| 04 August 2011
Sports Illustrated writer Steve Davis talked with US Futblog to give his state of the union address for US Soccer and to share his thoughts on Freddy Adu, Charlie Davies, and much more...
*US Futblog's comments were made independent of the Steve Davis interview
After Mexico stomped out the US in the Gold Cup final one would conclude that Mexico is younger, more skilled, and overall a team more equipped to compete against the World Powers in international competition. Do you agree with this statement?
Steve Davis: Yes, but let’s not make it more than what it is. These things are cyclical. The United States had Mexico’s number through the last decade, from roughly 2001 on. Back then, nobody was saying that U.S. developmental methods were superior. We pretty much knew better. So, we shouldn’t believe now, as I think some people are suggesting, that current Mexican developmental methods are necessarily superior. They may be … and they may not be. I’m just saying that a generation of young, exciting players comes along every once in a while. It’s Mexico’s turn right now.
US Futblog: I agree with Steve, it's definitely Mexico's time right now. No manager wants to see Dos Santos, Chicharito, and Pablo Barrera running at their defense in any national team competition. It's just scary to think that these players are so young- 22, 23, and 24 respectively. In any event I believe it's Mexico's stronger domestic league with superior youth programs that have advanced their National Team to "Top 10" status. The MLS isn't far behind in quality though and with the new emphasis on home-grown talent, the Yanks are closer than one would think.
Do you believe that the US is in a transition period in which young talent must step up, as Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey reach their 30s?
Steve Davis: Yes, pretty much same answer as above. Some of it is down to luck. For instance, we might feel a lot better about a new generation of American youngsters climbing the next level if Stuart Holden didn’t have all his injury misfortune.
US Futblog: The Yanks are definitely in transition mode with Donovan, Dempsey, Cherundolo, Bocanegra, and even Tim Howard either hovering around 30 years of age or beyond it. However, Donovan, Dempsey, and Timmy still have one more cycle left in those experienced legs, which gives the US ample time to transition smoothly. Like Steve said, you still have a man like Stu Holden to come into the center of the pitch and join Michael Bradley, who seems like he's been with the national team forever, but he's only 24-years-old. Also, I think that the young talent is coming....Timothy Chandler and Juan Agudelo are 2 great examples of this. Plus, you can't forget about the real young guys like Pelosi and Guido, who already are making an impression on strong European teams.
What prospects do you see coming up and playing a role with the national team over this world cup cycle from both the MLS and abroad?
Steve Davis: I think you start with Tim Chandler, who can play as a right back and right midfielder. Having already stated how I feel about Cherundolo, the fact is that he’s already 32 and he won’t be around forever. Chandler is the perfect deputy at that spot, while also available for spot duty in midfield as needed.
US Futblog: Timothy Chandler is definitely on the tip of every fan's tongue right now. He seems like the perfect successor to Cherundolo. I'm going to throw Joshua Gatt into the mix as a real deal US prospect, who will play a prominent roll over this upcoming cycle. Gatt is currently patrolling the right flank for Norwegian side, Molde FK. He scored a beauty of a goal last week-check it out-but beyond that the guy has a great foot and some innate ball skills. Be sure to watch for him.
What did you make of Freddy Adu’s Gold Cup run? Will he have a legitimate impact on the team going forward? Is he the true creative #10 the US is missing? Also, where do you see Adu playing his club ball next season that will help continue his growth as a player?
Steve Davis: In my opinion, he showed that he has developed as a player and, quite possibly, as a person, too. I talked to some members of the U.S. staff early in the Gold Cup and his earlier practices were fairly discouraging. They thought perhaps they had made a mistake in giving him a roster spot. But he kept after it and he began showing improvement. After a while, they trusted him enough to put him on the field, and we all saw how that turned out. He was nothing short of a revelation. As for his club situation … he needs to do better than Turkey’s lower divisions, for sure. It might be time to take a little less money and just find a team where he’s comfortable, and where he can actually get on the darn field.
US Futblog: It was impressive that Adu got on the field during the Gold Cup even though Bradley made it clear after the Spain friendly that Adu was just in camp to get a feel for things. However, Adu's insertion was due in part to Bob's desperation for a creative presence that could make SOMETHING happen going forward. Adu did just that, he made things happen that led to crucial goals during the latter stages of the tourney, but this kid is an enigma, wrapped in a riddle, who is tied up in the hype of a 14-year-old Adu. Let's be honest nobody knows how much he will contribute to this upcoming cycle, but the potential is there. Hopefully he'll settle down in a Norway/Sweden type league where he can finally get regular minutes.
Is Juan Agudelo the answer to the Yanks forward woes and/or will Jozy Altidore turn it around and become a reliable goal-scorer?
Steve Davis: You’re really asking me to predict the future there … and I don’t have a crystal ball! I smashed it on my last trip to Vegas because it obviously wasn’t working! These things come with 100 variables … Can they stay injury free? Can they stay grounded? Do they have good locker room leaders and mentors around them? Are they lucky enough to be paired with a coach or a wise assistant who can tutor them on the training ground, teach them the finer points? Are they comfortable in their cultural surroundings? Are they stuck with a hardass coach who, for whatever reason, just doesn’t like them? The list goes on … Both players have loads of upside, but we see players with potential (in all sports) wash out all the time.
US Futblog: Altidore is not the answer, Agudelo may be the answer but like Steve said there are just too many variables to say one way or the other. In my opinion, the US midfield will need to carry the Yanks through the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The dominant forward is on his way, but we may have to wait a few more years.
I know Davies has 8 MLS goals (tied for 4th in the league), but what kind of form is Charlie Davies really in? Do you think he will ever regain his pre-accident form?
Steve Davis: I personally believe he can regain that previous form, but he’s not there yet. He can’t push it, and he can’t “fake” it by relying on dives and penalty kicks. He just needs to accept that it’s a long road back and that he’s not there yet. He’s still a young player. If he keeps his head down and works hard, by this time next year I might have a completely different answer to the question.
US Futblog: Davies definitely has the perseverance to attempt to make the comeback complete. However, I'm not sure if his body will let him. You can clearly tell that there is something missing in Charlie's game so far this season and by no means is he ready for a call-up. It's funny to think about the fans (I was in the blame as well) that were criticizing former USMNT coach, who will remain nameless, about not calling-in Davies to the training camp that preceded the World Cup and the final roster announcement. That might have been Bradley's smartest move-leaving Davies behind-but selecting Findley and Buddle to replace him is an entirely different conversation. Conclusion: Davies' time is not now.
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