This blog and many other sites around the internet have spent a lot of time and text talking about the players that the US should take to the World Cup, and the players who might miss out. At the end of the day only 23 players will make the trip to Brazil, leaving at least 50 US players behind, 50 players who have been (at the very least) called into camp. Some of these guys are going to just barely miss out, like Taylor Twellman in 2006, and Alejandro Bedoya in 2010. Some of these players are not going to be in consideration at all, like Conor Lade who was called up to a January camp this past year but has hardly featured for his club team and Bobby Wood who just hasn't gotten a long enough look to make a difference. Let us take a look at some of the middle ground guys, players who have made significant contributions but won't be making the trip.
Brad Davis, M - In truth, one of my favorite players. With a deadly left foot and an extremely high soccer IQ, Davis has appeared in 6 games in 2013 on the left flank. But unfortunately he has detractors in speed and athleticism, he isn't necessarily going to beat anyone off the dribble like Fabian, EJ or Landon are going to. Could have a shot if a few guys get injured, but unlikely
Chris Wondolowski, F - Finally broke his scoreless streak this summer, and did it with a bang, 6 goals in 3 games. He is one of the top poachers in the US system...but unfortunately he does not handle hold-up play or create his own shot at the international level at the same (well) level as Jozy, EJ, Terrence, Deuce, Herc or ArJo...the list could go on. He is a great January camp guy, and has featured 10 times for Klinsmann...but he won't be going to Brazil
Juan Agudelo, F - Man this really sucks, I want him to go, but it will require him being superb when he goes to Stoke City. Until that happens he is buried.
Danny Williams, M - He's actually playing at Reading, and he's playing very well, but Klinsmann has finally gotten over his excessive calling of defensive mids. Shame for a guy who has featured a dozen times for this team. Beckerman is clearly playing better than him right now, and JK strongly prefers Edu. Williams has been called up 23 times. Edu, 27 & Beckeran, 33
Oguchi Onyewu, D / Carlos Bocanegra, D - 2 guys, same reason. The youth movement at centerback means both these guys will stay home, they won't even be called in as a veteran presence...Goodson has earned that job
Bill Hamid, G - The former starter for the U-23 squad has clearly fallen behind Sean Johnson in the pecking order, and even Johnson is sitting at 4th on the depth chart. Too many bonehead plays, too inconsistent...go to Europe soon kid
Freddy Adu, M - Technically, he will be in Brazil...but not in a US jersey...you know why
All of these guys have a shot (well, except Adu) but none of them are likely to go. I expect we will still see great things from these guys over the next few months and for some of them years, but 2014 isn't your time. See you in 2018 maybe...well not Gooch and Boca...most likely not Wondo and Davis e
Brad Davis, M - In truth, one of my favorite players. With a deadly left foot and an extremely high soccer IQ, Davis has appeared in 6 games in 2013 on the left flank. But unfortunately he has detractors in speed and athleticism, he isn't necessarily going to beat anyone off the dribble like Fabian, EJ or Landon are going to. Could have a shot if a few guys get injured, but unlikely
Chris Wondolowski, F - Finally broke his scoreless streak this summer, and did it with a bang, 6 goals in 3 games. He is one of the top poachers in the US system...but unfortunately he does not handle hold-up play or create his own shot at the international level at the same (well) level as Jozy, EJ, Terrence, Deuce, Herc or ArJo...the list could go on. He is a great January camp guy, and has featured 10 times for Klinsmann...but he won't be going to Brazil
Juan Agudelo, F - Man this really sucks, I want him to go, but it will require him being superb when he goes to Stoke City. Until that happens he is buried.
Danny Williams, M - He's actually playing at Reading, and he's playing very well, but Klinsmann has finally gotten over his excessive calling of defensive mids. Shame for a guy who has featured a dozen times for this team. Beckerman is clearly playing better than him right now, and JK strongly prefers Edu. Williams has been called up 23 times. Edu, 27 & Beckeran, 33
Oguchi Onyewu, D / Carlos Bocanegra, D - 2 guys, same reason. The youth movement at centerback means both these guys will stay home, they won't even be called in as a veteran presence...Goodson has earned that job
Bill Hamid, G - The former starter for the U-23 squad has clearly fallen behind Sean Johnson in the pecking order, and even Johnson is sitting at 4th on the depth chart. Too many bonehead plays, too inconsistent...go to Europe soon kid
Freddy Adu, M - Technically, he will be in Brazil...but not in a US jersey...you know why
All of these guys have a shot (well, except Adu) but none of them are likely to go. I expect we will still see great things from these guys over the next few months and for some of them years, but 2014 isn't your time. See you in 2018 maybe...well not Gooch and Boca...most likely not Wondo and Davis e
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