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Whitecaps 2017 Season


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6 minutes ago, dyslexic nam said:

x2

Especially given Hutch's style of play - which is often about being strong and consistent at a high level rather than being able to turn a game on its head - I fear for the expectations that would be heaped on him.  VWC can be good, but they can also be a fucking dumpster fire, and to have him viewed as some sort of Canadian messiah could really backfire. 

None of this is meant to in any way disrespect Hutch.  But I see this signing a lot like TFC signing (the admittedly more defensive) JDG.  He raised the overall level of quality, but wasn't the kind of game-changing impact player that people often expect from a DP.  And I see a similar dynamic with Hutch.  If Hutch could have that kind of impact, I think we would see it with the Nats when we play middling teams from our federation.  Yet, despite being a clearly high quality player, Hutch doesn't generally have that kind of impact. 

Maybe that is unfair, and Vancouver wouldn't expect that from him.  But the expectations on DPs are pretty huge, and I wouldn't want to see people disappointed because Atiba wasn't the saviour they were hoping for.

I agree that he will not be a game changer and therefore might be viewed as a disappointment similar to JDG's MLS stint and him subsequently being run out of town. But I think MLS may have changed a bit since then. He will not be the player expected to make plays. That will lie with Montero, Manneh and potentially another DP offensive player brought in. He could play the role that Michael Bradley has played with TFC, bringing solid play to the mid-field, resulting in the entire team improving.

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1 hour ago, dyslexic nam said:

Especially given Hutch's style of play - which is often about being strong and consistent at a high level rather than being able to turn a game on its head - I fear for the expectations that would be heaped on him.  VWC can be good, but they can also be a fucking dumpster fire, and to have him viewed as some sort of Canadian messiah could really backfire. 

Wouldn't a consistent performer but exactly what is needed then? 

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I would kill to have Hutch here. I would buy season tickets. Just saying! He is exactly what they need, somebody who bosses the midfield and gives us something to build around. Keep in mind that he has terrific vision and passes well AND defends well. He has more to offer to a MLS side than DeGuzman did, DP or no. Not convinced that leaving Turkey would hurt his CMNT play. And maybe he wants to get the hell out of a region where terrorist attacks are statistically more likely to happen 

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1 hour ago, dyslexic nam said:

x2

Especially given Hutch's style of play - which is often about being strong and consistent at a high level rather than being able to turn a game on its head - I fear for the expectations that would be heaped on him.  VWC can be good, but they can also be a fucking dumpster fire, and to have him viewed as some sort of Canadian messiah could really backfire. 

None of this is meant to in any way disrespect Hutch.  But I see this signing a lot like TFC signing (the admittedly more defensive) JDG.  He raised the overall level of quality, but wasn't the kind of game-changing impact player that people often expect from a DP.  And I see a similar dynamic with Hutch.  If Hutch could have that kind of impact, I think we would see it with the Nats when we play middling teams from our federation.  Yet, despite being a clearly high quality player, Hutch doesn't generally have that kind of impact. 

Maybe that is unfair, and Vancouver wouldn't expect that from him.  But the expectations on DPs are pretty huge, and I wouldn't want to see people disappointed because Atiba wasn't the saviour they were hoping for.

Good post, as was Obinna's. I think we are all thinking in a similar way, not sure the signing would work, and concerned about what it would mean for the Whitecaps. You could say let Hutch finish in style at Besiktas, another season in Champions, and a great send-off. 

Transfermarkt has his contract until end of June 2018. I think he should play it out and see Caps use the money in a better, more constructive way. 

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I'm glad we got Montero. Now we need to NOT play a rigid 4-5-1 leaving him all alone up top. So we'll have to see what formation they work him into. I can see the 4-4-1-1 because we have been playing that in preseason and with Barnes up top and Montero closer to the mids it could work well.

As to Hutch. I'm happy wherever he makes a killing and is happy. He's earned it and as much as I'd love to see him in a Caps uniform I don't see it happening.

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1 hour ago, Levi Oakey said:

Wouldn't a consistent performer but exactly what is needed then? 

Necessary?  Yes.

Sufficient?  No.

My concern is that he could be seen as THE solution, rather than a part of it.  I like Ruffian's comparison to Bradley.  If Hutch can be brought in as a piece of the puzzle, without being expected to carry the offence, it could work.  Marry the consistency with a few important role players and some offensive spark, and Vancouver could make it work.  That is what impressed me with TFC - they made a series of moves that resulted in a total upgrade all over the park.

 

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1 hour ago, dyslexic nam said:

Necessary?  Yes.

Sufficient?  No.

My concern is that he could be seen as THE solution, rather than a part of it.  I like Ruffian's comparison to Bradley.  If Hutch can be brought in as a piece of the puzzle, without being expected to carry the offence, it could work.  Marry the consistency with a few important role players and some offensive spark, and Vancouver could make it work.  That is what impressed me with TFC - they made a series of moves that resulted in a total upgrade all over the park.

