Mr.Impact Posted March 27, 2005 Share Posted March 27, 2005 Its obvious that with the departure of Jason Devos, Canada is in desperate need of a General on the back line. The short-term solution would be to have at the very least a back four that is cohesive. We've seen that if there is a weak link out there, the score sheet will never be in our favor. Here is a short list of what we have at our disposal presently, 1)Adam Braz: Needs more seasoning, Does well at the A-league level, playing with an experienced Montreal back-line. With some european experience under is belt, deserves a look at. 2)David Edgar: Never seen him play, but have read lots of good things about him. Dale Mitchell is very kean on him, A solid performance in the under 20 world championship, could make is stock rise. 3)Gabe Gervais: A-league All-star, and a Rock for the Impact. Thaught he played well in qualifying, but left a bitter taste after the NI performance. Given his age, and inexperience at the world level, cant see him as a longterm solution. 4)Andrew Hainault: Tall, Crew cut, Athletic. A junior version De Vos.....well maybe. Watched him train, and is an impressive athlete. Hope he catches on in Europe. Much like Edgar, must follow steps with the under 20 program. 5)Ante Jazic: Not a big fan myself, lacks confidence and the decision making ability that solid defenders have. Age might also not be in his favor. Give him much propps for sticking in Europe so long. 6)Mike Klukowski: The kid is a stud, great performance against Portugal. Liked him since I first saw him in under 20 championship. Playing with a big Belgian club, will help his development. Commands respect from the opposition, and you cant teach that. In my starting 4 for sure. 7)Kevin McKenna: Big Kev, Got to love him. Reminds me Of the friend that everbody has, that sort of is always on cruise control, happy go lucky....win em and lose em. Postives, scores when he plays...Great size, great with his head. Negatives, needs to settle on a position, is he gonna be a Forward, or will he stick as a defender? Until that decision is made, dont blame the guy if he looks shakey out there at times. Yallop should look at this guy as a luxury for being at least versatile. 8)Tony Menezes: I think we all remember the great defender that came out of no where in the late 90ies. Great pace, excellent passing abilities, and not a shabby defender, rarely out of place. Unfortuneately the Guy has dissaperead into chinese obscurity. Deserves a call up, and a better place to play maybe MLS? or maybe a stint in the USL-first would do him so good. That being said Tony is getting long in the Tooth, so once again short-term solution for him. 9)Victor Oppong: Another member of the lost generation came along the ropes with Nsaliwa, and both were ranked very highly with Holger, since then has had the odd call up, but nothing more. As far as I could remember this guy is a solid defender, that could cover some ground. Deserves to be brought back into the program 10)Nevio Pizzolitto: Was watching Reda yesterday, and he reminded me Of Nevio back there. Very similar players, both have been given a shot to own a spot on the NT, and both have refused to take it. Nevio got burnt against Germany a few years back, and looked out of place in that first qualifying game. Reda has had less opportunities, but once again did not look like he can handle the responsibilities, Hope Im wrong cause I like both these guys, but cant see them has the solution 11)Chris Pozniak: This guy will always give you everything he has. Excellent man to man marker, rarely looks foolish out there, but cant seem to put together a string of consecutive call ups. In my opinion Id take this guy over Imhoff or Jazic any day. 12)Marco Reda: see Pizzolitto more to come...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BearcatSA Posted March 27, 2005 Share Posted March 27, 2005 Menezes . . . pace? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeanKeay Posted March 27, 2005 Share Posted March 27, 2005 I think everyones slagging reda way to much, he was very solid against N Ireland minus that diving header And Mckenna yesterday made reda play two centre back spots, Our defence is in shambles right now as Mckenna is now the new Fenwick. I think if somehow we can get 1 more centre back our defence will be fine, Now on Poz, ya i like the guy alot but man we cant have a guy in 3rd division norway playing for our national team. Sure i think hes better then where he is playing but even going back to toronto would be a step up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stacks Posted March 27, 2005 Share Posted March 27, 2005 Menezes is a damn good player and he should of been there at the beginning of the WCQ. buts it too late now and he's too old for the next one. Who cares what clubs these guys play for as long as they help the MNT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeD Posted March 27, 2005 Share Posted March 27, 2005 Guys, the fact that Yallop keeps giving Big Kev the captain's armband is a pretty sure sign that Big Kev is going to be a starter for the next while. I don't think Yallop's an idiot, so I figure Big Kev must bring some intangible qualities to the team that justify his captaincy (in addition, of course, to his goal-scoring). Personally, I like the idea of Klukowski back there with Big Kev (based on the NI match, since I didn't see the Portugal match). Reda also played well against NI. A lot of the other guys mentioned in this thread are either too young or too old, but the number of prospects we have coming down the pipe is a good sign. