What is Wrong with the US Men's Soccer Team?

The US men’s national soccer team isn’t going anywhere no matter what it may seem. Some argue that the focus needs to be on the youth and getting them experience and developing them; some say we need the right manager and the best players if we want to win, but both are wrong. The truth is the US men’s team is going to fail no matter what. Young American soccer players who play in the MLS will never win a major international tournament. Former American stars like Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore have all played in Europe, and the US men’s team won’t get better until their players start playing overseas.

Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams played in the German Bundesliga this past campaign, and both experienced fine years. Pulisic nearly helped Borussia Dortmund win the Bundesliga title, while Adams helped his RB Leipzig squad secure second in the DFB Pokal. Both of their squads’ dreams were crushed by the German giants, Bayern Munich who formerly employed a young American winger by the name of Julian Green. While Green has played overseas for most of his career, he still has not really broken on to the international scene for the US men’s team which is a rare case for Americans playing in Europe. So, while it won’t happen in all cases, playing for European teams will prepare players for the tough international battles.

American heroes like Landon Donovan (Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Everton), Clint Dempsey (Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur), Tim Howard (Manchester United, Everton), Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach, Aston Villa, AS Roma), and Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar, Sunderland) all have had tremendous success In the men’s national team after playing for European clubs. In fact, when the US team was at its best, it boasted Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra who also played overseas for Fulham. These players are proof that it is vital for America to start loaning or transferring their players to Europe for necessary development that will greatly benefit the international men’s soccer situation.

What Each of the 7 Biggest Clubs Should Do This Summer

With the 2018-19 season closing and the summer transfer window approaching, I delve into what each of these world class clubs should do this summer. 

FC Barcelona

1. Sign Antoine Griezmann

While he arguably shouldn’t be the top priority for Barcelona considering their defense is weaker than their attack, Griezmann would add a whole new dimension to FCB’s striking core. Like Messi, Griezmann can score, facilitate, and dribble. The combo would be deadly, especially with a star finisher like Luis Suarez in the middle.

2. Sign Matthis De Ligt

Signing De Ligt would be a massive help for Barca’s back line. The 19-year old was a star at Ajax this past season, and he would do wonders for Camp Nou alongside his fellow Ajax player Frenkie de Jong who recently signed with Barca.

3. Sign Filipe Luis

Filipe Luis has already rejected an offer from Borussia Dortmund as he expects to receive an offer from Barcelona. His free transfer would relieve Barca from paying too much for a 33-year old left back, but Luis will provide some much needed depth at left back as Jordi Alba struggled down the stretch and is only getting older. Ideally, Barca would bring back Alex Grimaldo to start at left back, but with Jordi Alba still on the roster, it seems as if Luis is the more likely option.

Real Madrid

1. Sign Eden Hazard

Hazard has been linked to Madrid for forever, and this could be the perfect timing to complete a move. Hazard enjoyed a remarkable season in the Premier League while Real struggled in all competitions. Now with Zinedine Zidane back at the helm, and Gareth Bale sitting on the bench, it seems that Hazard is the perfect for Madrid.

2. Sign Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe is the world’s best youngster at this point, and with Madrid’s inability to score goals, he would be a perfect signing. Mbappe has recently hinted at a departure from his current French club, and Zidane would be wise to throw his hat in the ring. Mbappe will instantly bring a whole new aspect to lacking Madrid attack that failed to perform with Karim Benzema at the 9.

3. Sign Alex Sandro

Madrid’s massive rebuild also requires defensive help. Sandro performed well in Juventus this year, and he would be in a rotation for a starting left back role with Marcelo who got beat defensively far too much last season.

Paris Saint-Germain

1. Keep Kylian Mbappe and Neymar

The first priority for PSG needs to be to keep their two superstars. While Edinson Cavani is a clinical star at the 9, Neymar and Mbappe are the true superstars which make PSG’s attack so lethal. The French club has already spent so much on securing their talents, if they spend even more money to make them stay, they will secure one of Europe’s finest attacks.

2. Sign Paul Pogba/Wilfred Ndidi

Even with Ander Herrera on the way, PSG needs some more defensive midfield help. If PSG wants to spend even more money to create their super-squad, Paul Pogba would be the obvious choice. Pogba will demand a high transfer fee and a high salary, but he will be able to make a difference on the pitch box-to-box. Meanwhile, Ndidi is a much cheaper option, but he has a wonderful work rate and is great at winning back possession.

3. Sign Kalidou Koulibaly

The center back would make an instant impact on a defense that is actually pretty weak despite boasting some big names. Alongside Marquinhos and Thiago Silva, Koulibaly would be a solid addition and security blanket for PSG.

Manchester United

1. Sell Alexis Sanchez, Sign Gareth Bale

Yes, you heard me: Gareth Bale. Bale is so out-of-favor in Madrid right now that United could swoop in and get him for cheap. Sanchez has been horrible since his return to Manchester but selling him will leave United with a more friendly wage budget as well as a wide open right wing. Bale could very well return to his prior form if given a chance to return to the Premier League.

