World Cup Scouting

[hamstrung_pigeon]

I missed the Belgium - USA game; how did Dries Mertens do? I assume not too well since he was subbed after 60 minutes but thought I'd ask what people thought about his performance. I thought he impressed in his first 2 games for Belgium in the tournament but I missed their last 2 games.

 

[Gerry_A_Trick]

You are remembering wrong! Senegal's impressive showing in the 2002 World Cup drew the attention of a number of Premier League clubs including Liverpool. It was after the competition that Houllier signed up Diao and Diouf.
Actually I think Diouf was a better player than most people on this forum give him credit for. He was a bit of a warrior and had some great games for Liverpool, including the League Cup final against Man United in Cardiff when he destroyed Gary Neville.

Actually, found this: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/senegal/newsid_2020000/2020547.stm

We signed him the day after his first game in the world cup. So assuming talks had started before the WC. It also mentions Diao was already signed.

 

[Dirkus_Circus]

My Italian mate was going on all game how Juve should sign up this Yedlin kid before someone else does. Looks a terrific prospect for RB. Not sure how good he is defensively though. But his decision-making and crossing was out-of-this-world good for such a young player.

That's the crazy thing about this tournament for Yedlin. Almost to a man the U.S. football media and US fans were at the very least questioning his selection in the 23. Not because he isn't a promising prospect, but because no one felt he was ready for this stage. He is very talented going forward as portrayed against Belgium but even in the MLS he has shown a lot of naivete in terms of defensive positioning and awareness defensively.

I think most thought he would never see the field in this tournament because of that fact and he was brought along as a back-up who was there to get the experience with the team at a tournament.

But damn.

Even against Portugal Klinsmann still didn't seem ready to give Yedlin the responsibility of defending in the World Cup (granted he would have been marking Cristiano Ronaldo) and so he threw him on in the 72nd minute at 1-1 as a wide right midfielder (leaving Fabian Johnson at right back) to help push for a winner against tired legs in Manaus.

Therefore when he was forced into the match yesterday due to the Johnson injury I fully expected Klinsmann to again insert him as a wide midfielder/winger on the right and move Cameron to right back. I was really surprised when he slotted in at right back, but he hardly put a foot wrong defensively and going forward I thought he was the USMNT's most consistent threat.

 

[peekay]

CARSON, Calif. – DeAndre Yedlin still hasn’t entirely gotten used to the idea that he’s a professional soccer player. There’s still a bit of awe and still a lot to learn.

For example, the 20-year-old defender, now entering his second season with the Seattle Sounders, smiled as he recalled how excited he was the first time he spent time at Djimi Traoré’s house. They may be MLS teammates, but early on they were hardly equals.

“He’s a legend,” Yedlin told SI.com this week. “He’s won the Champions League [with Liverpool], all these other accolades, and I’m here hanging with him and he’s one of my good friends now. And he’s 12 years older than me!”

http://www.si.com/soccer/planet-fut...nders-us-mens-national-team?section=si_latest

 

[Spaghetti Legs]

“He’s a legend,” Yedlin told SI.com this week.​

 

[Dirkus_Circus]

No way

 

[Fabio]

I like him a lot just for his dress sense

 

[Fabio]

And if traore is a legend, he'll positively Cum when meeting Gerrard

 

[cloggypop]

I like him a lot just for his dress sense

Ignoring the hair the rest of his outfit seems to be inpired by renowned wanker Pee Wee Herman

 

[Fabio]

Ignoring the hair the rest of his outfit seems to be inpired by renowned wanker Pee Wee Herman

Pee wee was a baller

 

[Buddha]

And if traore is a legend, he'll positively Cum when meeting Gerrard

How do you negatively cum?

 

[Whirly]

How do you negatively cum?

You don't know?

 

[Oncy]

You are remembering wrong! Senegal's impressive showing in the 2002 World Cup drew the attention of a number of Premier League clubs including Liverpool. It was after the competition that Houllier signed up Diao and Diouf.
Actually I think Diouf was a better player than most people on this forum give him credit for. He was a bit of a warrior and had some great games for Liverpool, including the League Cup final against Man United in Cardiff when he destroyed Gary Neville.

Did you just criticise us for signing Diouf then praise us for signing Diouf in two posts!?

 

[Portly]

Did you just criticise us for signing Diouf then praise us for signing Diouf in two posts!?

Yeah that's fair enough. I'm criticising Houllier for signing Diouf because everybody except me thinks he was shite.

 

[doctor_mac]

Yeah that's fair enough. I'm criticising Houllier for signing Diouf because everybody except me thinks he was shite.

The Diouf paradox....

 

[RolandG]

After Diouf, I'd rather not buy players based on their WC performances.

 

[Dirkus_Circus]

DeAndre Yedlin to Roma. Will remain at Seattle on loan until end of MLS season and then off to Italy.

 

[TSD]

Seems a safe bet having Yedlin come over for a trial where Rodgers can assess him in person.

 

[rurikbird]

I liked the look of Jordie Clasie very much tonight. Floating with a ball, reminds me of Verratti.

 

[LeTallecWiz]

I liked the look of Jordie Clasie very much tonight. Floating with a ball, reminds me of Verratti.

I'm surprised Manure haven't been linked to him ... I think Dmish mentioned him 12 months ago or so ...