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marcl_19 Posted March 27, 2005 Share Posted March 27, 2005 I love the idea of big Kev playin with Kluko....Kluko's got the speed and he is good with the ball, and next ytear when he starts to play regularily with Brugge he's just gonna get better and better....McKenna has a tonne of strength and can pitch in the goals (great head on him).. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelownaguy Posted March 27, 2005 Share Posted March 27, 2005 No Nsaliwa on your list??,, by all accounts from what we hear he has improved quite a bit as a defender in Germany this year, many of us here would like to see how he fits on the national side but he and Frank haven't seem to have got on the same page yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ed Posted March 27, 2005 Share Posted March 27, 2005 Nsaliwa wasn't called when it counted and now turns down the invites to sharing bench space with Watson. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BearcatSA Posted March 27, 2005 Share Posted March 27, 2005 quote:Originally posted by stacks Menezes is a damn good player and he should of been there at the beginning of the WCQ. buts it too late now and he's too old for the next one. Who cares what clubs these guys play for as long as they help the MNT Menezes was fantastic in our successful Gold Cup run, playing "sweeper" behind De Vos and Watson. His outstanding positional play allowed him to break up many wall passes, his composure on the ball was refreshing and his great left peg allowed him to hit all types of passes around the park. I miss him. I just didn't think speed in one on one match ups was his biggest attribute That said, you have to ask why he has disappeared from the set up. A number of people on this board saw him play in the training camp/summer friendlies in Vancouver last summer and thought he looked effective. Apart from being in China, what other factors have affected his progress? Has a long term injury hurt his speed so much that even with his savvy he is more of a defensive liability at the international level? Who knows? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivan Posted March 27, 2005 Share Posted March 27, 2005 I think the big keys to 2010 will be the emergence of our youngsters. Edgar, Ledgerwood, Kassaye and Hainault will be 23-25 in 2010. It was tough to get a read on them in the U20 qualifiers because, especially against Mexico, they really did not have to do anything. They did (am not counting Edgar in this obviously)look solid when needed against Honduras. One of Edgar, Kassaye or Hainault has to emerge as a quality NT starting centre back. It will be interesting to see them on the world stage in Holland. Marshall, Arango and, obviously Hutchinson also showed potential in UAE and should not be discounted. Klukowski, Reda, Stalteri and Nsaliwa should be our starting back four until one of the youngsters take it from them IMHO. I like Kev, but up front as a target man a la Occean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juaninho Posted March 28, 2005 Share Posted March 28, 2005 I hear you Ivan, but some of those youngsters may be too young for the qualifying matches in 2008 - 2008 seems so long from now [V]. Unless some of these youngsters are brought along very quickly, at the expense of offending some vets no less, I don't see the bulk of them playing a major role in the WCQ matches. Unless of course they prove to be something special and make it difficult for whomever is the coach to exclude them. But, I would think that you'd want the bulk of your back four to be in their mid to late 20s or early 30s, to satisfy the demands and maturity that the position requires. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivan Posted March 28, 2005 Share Posted March 28, 2005 I agree Juaninho, late twenties or early thirties would be ideal. However, if its not there, why force it, especially if you have good young ones coming up. John Terry is what, 24? He is one of the top centre backs in the world now. Robert Huth (20) and Vincent Kompany (18) are already in the NT picture for Germany and Belgium repectively, as a few examples. Not that I am comparing our guys to those three, but if their play merits consideration they should be included. