NOAH DAVIS – Here at the USA 10 Kit, we try not to traffic in knee-jerk reactions. As such, I’ve held off commenting on Robbie Findley’s performance against Turkey until now so I could gain the perspective of a couple days. (To say nothing of a certain friend’s birthday party Saturday night, a cross-country flight, and an impending trip to South Africa.) But the time has come to address the question on the tip of every American soccer commentator’s tongue: Should the Real Salt Lake striker join Jozy Altidore at the top of the U.S. formation.
Grant Wahl believes he will, while MLSSoccer.com’s Greg Lalas says no. My thoughts?
I’m leaning toward yes. Ever since Charlie Davies’ injury, Bob Bradley has been grooming the lightning bolt to replace the former Boston College Eagle. How else can you explain starting him against the Netherlands in March? It’s now clear that the U.S. coach believed his side needed to bring speed to the World Cup and thought Findley was the best option. Saturday afternoon’s performance vindicated the choice to hand the Arizona native one of the 23 red, white, and blue jerseys.
“He was a threat in terms of getting behind them, going at people,” Bradley said at a post-match press conference. “I think he found good spots in terms of getting the ball, holding the ball.”
Clint Dempsey, the probable starter before last week’s games, came out after the match against Turkey and said he preferred a midfield position. His activity during the second 45 minutes proved how good he can be in that spot. Bradley would lose the services of Stuart Holden if Dempsey took his spot, but having the Bolton midfielder on the bench will provide plenty of options.
Findley’s chip to Landon Donovan that led to U.S.’s first goal was downright Dempsey-esque in both its audaciousness and execution. Better yet, his commitment to defense – watch him track back on multiple occasions – surely showed his coach how committed to the task he is.
I can’t believe I’m writing this, but I think Findley’s the play against England.
im on your side on this one. i was a hater for a while but i will admit it when i’m wrong. he looked good and it was the first time our offense looked like it did with davies. i just hope bradley can find a way to get stu in cause he’s the man
I hate that 45 good minutes can change how we assess a starting spot at the WC, but I’d be down with this.
The forward choices of Dempsey, Findley, Buddle and Gomez mean a pick one of creativity, speed, power and timely finishing. Bradley will have to pick his time for each. If speed is the formula versus England, Findley’s the man.
Buddle is my choice to start vs. England… hes in better form, he’s also very quick, he plays on the same club team as Landy so they have a rapport and I think we could really use his strength/speed combo against England’s back line with Dempsey on the left wing… at least to start off with. Put Findley on for Buddle around the 60th, 70th as the English defense starts to tire and his fresh off the bench speed has the maximum impact.
I think Findley’s speed is best used off the bench but i think Buddle and Altidore are the same game and Herculez i think was brought on for scoring late goals as a supersub. And the fact that we have 4 strikers make the team tels me Dempsey will be a wing where he is best. I think Findley starts by product of elimination