2. Sell Ashley Young, Sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka

While United needs to sell most of their players in order to complete their rebuild, signing Wan-Bissaka, arguably the Premier League’s best right back last season, is also very important to rebuilding the defense. Ashley Young was absolutely terrible (and overpaid).

3. Sign Mauro Icardi

With all the rumors pointing towards Romeluu Lukaku leaving for Inter Milan, Icardi will most likely be put out of a job by the talented Belgian. Icardi could very well be a fit in Ole Gunner’s system, but he will be on a rotation with Marcus Rashford at the 9.

FC Bayern Munich

1. Sign Leroy Sane

Sane is one of the world’s best young wingers, and he could come relatively cheap to the German giants. Signing Sane would allow Bayern to push Gnabry to the inside of their formation behind Lewandowski as a replacement for the aging Thomas Muller and the departing James Rodriguez.

2. Sign Erik Ten Hag as manager

Ten Hag had a wonderful year in Ajax this season and is known for his ability to develop young players. With Bayern going through a rebuild, Ten Hag is the right man for the job. Also, signing him might lure one of his young stars from his current team.   

3. Sign Matthis De Ligt

Signing the world’s best young defender would go a long way to bolster Bayern’s defense. If Bayern signs Ten Hag, this could be a very possible option. The signings of Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard would allow Bayern a lot of freedom when it comes to the futures of Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels.

Liverpool

1. Sign Memphis Depay

Depay would give Liverpool even more attacking help alongside Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino. While it seems unlikely all four could share the pitch at the same time, it seems very possible Depay could outplay Firmino and claim the starting striker spot to further improve Liverpool’s newly redesigned attack.

2. Sign Kai Havertz

Havertz would give Klopp a young attacking midfield general who distributes the ball well and can also score goals when needed. Havertz might develop nicely under his fellow German coach.

3. Sign backup fullbacks

With Alberto Moreno and Nathaniel Clyne gone, plus the uncertain future of James Milner, Klopp needs some depth at the fullback positions. Former FC Bayern backup Rafinha could be an option as a free transfer and/or perhaps Dutchman Denzel Dumfries.

FC Bayern Munich 2019 Summer Moves: Keep or Sell?

With FC Bayern nearly losing the Bundesliga title to their rival club Borussia Dortmund, the club needs some major renovations. Many fans and pundits are calling for a major overhaul, and I explore what FC Bayern should do with each player in their squad.

Goalkeepers

Manuel Neuer – Keep

Neuer still has a case for being the best goalkeeper in the world, and as long as he is, he will not be replaced in Bayern. However, there has already been some thought in finding a young prodigy to develop until the time is right.

Sven Ulreich – Keep

Ulreich has filled his backup duties well so far in Bayern. With Neuer being oft injured this campaign, Ulreich has stepped up and played like a top goalkeeper. However, he will not be securing a starting job at another world class club because of his sometimes head-scratching mistakes.

Christian Fruchtl – Keep

Fruchtl is a young goalie who could be groomed to become Bayern’s next starter if Neuer holds down his position for the next 5 years.

Full Backs

Joshua Kimmich – Keep

Kimmich is the best right back in the world, and he led the Bundesliga in assists this past season. Kimmich will be counted on to be a leader for many more years to come.

David Alaba – Keep

Alaba is regarded as one of the world’s best left backs, and he will continue to start at the left back role even after an inconsistent season at Bayern and the arrival of Lucas Hernandez.

Rafinha – Release

Rafinha enjoyed a fine career at Bayern, but he is no longer world class material. Bayern decided to let his contract run out, and he will be joining another team this summer where he will most likely get more minutes on the pitch.

Center Backs

Niklas Sule – Keep

Current manager Niko Kovac has praised Niklas Sule as his number 1 center back, and despite the arrivals of Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard, Sule will be counted on to start and perform for Bayern.

Mats Hummels – Keep

Hummels is a German staple in Bayern’s defense. Hummels is a sound player with good tactics, but he can make sloppy mistakes in the back. While his play was far from great, he improved over the course of the season.

Jerome Boateng – Sell

Boateng used to be considered one of the world’s best center backs before a disastrous World Cup and past campaign for Bayern. He has become lazy and sloppy when making tackles and has proven to be a liability for the Bundesliga champions.

Central Midfield

Thiago – Keep

Thiago is the midfield general at Bayern; he is a lock to start almost every game, and he ensures that Bayern keeps possession and stay in control of the game. He was easily one of the best players in the Bundesliga this season, and his consistent performances are what managers rely on.

Corentin Tolisso – Keep

Tolisso showed signs of immense potential last season before being kept on the bench because of injuries. Tolisso could be the next Thiago for Bayern, and his skill could eventually lead to a consistent starting role with the Bavarian giants.

Renato Sanches – Keep

Sanches does not get much playing under Niko Kovac, and he could ask for a transfer or a loan soon. Sanches is a very aggressive player who sprinkles in phenomenal plays with technical mistakes. However, he is still young, and Bayern should keep him at least for the time being.

Wingers + Attacking midfielders

Arjen Robben – Release

Robben decided it was time for him to go, which signals an end of an era in Bayern.

