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It needs to be said re: USMNT. Fabian Johnson needs to start at LB.

Posted on 10/7/17 at 1:02 am
Posted by 225bred
COYS
Member since Jun 2011
20386 posts
Posted on 10/7/17 at 1:02 am
I understand Bruce not starting him in the wide midfield due to his recent poor performances.

But do we really leave him at home? If he’s not going to play in the mid, play him at fullback. He’s miles better than Villafana at LB.

Thoughts?
This post was edited on 10/7/17 at 1:03 am
Posted by DByrd2
Fredericksburg, VA
Member since Jun 2008
8962 posts
Posted on 10/7/17 at 1:37 am to
Hate to say so, but I agree. I love the idea of Fabs as a mid, but he doesn't fit there with our personnel.

With that said, I am somewhat concerned about Nagbe in the midfield as well. He has been decent, but nothing special lately. Hopefully he busts out of that trend.
Posted by PhilipMarlowe
Member since Mar 2013
20475 posts
Posted on 10/7/17 at 1:39 am to
I’m still trying to figure out why Cameron wasn’t in the game?!
Posted by pvilleguru
Member since Jun 2009
60453 posts
Posted on 10/7/17 at 7:22 am to
I think he's done playing defense for us. Would go against his agreement with Bruce.
Posted by LSUButt
Lowcountry
Member since Jan 2006
14928 posts
Posted on 10/7/17 at 8:14 am to
Fabs should be in the starting XI hands down. And if you don't want him in the starting XI put him on the bench.

Bruce, you're gonna really have me believe Zusi is better than Fabs? Go frick yourself.

Not to mention Fabs is so multi-dimensional he's invaluable in being able to play 4 different positions if something really bad happens in camp or a game.
Posted by kengel2
Team Gun
Member since Mar 2004
30687 posts
Posted on 10/7/17 at 8:31 am to
That whole agreement is bs.

Fabs has to play LB or we will get burned down that side by someone like Germany.

Villafana isn't horrible, thought he played good last night, just dont think he is our answer at lb. Id love for him to prove me wrong.
Posted by cigsmcgee
LR
Member since May 2012
5233 posts
Posted on 10/7/17 at 8:44 am to
On paper Fabian should be one of our best players, but when was the last time he really stood out for the US? Its been awhile, imo. Maybe when we he switched to LB late in the ecuador friendly last year.

I also think its fair to question his commitment. I get him feeling jerked around on where he fits into the squad, but thats what happens on national teams sometimes.

He shoulda been locked in at the back, but if hes not happy playing there and then puts in average shifts in midfield, whats he really worth?
Posted by pvilleguru
Member since Jun 2009
60453 posts
Posted on 10/7/17 at 9:58 am to
quote:

Fabs should be in the starting XI hands down
Maybe when he regularly starts for his club, but he's not.
Posted by thenry712
Zasullia, Ukraine
Member since Nov 2008
15795 posts
Posted on 10/7/17 at 10:01 am to
Cameron is recovering from a light injury and had to travel from England for this game. He also hasn't played alongside Besler or Gonzalez during this qualification round. Despite being our second-choice pairing, Besler and Gonzalez have played alongside each other multiple times during qualifying. Bruce opted for continuity for this game.

Villafaña isn't terrible, but he's not great either. This isn't a Bornstein situation. Fabian Johnson prefers to play on the wing, but he hasn't impressed there in recent outings. I do think playing Johnson in defense would open up some space for Nagbe, who has been reduced to playing dropping deep for an attacking-minded player to compensate for Villafañas weaknesses. He completed 22 straight passes last night, which got overlooked, because he didn't contribute much during the build-up to our goals and chances.
Posted by BCLA
Bossier City
Member since Mar 2005
8059 posts
Posted on 10/7/17 at 10:08 am to
quote:


I also think its fair to question his commitment.


"I'm only going to play in big matches"
Which translates to English as I really don't give a shite and will only come when it's alot of money.
Posted by Girth Donor
Member since Apr 2011
3723 posts
Posted on 10/8/17 at 8:02 pm to
IMO, he wants to play mid but when we qualify and go to Russia he'll change his tune about playing LB. Most of the G-A players don't want to come in and play qualifiers but when it's the World Cup they change their tune. I don't agree with their stance but that's the way I see it.
Posted by Broski
Member since Jun 2011
70773 posts
Posted on 10/8/17 at 8:57 pm to
quote:

Most of the G-A players don't want to come in and play qualifiers but when it's the World Cup they change their tune.


Like who?

Timmy Chandler and... ?
This post was edited on 10/8/17 at 8:58 pm
Posted by Broski
Member since Jun 2011
70773 posts
Posted on 10/8/17 at 9:00 pm to
quote:

Bruce, you're gonna really have me believe Zusi is better than Fabs? Go frick yourself.



Nobody is trying to make you believe this.
Posted by Girth Donor
Member since Apr 2011
3723 posts
Posted on 10/8/17 at 9:50 pm to
quote:

Like who?
Timmy Chandler and... ?


Jones didn't come a couple of times, FJ too. It was chalked up to a injury they picked up but they ended up training during the internationals and played the next match day. As Jones got older he quit doing that shite. Chandler goes without saying. Going way back, David Wagner didn't want to come back but how could you blame him with Steve Sampson as the gaffer.
Posted by Broski
Member since Jun 2011
70773 posts
Posted on 10/8/17 at 10:11 pm to
You're full of shite, neither Jones nor Fab have turned down call ups when healthy.
Posted by Girth Donor
Member since Apr 2011
3723 posts
Posted on 10/8/17 at 10:42 pm to
Bruh, you are entitled to your opinion but nothing will change my mind when those guys just so happened to pick up these "small" injuries right before internationals. Their clubs don't want them playing for us. Kacey Keller caught hell every time he played for the US under Martin O'Neill. Martin wanted him to retire from international play. You need to look at the total picture.
Posted by Broski
Member since Jun 2011
70773 posts
Posted on 10/8/17 at 10:50 pm to
Ok, I'll play, when did that happen with Jermaine?
Posted by Girth Donor
Member since Apr 2011
3723 posts
Posted on 10/8/17 at 11:06 pm to
Dude, I don't have a fricking journal with the date and time. Why would I make this shite up? I'm not trying to start shite, I'm just stating what I saw in the past when he was at schalke. If it hurts your feelings then meet me at sonic.
Posted by GeismarGeauxer
Geismar
Member since Dec 2009
5172 posts
Posted on 10/8/17 at 11:06 pm to
quote:

Most of the G-A player


What is s G-A player?
Posted by Girth Donor
Member since Apr 2011
3723 posts
Posted on 10/8/17 at 11:09 pm to
German-American
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