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paisley62 Posted March 28, 2005 Share Posted March 28, 2005 I like Ivan's defensive back four. Another back four I would like to see is Stalteri, Nsaliwa, Klukowski and Jazic. I think this grouping would make for a fairly decent defence using players Canada has available. If Canada needs Stalteri more in midfield, I wouldn't mind Hutchison continue to play right back. I like to see Reda in the mix but if possible I would really like to see Nsaliwa being giving and taking a his chance in central defence as well. The main thing for me is that McKenna needs to be booted up front away from central defence because quite bluntly Canada has other players who are better central defenders and Mckenna can score goals up front and not have to make up for the goals he causes with poor defensive play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paisley62 Posted March 28, 2005 Share Posted March 28, 2005 I like Ivan's defensive back four. Another back four I would like to see is Stalteri, Nsaliwa, Klukowski and Jazic. I think this grouping would make for a fairly decent defence using players Canada has available. If Canada needs Stalteri more in midfield, I wouldn't mind Hutchison continue to play right back. I like to see Reda in the mix but if possible I would really like to see Nsaliwa being giving and taking a his chance in central defence as well. The main thing for me is that McKenna needs to be booted up front away from central defence because quite bluntly Canada has other players who are better central defenders and Mckenna can score goals up front and not have to make up for the goals he causes with poor defensive play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonovision Posted March 28, 2005 Share Posted March 28, 2005 One thing in Klukowski's favour is that since he is with Club Brugge (and next season, hopefully, will be a regular starter), he should get to face some pretty decent European opposition. Brugge are pretty comfortably on top of the Jupiler League, and I think winning the league automatically gets them into the CL group stage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonovision Posted March 28, 2005 Share Posted March 28, 2005 One thing in Klukowski's favour is that since he is with Club Brugge (and next season, hopefully, will be a regular starter), he should get to face some pretty decent European opposition. Brugge are pretty comfortably on top of the Jupiler League, and I think winning the league automatically gets them into the CL group stage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheeta Posted March 28, 2005 Share Posted March 28, 2005 Well everyone seems very pleased with what they've seen of our young Mr. Klukowski. Can't say as I don't completely agree. In a game and a half he's shown very well. And yeah, what's not to like? Big, strong fellow. Quick for his size and fairly nimble. Assertive and confident with his play. Guess it's easy to play with confidense when your quality skills match your football wits. You know what else is nice about Klukowski? From the looks of him he's going to be super versatile with partnerships. You wouldn't have to play him with a horse back there. Looks tough enough and mobile enough to carry the weight for two. All this after a match and a half. And nothing but an unlimited up side. I hope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BearcatSA Posted March 28, 2005 Share Posted March 28, 2005 In discussing the central defence/keeper situation, one thing to note is that McKenna and Gervais played in the win over Guatemala (Hirschfeld in net?) and the same two started vs Northern Ireland, with Sutton in net, until Gervais's sending off. Perhaps this is the partnership Yallop sees/saw for the immediate future? Regardless, the fact that McKenna didn't inspire confidence and doesn't play regularly for Hearts in central defence (and after this season will be looking for a new club anyway), can't bode well for his development. We don't have any friendlies prior to the Gold Cup prep, so expecting rapport and instant stability between any of the other candidates, whether its Reda, Nsaliwa, Klukowski, doesn't seem that likely. A possible suggestion would be to play Sutton in net and Gervais as one of the centre backs, making up 2/3 of the central defence triad. At least you know that those two will be playing together on a regular basis at club level (both are still with the Impact, correct?), and then you can slot in the best candidate to fill the other centre back position. At least we'll get a modicum of continuity and familiarity back there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Impact Posted March 29, 2005 Author Share Posted March 29, 2005 Continued...see first post Tam Nsaliwa: Very key in Holgers setup, but has dissapeared under Collin Miller and Now Franky "Y" It has been menioned on this forum, that young Tam has refused several call-ups to concentrate on his professional career. If that is indeed