign. I remember when Joe Cole was young he was lauded as being a skill player and that he could compliment the Ince type of player. Sadly England hasn't really had either type since and have had a plethora of almost players with energy but not great ball skills (Barry, Carrick, Gerrard, Wilshere, Milner etc)

I think Wilshere is the only one with on the ball talent but the dude is made of glass. But yeah it seems a few people at least in England are realizing the issue though with all of their failures in the Champions/Euro League contests of the past couple years.

[verb_to_trust]

The USMNT is an embarrassment. I'm calling it right now, they won't qualify for Russia.

[LetMeSleep]

I didn't see the game, Tommy, but did England play as well as the press are making out?

[verb_to_trust]

Vardys goal was nice

[LetMeSleep]

Vardys goal was nice

All 5 were nice.

[tommymtcom]

I didn't see the game, Tommy, but did England play as well as the press are making out?

It was a very positive performance. We pressed well and looked dangerous in possession, basically the opposite of how we usually play. Obviously I am biased, but the Spurs players (and Vardy) were the best players on the pitch. This team could be a real force in the Euros and even more so in the next World Cup. I just hope Rooney doesn't get fit before the summer.

[LetMeSleep]

I didn't see the game, Tommy, but did England play as well as the press are making out?

It was a very positive performance. We pressed well and looked dangerous in possession, basically the opposite of how we usually play. Obviously I am biased, but the Spurs players (and Vardy) were the best players on the pitch. This team could be a real force in the Euros and even more so in the next World Cup. I just hope Rooney doesn't get fit before the summer.

Most opinions I've read echo that. Rooney, Milner etc may be better not in the team.

[verb_to_trust]

Yeah timebto put those guys out to pasture.

[jwfocker]

The USMNT is an embarrassment. I'm calling it right now, they won't qualify for Russia.

Ugh that was awful man. I agree with you, I don't see this squad qualifying for Russia. But one positive from all of this - sometimes you have to reach a profound low point before drastic, necessary changes are made.