Spot on observations from start to finish.
2023 Roster and Transfer Discussion Thread
- Thread starter Shwafta
- Start date
I don't think you're being too optimistic at all. We essentially cleaned out the roster. It's not so much rebuilding as setting the stage to reload. Really good analysis.
I do think Haak is about to re-sign, though. And it looks like we're bringing in Mitja Ilenič from Slovenia at right back. He's really young, just turned 18, but rated well. Very intriguing move.
As for the rest, I don't think we're going to have long to wait. It's going to come fast. We're in for a heck of a week, maybe 10 days. Then we'll see what we have.
Bring back Callens.
Priority no.1. Think it will be a long season without him.
Would like Johnson and Santi as well.
Priority no.1. Think it will be a long season without him.
Would like Johnson and Santi as well.
Great post. My only challenge is on Santi. I thought he was possibly our best player during our late season run, like absolutely on point. Losing him AND Maxi is devastating. I had envisioned Maxi inevitably moving on this off-season even after his extension last year, so I figured Santi would be the player to fill some of his void. He has proven capable imo.
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Yeah -- that's the high-wire act with always signing players like Santi, Pereira, Talles, etc. They want to move to Europe despite our desire to keep them. Our style of roster building with young, developing, skillful players means an entertaining team to watch, but constant roster churn as those players take the next step.
I just ran the numbers on this.
In 2022, we gave up 41 goals over 34 games in the MLS Regular season.
In 7 games, Callens started without Martins. We gave up 14 goals for an average of 2 per game.
In 2 games, Callens and Martins were both on the bench. We gave up 5 goals in 2 games, for an average of 2.5 per game.
In 5 games, Martins started without Callens. We gave up 8 goals in 5 games, for an average of 1.6 per game.
In 20 games, Callens and Martins started together. We gave up 14 goals in 20 games, for an average of .7 per game.
The .7 goals per game against the Callens/Martins duo was lower than Philly's .77 goals against for the year.
I knew the numbers with the two of them playing together were good. I didn't know they were *that* good.
We gave up 3 goals or 4 goals six times last year. Martins did not play in three of those, including both 4 goal games (5-4 vs Toronto at Citi, 4-4 at Cinci).
Callens played in both 4 goal games but missed 3 of the 3-goal games.
They both played in the 2-3 loss at Columbus in August.
They both missed the 0-3 loss to the Revs in September.
In the remaining 28 games we conceded 0-2 goals.
Callens missed 4. Martins missed 7. The both missed only consecutive 1-2 losses to Orlando and DCU in late August. Martins started the Orlando game and went 25 minutes before subbing off, and I'm counting any game a CB plays <45 as not playing for this exercise.
He's a pretty big guy, listed at 6'1" and 201 lbs. We could use a little beefaroni up front.
Watching his highlight tape, I'm honestly not huge on him. He seems really slow, constantly drops in too deep, and I fear his ability to link up with the wingers.
Just checking him out myself. I'm always a little leery of highlights since they're so selective, but I got the same impression. I don't know that he'd be dynamic enough for our style of play.
I checked out his business, too. He went for a €40 million transfer fee in 2019 and his value has dropped like a rock since then. He's down to €7.5 million right in the heart of his prime. Not a great sign.
Still, we could use some physicality on the front line. If we can get a bargain, and if Nick already has an idea how to use him and get the most out of him, it might be worth it.
EDIT: Another thing I noticed: I doesn't fool around. He gets himself in a dangerous area, looks up, finds the goal and shoots.
Good skills, seems to be really good with the ball at his feet. Can shoot left or right. He won't blow anyone's doors off but he's quick enough to keep up and get in position. And of course, to paraphrase an old basketball coach, the little fast guys get tired; big guys don't shrink.
It looks like he fizzled over the past three years or so, but he might be one of those dudes who just need a change of scenery. Queens might be the perfect place for him.
Scores a nice goal here at about the 5:40 mark against Fenerbahce on Christmas Eve:
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Yeah, highlights are hard to go by because as you mentioned, they're selective and will typically show only the best moments. However, even in Gomez's tape, I was very underwhelmed. The guy looks like he can't move and doesn't seem to possess tons of ability with the ball at his feet.
I got a different impression of his ball skills, to be honest. And I'd agree, he's no burner, but I don't think he's actually slow. He's got kind of a funny baby steps sort of gait and looks like he's running on ice. He covers ground, though. And those little baby steps work out for him under pressure in front of goal.
Just edited my previous comment if you want to take another look. I didn't see this reply while I was watching the latest game highlights.
Another thing I think I picked up on: Trabzonspor had him dropping deep in the middle for tactical purposes. I don't think it was him just doing it as a matter of course. He sure looks like he'd rather be up in the box.
Just checked your edit. After watching that game against Fenerbache and getting a good idea of how he plays both on and off the ball, I'm willing to concede that he may fit in nicely here. Assuming he wants to come here.
My Duolingo streak was too short.
Is this basically saying that he is back with Torque, and it looks as though he is going to end up at Bahia?
im not even sure Girona is that much of a priority. Like i know taty is there, but it feels like they just filled the squad to try and not get relegated. at least this year.
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