Oso planning to go pro
Agreed. But I think the reason he's "out of sorts" is that he's thinking too much based on playing a different role/position. He works best as a deep lying playmaker who can run at a defense. Not necessarily a creative attacking mid. Yes, there is a difference. I think he's also feeling effects of Jozy being out. I loved the 4-3-2-1 they played against Nigeria that morphed into a 4-1-3-2 on offense because it allowed Bradley plenty of space in the middle of the field with 2 outlets forward, 2 outside, 1 behind. They 4-2-3-1 is more compact in the midfield and the only space he has to move is forward, for the most part. Against Portugal and a lot against Germany, Bradley was coming back near the backline to collect the ball while Jones made off-ball runs and Bradley looked much more comfortable. I really believe his miss on basics is due to thinking and not just playing naturally. Look at the pass he made to Jones from the deep midfield - beautiful.
Agree with all of this, but particularly the parts highlighted in bold.No one is arguing that Bradley has been poorer than expected. However, I think it's more due to the system in which he's currently operating (CAM, no Jozy) rather than his own personal failures.I also think his contributions are getting overlooked by people. Not only has Bradley covered more distance than any other player at the World Cup, but he's completed more passes than any other US player, AND his 83% completion rate is third on the team (Beckerman 89%, Besler 84%).Of course, not like Il Generale cares what any of us think.
You guys do know that Jones has more turnovers and missed passes than Bradley right? And Chicos, for your writers criticism, check out Shin Guardian. They are the USMNT experts.
I'm glad you said this, it was where I was going to go with the thinking part. At times he does look like he's plotting out next steps and not just doing them. The flow isn't there. Buzz needs to unleash him
That's fine that Jones has more turnovers, I EXPECT that from Jones. It's the kind of turnovers, when they happen, etc that are most glaring with MB right now. MB failing to make the most basic trap around the 18 yard box yesterday in space, vs JJ making a run and turning it over are different things.I don't expect perfection, just better play. He's getting criticized for a reason. Some would argue he is our best all around player coming in, though I wouldn't necessarily agree. At a minimum, top 3 field player on the US team. He hasn't put in a top 3 performance. Your stars have to perform at that level.
As a center mid, he's supposed to have many completed passes and high completion rate. That goes with the territory of that position. It's the obvious failures at controlling the ball, in space, with opportunity that is causing people to be concerned. I like the guy, he's a really good player, that's why it has been disappointing to see.
The South American bracket is tomorrow. Chile vs. Brazil and Colombia vs. Uruguay. Who ya got? Im fully expecting a Colombia and Brazil matchup. May even be an even split in the crowd for that game.
Presenting, "Bradley's contributions are getting overlooked" Evidence #1 to the jury
Is this b!tch trolling? http://www.anncoulter.com/columns/2014-06-25.html
WhoScored Soccer rating system had Bradley as the worst player on the field, not just USA for the Ghana gamehttp://www.whoscored.com/Matches/789626/LiveOverall, for the three games, he is ranked 45th of the 75 Group G players. He is ranked as the overall #1 US player coming into the World Cup by one service, top 3 by two others. On his pass completions, in the attacking third of the field, he is at 49.9% success. Needs to be better.
Needs to be better.
Is anyone disagreeing that Bradley is not playing badly? At least, as a consensus on this board?
I think some are covering for him, giving excuses. Yes.Someone at his level, needs to play better. Your stars need to shine brightest in the biggest games, when the lights are on. He needs to get better, I don't know why so many are covering for him, making excuses, trying to compare him to the play of other guys on the team who clearly aren't of his quality.
I think you are blowing this slightly out of proportion. Noone is disagreeing with you that he is playing poorly and needs to play better. Everyone sees it. I do think he isn't playing as bad as many make it out to be. You are right though, he is supposed to be one of the top-3 players on this team. I said coming into the tourney that is our #1 guy, and he is not playing at all close to the level he should be.I don't think anyone here are making excuses or covering for him, but merely suggesting possible reasons why his play has slipped. These aren't excuses for his play. Despite playing a slightly different position than what he is natural too and missing the target forward he is used to having, one of your top-3 players should still overcome that and flourish in these moments instead of making some silly mistakes he is making.
Soccer fans do need to be inclusive though...this whole "you don't understand, get out of my club" mentality has to end if the sport is going to continue to grow.