this is like the belgian golden generation. . we're just a few years away
completely different side in these most recent games
Would love to believe that 2026 will be the year. Certainly agree that recruiting-wise and with more Americans playing in European leagues, the quality of play has improved. But the US still has long way to go.
You can scroll by year through the rankings and the US has bounced around top 20 to 25 ranking for the past 4 years including when they failed to qualify for the last WC. You move up and down the rankings by beating your opponents, but 1) a lot of international games have been cancelled due to Covid and 2) it really depends on the strength of the opponents you are playing against. If you look at the rankings, the US isn’t really playing teams outside it’s ranking. Let’s see them play the UK, Belgium, etc. https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-rank.../rank/id13245/
Would love to believe that 2026 will be the year. Certainly agree that recruiting-wise and with more Americans playing in European leagues, the quality of play has improved. But the US still has long way to go.
You can scroll by year through the rankings and the US has bounced around top 20 to 25 ranking for the past 4 years including when they failed to qualify for the last WC. You move up and down the rankings by beating your opponents, but 1) a lot of international games have been cancelled due to Covid and 2) it really depends on the strength of the opponents you are playing against. If you look at the rankings, the US isn’t really playing teams outside it’s ranking. Let’s see them play the UK, Belgium, etc. https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-rank.../rank/id13245/
Rankings are backwards looking
Us has *never* had this many players playing champions league before. Ever. It's not close. And most of those did not play in the last qualifying cycle
all these champions league players are 18-22. will they be as good at 23-27 ? most of them will be approaching their peaks
And some will be facing injuries, retirement, or reduction in league because of non-performance. Huge potential, but unrealized as of yet ... and many never realize it.
And some will be facing injuries, retirement, or reduction in league because of non-performance. Huge potential, but unrealized as of yet ... and many never realize it.
Also greatly depends on where they are playing. In Europe in a top league? Or in college or a crap MLS team? Our players stay pretty competitive up until u16-18. At that point international players go pro. Not all of ours do or have the same opportunities
Also greatly depends on where they are playing. In Europe in a top league? Or in college or a crap MLS team? Our players stay pretty competitive up until u16-18. At that point international players go pro. Not all of ours do or have the same opportunities
European A leagues will find the talent if it exists. There is far too much money on the line for them not to.
Has 'like four caps'? Great English. Are you saying you aren't sure? It isn't difficult to count up to four. He has four caps.
no, he has 7 caps
i am reasonably sure the OP just meant he had just starting playing for the USMNT but yeah i do come to TS for the perfectly written and well thought out prose. . .lots of english majors on here
Comment