Truth & Rumors > Soccer

This is the time when Castillo needs to prove himself. From what I've heard, he's great going forward, but leaves something to be desired when defending. Pretty much, a Mexican and more technically skilled version of Jonathan Bornstein.

QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 09:25 AM ET  11.02 by Big Phil (1)

...but leaves something to be desired when defending.

doesn't this sum up all of our options at LB?

QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 09:25 AM ET  11.02 by Big Phil (1)

This is the time when Castillo needs to prove himself. From what I've heard, he's great going forward, but leaves something to be desired when defending. Pretty much, a Mexican and more technically skilled version of Jonathan Bornstein.

So while not ideal, this would make him an upgrade, wouldn't it?

Castillo has told the media before that he's a LM playing a LB position. His ability to push forward is good, but his defense needs improving.

Basically as stated, he's an upgraded version of Bornstein. Hopefully a more consistent upgrade. JB's inconsistency is his only downside. He could make up for his defensive blunders if he were to actually consistently show good performances. No Defender is going to be perfect, but JB's problem is that he'll have a series of good games followed by a series of terrible games, etc...

Ok, Castillo, lets see what you can do.

It doesn't matter if he wishes he could defend better if he's better than the present options. Since he's earned the callup we'll see how he actually plays as opposed to relying on the conventional wisdom.

QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 10:28 AM ET  11.02 by Oter

Castillo has told the media before that he's a LM playing a LB position. His ability to push forward is good, but his defense needs improving. Basically as stated, he's an upgraded version of Bornstein. Hopefully a more consistent upgrade. JB's inconsistency is his only downside. He could make up for his defensive blunders if he were to actually consistently show good performances. No Defender is going to be perfect, but JB's problem is that he'll have a series of good games followed by a series of terrible games, etc...

Most of the top echelon wingbacks in international competitions are essentially midfielders converted for the purpose of being able to force the attack from the back. But a team better have solid defensive mids who know how to cover for those moves forward or you're toast on the counter - it could be that Jermaine Jones and Edu are better fits for that kind of system, we'll see.

QUOTE(#8):

Originally posted 10:36 AM ET  11.02 by dynamo

Most of the top echelon wingbacks in international competitions are essentially midfielders converted for the purpose of being able to force the attack from the back.

when i grew up, i don't recall anyone with aspirations of being a wingback for the national team someday. ladies don't love defensive soccer players. wingbacks are players with desirable traits unique to the position (speed, athletic, size) but usually of lesser technical skill who honed their craft over time. no matter who we pick, (probably for years to come) their is going to be a some major drawback with their game.

QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 10:59 AM ET  11.02 by kennybabs

when i grew up, i don't recall anyone with aspirations of being a wingback for the national team someday. ladies don't love defensive soccer players. wingbacks are players with desirable traits unique to the position (speed, athletic, size) but usually of lesser technical skill who honed their craft over time. no matter who we pick, (probably for years to come) their is going to be a some major drawback with their game.

or a converted midfielder who lacks the defensive awareness and positioning.

QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 10:59 AM ET  11.02 by kennybabs

when i grew up, i don't recall anyone with aspirations of being a wingback for the national team someday. ladies don't love defensive soccer players. wingbacks are players with desirable traits unique to the position (speed, athletic, size) but usually of lesser technical skill who honed their craft over time. no matter who we pick, (probably for years to come) their is going to be a some major drawback with their game.

And kids in Brazil have grown up idolizing the likes of Maicon, Dani Alves, Cafu, Roberto Carlos and a host of others since the 1970 World Cup (when they revolutionalized the game with the first iteration of the modern 4-4-2) - any wonder why they win so frequently?

This is all a bit stereotypical. The fairer critique is that different positions tend to demand different attribute sets. A central midfielder without technical ability will be eaten alive because there is always someone around ballhawking. A wing player without speed will be eaten alive because there's room to run, fewer defenders, and less room for error in terms of people to clean up mistakes.

The Eddie Lewis experiment points out the limits of the "we can just push an attacker back" theory. Trends aren't necessarily great ideas in practice.

I've never see Castillo play, but a player like this is exactly what the US needs to be more dynamic. We tend to play with two holding midfielders already, which basically turns into six at the back with Donovan killing himself on the right as a two way player while Dempsey and two other forwards try to play 3 v 5. Playing with two holding midfielders is fine when you have two wingbacks bombing forward, which we potentially have with Spector and Castillo. We would have a box of 4 defenders holding, Donovan wouldn't have to cover as much ground, and we'd have 5 or 6 guys attacking and defending. Unfortunately this makes it more difficult for Benny and Torres to get on the field, but our attack would be much improved within this system.

I've never see Castillo play, but a player like this is exactly what the US needs to be more dynamic. We tend to play with two holding midfielders already, which basically turns into six at the back with Donovan killing himself on the right as a two way player while Dempsey and two other forwards try to play 3 v 5. Playing with two holding midfielders is fine when you have two wingbacks bombing forward, which we potentially have with Spector and Castillo. We would have a box of 4 defenders holding, Donovan wouldn't have to cover as much ground, and we'd have 5 or 6 guys attacking and defending. Unfortunately this makes it more difficult for Benny and Torres to get on the field, but our attack would be much improved within this system.

sorry for the double post...computer problems this morning...

QUOTE(#12):

Originally posted 11:50 AM ET  11.02 by The Imperative Voice

This is all a bit stereotypical. The fairer critique is that different positions tend to demand different attribute sets. A central midfielder without technical ability will be eaten alive because there is always someone around ballhawking. A wing player without speed will be eaten alive because there's room to run, fewer defenders, and less room for error in terms of people to clean up mistakes.

What is stereotypical? Your assessment of technical abilities or your constant drone that anyone but an English, German or Swedish player dives more often?

I think it's stereotypical to say wingbacks are of lesser skill, converted attackers unable to cut the mustard, etc. If it was as simple as pushing a surplus attacker back the US would have solved their left and right wingback issues long ago. It's been tried over and over -- Albright, Lewis, Beasley, etc.

QUOTE(#18):

Originally posted 12:41 PM ET  11.02 by The Imperative Voice

I think it's stereotypical to say wingbacks are of lesser skill, converted attackers unable to cut the mustard, etc. If it was as simple as pushing a surplus attacker back the US would have solved their left and right wingback issues long ago. It's been tried over and over -- Albright, Lewis, Beasley, etc.

Apologies, I attributed a "stereotypical" reference to you that was not intended for you. We have a couple of bigots out here who tend to visit for a nonsensical romp and I don't believe you fall into this category.

anyone catch the west ham game this weekend? a significant portion of west ham's attack was playing the ball to spector to send in those 45 degree 30-40 yard half cross things.

as far as im concerned (and i am aware that this means nothing, especially with our zero accountability ussf in charge) our RB spot should be locked up, and i dont think castillo is as good as bornstein/hejduk/boca/etc, so yea, call him up, but he isnt going to see any important minutes