Uncle Si":2woz50ur said:
knownone":2woz50ur said:
But, I like the Lodeiro signing, He will add an element and flexibility for the new manager.
I guess for the purpose of this conversation, I've got to ask, what do you consider a star?
Lodeiro is considered one of the top 3 players in Primera, and one of the faces of the league. He's been a core player in multiple World Cups, and Copa America, on a highly regarded team. He was listed as one the best players in Latin america this year by Fifa.
IMO he is a star.
Ignoring how Seattle has played as a team. On paper, this is the most talented team I can remember... Keep in mind that doesn't mean they are gonna fit, and play well together. I'm speaking solely on individual talent, relative to other MLS teams.
The Sounders ideal 11 includes - 3 time defender of the year Chad Marshall. Panama captain and best defender in Concacaf, Roman Torres (who if signed in 2012 would have been a DP). Fringe USMNT player and Sounders Captain Brad Evans (at RB).
Ozzie Alsono, the current highest rated player in MLS. Alvaro Fernandez who according to you hasn't "lit the world alight since 2012" which may be true, but in terms of talent he's a top 15 CM in MLS.
Lodeiro. Former ANT Captain, Andreas Ivanschitz. Clint... Dempsey. Jordan Morris. Nelson Valdez.
This team, talent wise, wasn't possible 2 years ago.
For the purpose of this conversation it would be best if you gained some perspective...
You're evaluating a player's value ("star") on his stature in a league much, much smaller than the one he is joining. Lodeiro is not a "star" player. he may be a big deal in the Argentinian league, but he is not a "star." Hell, if that's your basis, I'm a "star" in my men's league.
Suggesting this dumpster fire of a roster is somehow filled with talent when you can clearly see by results they are not is a perception i also don't understand. You are citing names as if they are still at the highest anyone has ever viewed the player, but ignoring their current form. It's odd to me to do that. Lodeiro was not a "key" player for a poor Uruguay team in the most recent Copa America. And any strength he provided that team as an impact player was years ago. Dempsey is off the mark and has been for some time. Morris has gone from budding star to struggling youngster. Alonso, regardless of whatever rating metric you are trying to use, has been overmatched in the middle of the park for over a year. Fernandez is only a top 15 CM in the MLS if you somehow got a time machine and brought back the 2011 version. Even then, he's a wide mid. But it doesn't help your team to assert the names on your roster with their better days, especially when many have seen them gone, and others don't look likely to reach them.
The roster, like management, needs an overhaul. If you want to pretend all of these players are still at their zenith, or in Morris' case still worth the expectations that greeted him at the start of the season then so be it. I don't think many are looking through the same veil.
Im not purposefully trying to be harsh to bring you down. But the players on this roster are not the players they used to be, or could be. Hope is a good thing, and Lodeiro may add quality to a squad that desperately needs it. But the team will need much, much more than the 2016 versions of these players
I don't think you are being harsh, or bringing me down, we disagree on a one very key thing. I judge the team from an individual context, and you judge them from a team context.
I guess I don't understand your definition of star. So being one of the best players on a good national team, the best player in one of the best leagues, and having name recognition on a global level, isn't a star? by that rhetoric everyone not named Messi or Ronaldo isn't a star.
You are basing your entire view of the Sounders on how they've played collectively this year. I'm judging them individually.
You talk about Lodeiro not being a key player recently, but outside of being injured and unfit to play major minutes in this years Copa, you are 100% wrong about him, Uruguay's coach considers him the key to unlocking the defense, Uncle Si not so much...
I can't defend Dempsey. He's been royally screw by formation and roster construction, but he's gotta play better, does that mean Dempsey is done? No he's showed with the national teams that he can score .60 goals per match which is respectable. He's declining, but he is still a talented difference maker.
Disagree on Alonso. Metrics provide evidence that he completes 90% of his passes, doesn't turn the ball over, and the Sounders give up almost 1 goal less when he plays. Now we can argue about metrics all we want, however, he's still among if not one of the best CM's in MLS.
I'm guessing you haven't seen Fernandez play in MLS since 2011, so you're basing the entirety of your opinion of him on that. Fernandez had some Injuries leading up to the 2016 season and only played in 3 games, so let's look at what he was just a year ago. He was a starter (at CM) and played in 44 games, had 3 goals and 5 assists, respectable numbers for a CM on one of the top 5 teams in Argentina. He's only 30, so there is no reason to believe he cannot regain that form.
You can read every post I've had about Morris, I'm one of the few whose criticized him, even when he was doing well. That doesn't mean he has some how lost any and all ability, and I think we'd both agree you don't move on from Morris, that would be mental.
This is where I think we fundamentally disagree. I've always felt Seattle's struggles came from a lack of a creative force in the middle (my thoughts are all over this thread on that subject). Seattle has that player now, and I believe we will finally see the talent Seattle has flourish.
You could see evidence of that in today's game. Lodeiro is capable of hitting that through ball down the teeth, and my god has this team needed that. Suddenly, the Sounders actually look dangerous... Now if only Jordan Morris could make better decisions...
