First off, thanks for the invite to contribute to this blog. I'm gald that there is a growing number of people who really care about, and are just as passionate as the rest of the world, for the beautiful game.
Now, I'd like to put some thoughts to two things; the upcoming Copa America, and the future of Arsenal FC (yes, I'm a gooner).
Copa America
As promised, Bob Bradley selected an all-youth team for the Copa America, which leaves out the likes of Beasley, Dempsey, and Donovan. While the team will lack the international experience held by such veteran players, I am optimistic about Bradley's decision for having the younger players gain valuable experience against some of the best players in the world. One player to note is Lee Nguyen, who was picked up by PSV Eindhoven when Guus Hiddink (arguably the best manager in football right now) was still coaching the Dutch champions. Hiddink has a knack for spotting young talent, so it's not too unfair to say that Lee Nguyen has a lot of promise in him. Other players I would keep a watch on are Ben Olsen and Taylor Twellman. Olsen is in good form for his club DC United, and shows a great potential for the international stage. From the match I saw of US v. Canada, Twellman had several good looks at goal but failed to deliver, which is still a positive because it goes to show that he knows where to position himself, and can escape the off-side trap to get a good shot. If he continues to improve, he will be a good target man for the US. Overall, playing in the Copa America, albeit with young talent, is a good thing, as playing against better opposition will only improve their game.
The Future of Arsenal
When the dust settles over the controversial leave of the French Talisman Thierry Henry for Barcelona, Arsenal will now have to consider their options for building their club. There are rumors of acquiring the services of the likes of Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins, Nicolas Anelka, Carlos Tevez, Fernando Torres, or even David Villa, of which none seem to be likely. Owen, Martins are largely inconsistent, while Anelka is much too old to be a marquee signing. Tevez will most likely move out of the EPL and try his luck in other European leagues, while Torres and Villa will only be considered if Arsenal are ready to pay astronomical amounts, which I doubt they will.
But looking at Arsenal this past season, I think their greatest weakness is not in attacking forwards, but in holding defense. Besides Toure, most of their defense is shaky and inconsistent. Flamini has yet to prove himself and Gallas is not able to fill the shoes of Ashley Cole. If you compare defensive plays of other big clubs like Manchester United, Barcelona, and even Real Madrid, they have some quality defenders to make sure that opponents do not get an easy look at goal. I would suggest that a young but learning Adebayor, a fit Robin Van Persie, and an upcoming Theo Walcott would be sufficient for goals. And let's not forget that Arsenal still have Cesc Fabregas, arguably the most promising star in the playmaker position. Perhaps Wenger and company should consider signing a big-time defender, such as a Sergio Ramos or a Zambrotta.
In other news, a good read is Gabrielle Marcotti, who writes about soccer for both SI and the Times (UK), who recently wrote "The World's Top 50 Footballers."
And lastly, while I'm still dreaming, I would like to see Alessandro Rosina, aka. "Rosinaldo", make the jump to the EPL, preferably for Arsenal.
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2 comments:
I'm looking forward to seeing Lee Nguyen too. Let's just hope that between him, Feilhaber, and Mapp, we'll be able to get something going against Argentina. I don't mind if we lose, I just don't want to get blown out. Olsen will at least bring a physical presence if nothing else, but if he starts, it's going to be a questionable call being that it appears we're looking to develop talent. And he will probably not figure into things for the 2010 World Cup. I completely agree with you about Twellman being in the right position for us. I noticed that too in the first few games of the Gold Cup. I felt like he was always in the right space, but if he's not going to be able to finish those chances, Bob will eventually have to look elsewhere.
As for Arsenal, it's going to be an interesting season. There haven't been too many HUGE signings by anyone yet, so we'll see if they don't bring someone in to replace Henry. I think the amount of youth on that team will make them tremendous for years to come, but they really need someone who will consistently finish. Everyone's complaint about the Gunners is that they always play for the perfect goal as opposed to pulling the leg back and firing a shot from distance once in a while and I think the detractors are at least partially right. We need someone who is a ruthless goalscorer. As for Van Persie and Adebayor, I think they're fantastic and I think Walcott will eventually prove his worth. As for the defense, I think Toure is All-World. Eboue and Clichy are both tremendous outside backs when it comes to the attack and I'm comfortable enough with those two defending on the outsides. Throw Gallas in the middle next to Toure and there's your back 4. That's definitely not a bad back 4, but I wouldn't mind seeing another back come in.
Either way, I think your analysis is spot on. As long as Wenger is there, I think Arsenal will continue to play fine football. I'm just worried if he leaves, that the way Arsenal plays will leave with him. And that's what drew me to them in the first place.
People should read this.
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