Shea has always been pretty one dimensional going forward. I suspect this move is to use that instinct as an advantage at LB vs. a liability at LM.
If his first priority is defending then he will focus on that and naturally take the opportunities to go forward rather than go forward and ignore his defensive responsibilities.
I think this is a consistent with JK's overall philosophy that anyone can defend given enough effort, but few can create or be effective offensively. He is trying to put the best attacking side on the field and teaching them to defend.
It's why guys who don't move the ball get left off. If you wanted change from the old US pack it in and counter style, this is what it's going to look like because we will have fewer world class players going forward to the next cycle.
My guess is that we will have zero world class players this cycle. For me, the main thing to remember is that in 3 years the best 23 is not going to look much like it does now. With guys like Hyndman, Zelalem, Flores, Tommy Thompson and others coming up many old stand bys will be pushed out.
Yup. Look at what he did with Beasley when we looked like we didn't have any good options at left back. He had a good World Cup despite the fact that he is 47 years old
The US sent Shea and a few other US players over to Spain 3-4 years ago, maybe longer or so the story goes. The Spanish coaches really liked Shea, but they said he was playing the wrong position and that he should be a left back. Also, I think Jurgen wants attack minded fullbacks and with that killer leg of his he can put the ball in dangerous spots.
It will be interesting to see how Shea competes with Greg Garza, who looked really good at left back in the fall.
Cameron didnt get called in because there wasn't room to experiment with guys like Alvarado.
Guzan's wife is about to have a baby.
Miguel Ibarra is kind of a surprise. Jurgen loves that guy, I thought he looked just OK against Panama, but the veterans on the team really respect ability.
MLS guys that were omitted-Jurgen said he wouldn't call up that many because they jsut started the season and they weren't in a rhythm yet. But......
Besler has been playing like crap, and he was involved in an argument through the media with Jurgen over fitness. Brooks has probably got that left center back slot nailed down anyways as he has appeared to have won the starting position at Hertha.
Zusi is not 100% yet because of a stress fracture but he has played most of three games, he almost looks like his old self.
Mix is playing really well. Was surprised to not see him called in.
Jones is injured.
Really good opportunity for Tim Ream and Danny Williams. Tim is the man on defense for Bolton, Danny is a big part of things and a regular starter for Reading. I think it sends a good message when they get called up.
Yarbrough and Alavarado are duals. Both are considered on the fringe of being called up by Mexico. Mexico has the Gold Cup and the Copa America this summer, so they will be calling up 40 something players this summer.
