re: USMNT Gold Cup Final Player Thoughts

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No matter the striker, they were not getting service, didn't matter who it was. Zardes has an insane work rate and drops back to midfield to defend, which is why he stood out so much this tournament.

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I agree with your post, but my problem with Dike is against the better teams we aren’t going to get anyone a lot of service even with our best squad.

Our best creative players like CP, Reyna, etc. are guys that play better in tight spaces with quick one-twos. I don’t really want CP on the wing whipping in a bunch of crosses. I want him cutting inside and running at defenders.

I’m thinking our A team may be better with a #9 with pace who gives good pressure and can hold up the ball. All things equal I think Dike is better than Zardes, but with our squad, I think Zardes may be a better option.

Had Dike showed better holdup play, I’d feel comfortable with a setup for our wings to run past him. Right now he seems like a guy we start in games where we’re going to control the play.