the case, well Young Tam is depriving himself of international exposure, and the possability of moving to a bigger and better club. Maybe he should ask his buddy Attiba about that. In my book, he deserves a serious look at, as I cant remember him looking out of place. And like our friend Tony this kid also has Pace. Attiba Hutchinson: Some see this kid as more of a midfielder I actually would love to see him on the back Four. I would give him the permission to "roam" when he see's fit, thus adding a new dimension to the team. Of course in order to do this you would have to ensure that the other three, could handle the extra responsabilities. At this time this is not possible. One thing is for sure Franky has got to find a spot for one Canadas best prospects. Mark Rogers: A blast from the past saw him play a few times under Holger, couldnt tell him apart from Buck Rogers. Same class as Paulie Fenwick, and dear I say Geoff Aunger? Next.. Adrian Serioux: Always stood out when the Lynx came to CCR, very quick, and on a side note is great at throw in's. this guy is like Jason Bent, with more talent and less bite. Problem is.....well that hes too much like the other players we have. His play at Millwall will have a great influence on his NT career. Josh Simpson: Could be in the cards for next time around, gained valuable experience, and has done well at Millwall. Hope he can learn from his experience, cause he already seems to have gained the favor of Yallop. Some see him in midfield, I think he could do weel at both positions. Paul Stalteri: Ah yes good ol Larry. On my team he would be a fixture in my midfield, despite playing in the back with his club side. Would be great if he could mentor some of the younger guys, however dont know if he has it in his character,(i.e. the finger incident, flying bottles)A must for Canada, regardless Mark Watson: Great defender, always played well for Canada. Father time has caught up. Give it Up Watty, stick to coaching. Those are my picks....feel free to add yours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Posted March 29, 2005 Share Posted March 29, 2005 Btw, Kluka was brought to Club Brugges to cover for the left back who's leaving this summer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paisley62 Posted March 29, 2005 Share Posted March 29, 2005 I really hope that McKenna and Gervais aren't Yallop's choice for the two central defenders. They aren't as good as Klukowski and Reda have been or as good as Nsaliwa can be if he sorts things out with Yallop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NUFC Posted March 29, 2005 Share Posted March 29, 2005 http://www.urlaub.de/typo3temp/643528abf4.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Beaver Posted March 29, 2005 Share Posted March 29, 2005 though I'd agree that Menezes is probably a better option--or WAS a better option--at centre back than Mckenna appears to be, I'd hazzard a guess and say that he is NOT our best choice going forward. I'd seriously consider Kluka and Reda in the centre, with a number of options on their flanks, including Hutch or Deisel on their right, and Jazic, Brennan or Simpson on the left. If you add Tam to the mix, then I'd almost think this is our best line-up: Sutton Hutch Reda Nsaliwa Kluka Stalteri Grande DeGuzman Brennan Radzinski McKenna ----------- Hume would sub in up front, as would Occean. DeRosario may offer things that our other players do not seem to have, and I love his spirit and all, but he needs to play the game at a much quicker pace. Other subs: Simpson, Peters, Imhof, Hirsch etc etc --------- Leadership issues: I get the impression that with a little time, Reda, McKenna and Grande will lead this team. Not a bad trio, really. I really like Grande in the middle. Too bad he wasn't playing at a higher level. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Free kick Posted March 29, 2005 Share Posted March 29, 2005 quote:Originally posted by The Beaver I get the impression that with a little time, Reda, McKenna and Grande will lead this team. Not a bad trio, really. I really like Grande in the middle. Too bad he wasn't playing at a higher level. I have seen many allude to the Grande in the context of the future. But I think that in his case and the others, the future is now. Grande is already in his late 20's if I am not mistaken. By the next round of qualifying he will be well into the thirties. As for McKenna, he was on the same team in 1997 as Stalteri and DeRosario. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Beaver Posted March 29, 2005 Share Posted March 29, 2005 I thought Grande was in the same year as Stalteri et al. Or maybe a year older. I think he has a role to play for sure, though one has to wonder if younger players will eventually take his place prior to the next WCQ. I mean, one would have to think that a Hutch/Deguzman partnership in the midfield could be the way to go before too long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.