Lots of talk in certain segments of the #USMNT fanbase about calling in young Ricardo Pepi for September qualifiers -- specifically whether it would be a predatory cap-tie because of El Tri's interest, or if he's a guy the US actually needs.
Personally, I think Pepi's the same tier of prospect as Yunus Musah (not quite Reyna-level), and is 6 weeks younger than those guys. And he's earned the call-up on merit IMO.
So while it's late in the game... 1) He's a high-caliber prospect who's consistently scored at every level 2) He plays a position where nobody's locked down the job 3) Berhalter's been aggressive about integrating the kids
So I hope we see Pepi on the US roster for WCQs.
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This is the best #USMNT XI I can make of guys who have played played professionally or internationally as both a right back (or right wingback) *and* the position I have them listed at.
Pretty good team! I really like Arriola as a pressing 10.
- I couldn't remember McKennie ever playing RB or RWB, but if he has, then that spot is obviously his
- I only remember McKenzie played RB for the US U-20s, but that was good enough to make the list
- Remember when multiple coaches played Gyasi out wide? WTF man
- only went with guys in the current player pool (thought that was obvious but I should've specified)
I’m trying to understand the genesis of the protests vs. the Glazers:
- took on massive debt to purchase the club in the first place
- used team profits to pay off that debt (slowly) instead of reinvesting directly into the squad
(Cont’d)
- used team profits to finance other, non-ManU projects
- have lost touch with the club’s roots & past (this one seems dubious to me)
- have failed to be forward-thinking with regard to sports science, analytics & managerial hires
(Cont’d)
- for years privileged business decisions over football decisions
- have fallen from the ranks of the absolute elite Euro sides, to the point where they really can’t/don’t compete to sign the very best players in the world
Tyler Adams has been a Jack of all trades for Leipzig, playing some as a pressing 8, a little as a true 6, a little as a RB and often (including today) as a wingback.
If this is his ceiling — utility man for a top 3 Bundesliga side — would you be stoked or disappointed?
Would you rather see him move down a rung to a less ambitious team in order to get a job as a full-time 6?