IF A SCORER IS THRIVING HE SHOULD BVE IN FRONT OF THE GOAL, NOT OFF TO ITS SIDE:

U.S. vs. Jamaica: Roster Musings (JOHN GODFREY, 6/18/11, NY Times)

Should Dempsey stay on the wing or play up top?

Despite missing multiple easy chances against Guadeloupe on Tuesday, Dempsey has been his team’s most dangerous player. Playing his usual role on the wing (at least to start), he has joined the attack consistently, creating chances for himself and others. In a perfect world, he would stay in this outside role and continue to pounce as he sees fit.

Only, it’s not a perfect world. Bradley is all but certain to start Jozy Altidore at forward against Jamaica, but the other two options at striker — Chris Wondolowski and Juan Agudelo — have disappointed. By moving Dempsey to forward alongside Altidore, Bradley could put two of his best attackers close to goal and keep two struggling players on the bench.

But a better choice would be the one Bradley made against Guadeloupe — leaving Dempsey on the wing and starting Wondolowski at forward.

Why? Because Dempsey is thriving -– despite his misses — and a coach can’t afford to mess with success. [...]

Should Maurice Edu start instead of Jermaine Jones?

Edu is talented, but Bradley and Jones are beginning to develop a good understanding, and the more they play together, the better that will get. And besides, Jones has performed reasonably well throughout the tournament, both in defense and in the counterattack. Yes, Jones has a tendency to play an overly physical game that can lead to cautions (he received an early yellow against Panama), but if that happens again, Edu is a more-than-viable option off the bench.

Benching Donovan, who's been dreadful, and pairing Dempsey with Altidore would allow you to move the Bradley/Jones pairing forward and to put Edu with another defensive midfielder in front of Goodson & Ream.

Posted by oj at June 19, 2011 7:40 AM
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