So the final 23 man roster was released today by team manager Jurgen Klinsmann, and the BIGGEST and without a doubt what could be the most controversial snub was Landon Donovan. Landon, 32, is
- USA’s mens all-time leading goal scorer with 57 goals in 156 games
- All-time leading scorer for USA in the World Cup with 5 goals and played in the 2002, 2006, and 2010 world cups
Instead of selecting Donovan, Jurgen selected 18 year old Julian Green to go to Brazil. Green, who was German born to an American father, had to pick earlier which team to try out for either USA over Germany. Jurgen also selected 32 year old Brad Davis from Houston, a great MLS player the last 12 years, instead of Donovan. Now I am not slamming Davis, a left winger playing in over 300 games with nearly 50 goals in his MLS career, but over Landon? There is a reason why he has only played 14 games for USA! Green and Davis were selected ahead of Landon, Maurice Edu and Sacha Kljestan? I understand those players play different roles, I just prefer experience and proven players.
18 year old Julian Green, German born to a American father, is going to Brazil
Landon Donovan getting snubbed wasn’t the only surprise from the final 23, two young defenders made the roster over veterans. Congrats to those who made it, but I will have to disagree with the decision to keep defenders John Brooks and DeAndre Yedlin. Brooks, 21, plays central defense for Hertha Berlin in the Germany, while DeAndre Yedlin, 20, is playing right back in his 2nd MLS season for Seattle. Michael Parkhurst at right back and Clarence Goodson at central defense, who were cut, give us a better chance to win.
Clearly Jurgen is going on youth with Julian Green, DeAndre Yedlin, John Brooks. It’s a good problem to have alot of good players to pick from, but the World Cup comes only every four years picking youth over experience? If team USA goes 0-3 in the World Cup, Jurgen will be fired and he knows it. Clearly he saw something in these players that I do not. I hope he is right and I am wrong.
20 year old Yedlin, from Seattle, plays for Seattle, is too going to Brazil
Now comes the question of the starting XI, who will take Landon’s place? I do not see Brooks or Yedlin playing, unless someone gets hurt, suspended, or if USA gets eliminated before game 3. Nor do I feel Julian Green will plays unless he plays really well during the next 3 friendlies before the World Cup. Stay tuned…..
