Well of course twitter was buzzing over the last couple days with reaction to the roster announcement by Jurgen Klinsmann. With camp beginning and players getting lessons on nutrition there is still a lot of chatter about the players that have been called in. We are a couple weeks away from hearing who is performing well in training but we do know that Landon Donovan is not part of future plans and around eight of these players could be considered for hexagonal matches. Alejandro Bedoya may not be around long if he gets signed to a club that is playing. The back line is still a question as many look toward two of the top defenders from Major League Soccer over the last year. Obviously there is still a lot of uncertainty, so here are a few tweets for discussion.
#USMNT MLS player selection observation: Only 1 (of 21) called up is from a club outside the top 9 clubs on the 2012 table. #Crew96
— L W Johnson (@HelltownBeer) January 8, 2013
We knew this would be a roster laden with MLS players but this is an interesting statistic. It makes sense that team success comes from strong play by the entire roster. The one player referenced in this tweet is Juan Agudelo.
The message from @J_Klinsmann to the #USMNT: "this isn't a preseason camp; it's a preparation camp for Feb. 6."
— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) January 8, 2013
This is a great example of coach-speak with the majority of the roster not moving forward to play in the opening match of World Cup qualifying. It is good for the coaching staff to be in this mindset, but this is not the camp World Cup qualification is built upon now or in the future.
Sep 22, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; New York Red Bulls defender Connor Lade receives a red card from referee Sorin Stoica during the second half against the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium. The game ended in a 1-1 tie. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
That is the question, is it not? There is no sight of Donovan as Klinsmann said he is still unsure of what he wants to do. I am pretty sure you could build a philosophy around the existential Landon Donovan. That sounds like a future post there.
Hope Besler and Gonzo come through camp lookin' good. Excited by their potential. #USMNT
— Joe Gould (@twelfthyank) January 7, 2013
Aside from Donovan, this is the biggest talking point. I concur that watching this pair together could be fun, but they will not have too long to gel. They are fighting for a spot along side Geoff Cameron, so although they may be working together against Canada there is a healthy competition.
There is always debate about the players called in and those left out. Many are questions the one on one ability of Connor Lade and some are still calling for Freddy Adu. There are others out with injury, but in many cases it feels like the majority are arguing over the 25th spot on the roster. Perhaps that is a good sign.
Random thought about #USMNT Jan. camp roster: It's like a C+ team. Now most of US B team now plays in Europe rather than MLS.
— George Dohrmann (@georgedohrmann) January 7, 2013
Interesting observation especially given the news that Graham Zusi is truly on a trial with West Ham.
If you have any other reactions or thoughts after the announcement please comment below. We welcome them at all times. Stick with us during training as we head to the hex and remember to sign up for the Fansided Daily to get us in your inbox every morning.