 

Well, and Robbo has always been consistent during his tenure in saying that the team has never been in a position to "carry" the sort of game-changing individual that some teams will sign. In fact, he has just said this exactly about Montero. He wants guys who dig in and play as a team.  I totally agree with the example of Bradley, who I've said all along is a huge piece of the puzzle at TFC. He provides that heft and foundation in the centre of the pitch; his work makes everyone around him better, if only in that they can do the jobs they each need to do in a focused and effective manner.  We need to accept the fact that the Caps are not going to sign game-changing superstars, at least not for quite a long time. They are going to be smart about what they do, about the financial resources they have etc.  They are doing the Moneyball thing, as best as they can. If they can get Hutch, and with financial help from the league, then I feel this is a very smart move.  I see a HUGE void in the middle of the pitch, one that Bola and Mezquida and Jacobson are not able to fill, certainly not at the level that Hutch can. We need a boss in the middle of the pitch.  I hope this happens! And I hope Hutch and Tiebert get to play together in the midfield a lot!

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On 2/14/2017 at 11:48 PM, Watchmen said:

Orlando can have him and his sexual assault allegations. I'd rather the Whitecaps tried to find their own version of Montero from South American rather than constantly recycling their rivals strikers.

Have you seen their parade of disastrous South American signings? 

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1 hour ago, Dub Narcotic said:

Have you seen their parade of disastrous South American signings? 

Not just South American, remember Jarju? I think with the Whitecaps record of finding and overpaying undiscovered talents who turned out to be duds one has to be happy with them signing someone who has a proven track record. Once in while you get lucky like with Camillo but they don't have a good history of scouting leagues and bringing in good players.  

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On 2/14/2017 at 5:36 PM, Unnamed Trialist said:

He was okay 3 years ago in Portugal, just okay. But he is past his prime, is in decline, does not shine in China even, and it's a signing you can't really figure out the logic to. One week before our most important game in recent history?

They are making things up as they go along. Robinson does not have a clear idea what sort of team he wants to coach a week before the Concacaf quarter finals. But he was sure about wanting to extend his holidays in Wales.

He scored a goal every 3 games in China and better than that in Portugal. That is "not shining" and "just ok"? 

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Whitecaps were run off the field in a loss to Portland last night.

same problems as last year: problems at RB, CBs a mess, midfield just back passes with no forward penetration and long striker is left isolated up front always having to chase.

even with Montero coming, the caps desperately need an AMC.

right now, no way this team makes the playoffs

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JDG was a specialist at the holding midfielder sort of role and not really best suited to being a high profile DP, while Atiba Hutchison is more box-to-box so woud be a better fit. Think players usually want to show what they can do at the highest level in their own country at some point in their career and if MLS are subsidizing it, the Whitecaps should go for it, if the player is up for the challenge.

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3 hours ago, Grizzly said:

He scored a goal every 3 games in China and better than that in Portugal. That is "not shining" and "just ok"? 

Grizz, if he comes in as a second striker and we play with a target man and him poaching in behind, that could work. How Camilo scored for us.

What we have seen for two years is Robinson is stuck on a single lonely striker and no system to make him more effective. He kills off strikers because his system is extremely hard to make work right. Almost all his strikers have underperformed, over and over again. 

In any case, his Portugal figures were fine, his China numbers are worse because the level is even lower than MLS. Let's see if Robbo adjusts to his ability or does the same with him as he has with every other attacker he signs.

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3 hours ago, Soccerpro said:

Whitecaps were run off the field in a loss to Portland last night.

same problems as last year: problems at RB, CBs a mess, midfield just back passes with no forward penetration and long striker is left isolated up front always having to chase.

even with Montero coming, the caps desperately need an AMC.

right now, no way this team makes the playoffs

It's preseason. I am not a whitecaps fan but I think they are going to be a surprising package. I see it as them adding Hutch and suddenly they have gotten a solid striker supported by an older Alphonso Davies with a solid, consistent mid in Hutch and a defence that upgraded with Sheanon Williams. Losing Edgar sucks. but this is a team that has improved and frankly had an off year due to some players deciding to take a break.

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6 hours ago, Grizzly said:

Not just South American, remember Jarju? I think with the Whitecaps record of finding and overpaying undiscovered talents who turned out to be duds one has to be happy with them signing someone who has a proven track record. Once in while you get lucky like with Camillo but they don't have a good history of scouting leagues and bringing in good players.  

Jarju as DP was insane. He's playing Belgian D3 right now...

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21 hours ago, Dub Narcotic said:

Robinson has every chance of ending his tenure with a worse record than Rennie. Hopefully things turn around this year but he's never shown much sign of being a good manager.

Funny thing is, MLS is pretty garbage through its middle class. You can be a bad team and still be in the playoff mix until late. Meaning, even without a good coach you can handle yourself.

If Robinson gets past NYRB in Champions, he'll get some credit. And if he gets some results the first games, also. We'll be in June, playing poorly, boring the fans, and he'll be given the okay to play out the season.

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In not good news for the Whtiecaps, Yordy Reyna left Portland in a walking boot. If he's out for some time, does that mean Bustos' chance to shine with Mezquida, Bolanos and Reyna all out injured?

http://vancouversun.com/sports/soccer/mls/vancouver-whitecaps/yordy-reynas-wonky-foot-and-four-other-whitecaps-post-pre-season-thoughts?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

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2 hours ago, Obinna said:

Terrible for Vancouver but I would think it means more chances for Bustos. Perhaps not as a #10, but I think he'll find an opportunity as some sort of attacker.

#10 is the only position that Bustos can really play. That has been one of his downsides. He is not fast/quick enough to be a winger or outside attacker. His skills are all about him getting on the ball. If he is not going to get that chance in Vancouver, he shouldn't be here.

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