No Donovan is too bold for the National Team

Photo credit: US Soccer

 

There was something odd about the picture when US Soccer unveiled its final 23 for Brazil 2014. There was no Landon Donovan. Yes, really.

There are many reasons for this move. Not in shape, maybe not as fresh, not as young, not as fast, not scoring, not really. But the name and face of the US National Team is too much a part of what this team is about to leave him behind and all his fans. Or is he?

The manager always has to make tough choices. This time the choice was tough for Donovan and his millions of fans. But what does the US lose?

If you say "passion," yes, true, but you can say the same for every other player in this squad. If you say "experience" then we will say "Dempsey." If you say "speed" then we say Zusi or Green or Bedoya. If you say "set pieces" then we say Brad Davis. If you say "style" then we say Diskerud. If you say "leader and fantasy" then we say Dempsey.

And this is what happens. What was once only Donovan is now many players. What was once a hard 4-4-2 is now an interchangeable set of formations. It's a hard thing to swallow, but Donovan had his World Cup in 2010. This one is Dempsey's. 

In the end it's about results on the pitch. If America goes through then Klinsmann is a genius. If they fail miserably then we blame him for Donovan's omission. If it's a close ending then we are left to wonder. Was leaving Donovan out too bold for the US Soccer team?

Risky picks in Klinsmann's preliminary 30

Photo credit: US Soccer

Juergen Klinsmann picked his preliminary 30 for the World Cup today and his picks were every bit as controversial--and fun--as we wanted them to me, Julian Green made it after all, but so did Brad Davis.

The controversial

Six of the manager's picks are dual German nationals: Julian Green, Jermaine Jones, Fabian Johnson, John Brooks, Tim Chandler, Terrence Boyd. Great players, interesting pattern.

The surprises

That Julian Green got called in is an underwhelming surprise. We knew he gave him a chance versus Mexico for a reason. That Brad Davjs made it is much more interesting. Is it either or for the final 23? 

And Joe Corona! A fan-favorite during last summer's Gold Cup, Corona was a bit lost in the shuffle at Tijuana with their new manager. Klinsmann clearly believes in him. Yedlin, on the other hand, is quite a  risky move, especially given his performance versus New England this past weekend. Or perhaps he was already dreaming of Brazil?

The forward bunch

Pretty much called it a month ago. Wondolowski is the token poacher, Altidore is the golden boy, Johannsson is the new guy and Terrence Boyd picked up his game lately.

The flanks

Timmy Chandler made it in after all. Klinsmann is not one to ignore commitment on the pitch and he wants all weapons available to face the group of death. Chandler can man both flanks and so can Fabian Johnson. Will it be the duo that failed as flankers in Honduras?

The deleted

Agudelo missed out. And he will be missed. In truth, the former Red Bull has done more for himself via scoring than any other forward except Boyd. But would you risk leaving Wondolowski or Johannsson out? Boyd had made a a case with his late season goals so he was going to be in this group regardless. Mike Magee also misses out, but his age and failure to impress internationally certainly played a part.

No Eddie Johnson. A bit of a head-scratcher, but given EJ's struggles lately, it may not be that bad an idea. Perhaps it's time for the baton to be rescinded to the youngsters.

Tim Ream has not played lately for the National Team, nor has Brek Shea. Danny Williams missed the cut due to a crowded midfield. Jack McInerney will have his chance later on, as will, possibly, Zelalem.

The constants

Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey are back. They were the core of the midfield in 2010 and also scored all of the goals. But how will they be deployed this time? Together? Certainly Graham Zusi is there for a reason. 

In the end what counts with the trio is experience. no one knows a World Cup better than Donovan, and although he's not that young, he's also not that old. Dempsey is a star Stateside and so is Michael Bradley. Major League Soccer is their playground and they come to represent.

Bradley's final 23

A few thoughts. Most of the players on the roster we knew were going to be there... the Donovans, Altidores, Dempseys and Howards. Beasley's inclusion is no surprise given his recent form with the national team, if not necessarily with his club. It's also good to have Goodson, especially given DeMerrit and Onyewu's recent injuries. He showed great poise versus Czech yesterday.

It came down to fringe players, forwards and the crowded midfield. I'm surprised by the inclusion of Findley, but Bob's comments lead me to believe that he has a plan for the Real Salt Lake attacker. His inclusion also meant Bedoya was out as a surplus midfielder. This is more evident by the resurgence of Beasley and the rise of Holden.

Another surprise, so to speak, is Buddle. He showed yesterday that he can play at the highest level and he has been accurate and constant for the galaxy (9 goals in 9 games). This came at the cost of losing Brian Ching, the veteran of 2006 and an important figure in the offense. Ching was about possession, drawing fouls and opportunism. All important qualities that Bob feels Buddle can bring.

Herculez Gomez's presence is less of a surprise and more of a relief. The top scorer in the Mexican League with a mid-table team and as a substitute is not someone we can afford to overlook. He showed why this is so with his tying goal against Czech.

It was a tough pill to swallow for some of the players, like Ching, Bedoya, Kljestan, Rogers, and even Charlie Davies. Also a great sense of renewal with Buddle, Gomez, Findley. This turnover also includes Altidore, Howard, Spector, Holden, Edu, Bradley, Clark, Torres, Guzan, DeMerrit. Add to that World Cup veterans Donovan, Dempsey, Hahnemann, Onyewu, Bocanegra and Goodson and you have the best the USA has to offer at the moment. Lots of fresh faces, intrigue, experience and drive. Good luck and enjoy the games, for they only come around every 4 years.