Franck Ribery – Release

Ribery also decided to leave the club in the summer, which means neither piece of the Robbery duo will be intact after Bayern’s DFB Pokal Final against RB Leipzig.

Kingsley Coman – Keep

Coman was one of Bayern’s best players this year despite missing time with injuries. Coman has made sure that he has a starting spot in Bayern’s squad next year with his fantastic performances.

James Rodriguez – Keep

While it seems very likely that James will be leaving for Real Madrid after his loan deal expires, it would be best for the German club to keep him. Keeping James in the rotation with the young Leon Goretzka and the proven, consistent Thomas Muller would give whoever manages Bayern next year an option at the attacking midfield spot.

Serge Gnabry – Keep

Gnabry played very well on the opposite wing of Coman this past season and has become one of Germany’s most talked about young stars. His ability to score goals is unrivaled by any other winger in the Bundesliga besides the likes of Marco Reus and Arjen Robben.

Leon Goretzka – Keep

Goretzka plays very well at the attacking midfield position, as his positioning is nearly flawless. He always finds himself in the right spot and reminds a little bit of a younger Thomas Muller.

Alphonso Davies - Keep

If Kovac stays on as Bayern manager, staying at Bayern will be the best thing for his career. Under Kovac, Davies saw time that he might not have received under a different manager. If he continues to get opportunities with the first team, his career should take off at Bayern.

Thomas Muller – Keep

While Muller is no longer the goal scoring threat he used to be, he still makes the right plays and finds openings for himself and his teammates.

Strikers

Robert Lewandowski – Keep

While Bayern needs to invest in a backup for the aging striker from Poland, Lewandowski is widely regarded as the world’s best striker, and Bayern will do everything they can to keep him wearing the red and blue.

Players Incoming:

Lucas Hernandez LB/CB

Benjamin Pavard CB/RB

Likely Signings:

Callum Hudsoin-Odoi RW/LW

Leroy Sane LW

Timo Werner ST

NFC East Draft Grades

1. Washington Redskins - A
The Redskins killed this draft. Their first two picks were both steals, and the interior line help they secured will benefit them greatly. Finding Harmon and Moreland in the later rounds were incredible picks.
Dwayne Haskins QB - A
Haskins is the quarterback of the future in Washington, and they didn't even have to trade up to get him. Time will tell if he gets to immediately start over the likes of Case Keenum and possibly Alex Smith who is supposed to miss more time after his broken leg.
Montez Sweat OLB/DE - A
Sweat was a STEAL at 26 overall. The 'Skins, after losing pass rusher Preston Smith, add an arguably just as, if not more, talented edge defender in Sweat who will turn into one of the league's best outside linebackers.
Terry McLaurin WR - B-
McLaurin is fun to watch. He's a very fast receiver who has the ability to burn most defensive backs. The real question is if he is talented enough to make it on the field as a receiver and not just a returner.
Bryce Love RB - A-
Love was college football's best runner two years ago. After his torn ACL, he fell big time to the 'Skins who again got a major steal. Love and Guice will be able to dominate defenses as a solid one-two punch. Chris Thompson will be a viable pass-catching option as well.
Wes Martin G - B
Ross Pierschbacher C/G - B+
Pierschbacher and Martin both are brought into shore up the weak interior of this O-Line. With Haskins, Love, and Guice looking like they'll be taking over, the Redskins want to make sure they won't have to deal with pressure coming up the middle at them.
Cole Holcomb LB - B-
Kelvin Harmon WR - A-
Harmon is a very talented receiver who slipped a little bit on draft day. He reminds me of Corey Davis in tight space: somehow, he always makes an incredible catch and comes down with the ball. When contested, Harmon is one of the best 50/50 ball receivers in the class.
Jimmy Moreland CB - A-
Moreland was a solid pick, especially so late in the draft. He's an exceptional playmaker and will haul in his fair share of interceptions with some nice returns attached.
Jordan Brailford OLB - C+

2. Philadelphia Eagles - A-
Eagles made a move for the future while securing a couple of potential offensive playmakers.
Andre Dillard T - A-
Dillard is an excellent offensive tackle who will learn the ropes from two of the NFL's best in Jason Peters and Lane Johnson before eventually replacing Peters at left tackle. While you usually want your first round pick to make an impact right away, Dillard has enough talent to warrant taking him here even if he won't start his rookie season.
Miles Sanders RB - B+
The Eagles filled a need with Sanders who is somewhat inexperienced as a college running back, but he does have a lot of potential. While Sanders isn't the best runner in this class, the Eagles could have done much worse.
JJ Arcega-Whiteside WR - B+
Arcega-Whiteside will give Philly another good red zone option beside Alshon Jefferey and Zach Ertz. With DeSean Jackson returning though, Arcega-Whiteside might be pressed to find playing time.
Shareef Miller DE - B
Miller is the second Penn State player taken by Philadelphia, and he will be looked to immediately jump into the rotation at defensive end.
Clayton Thorson QB - C+

3. Dallas Cowboys - B
The 'Boys brought in some more depth on both lines and grabbed a couple of DBs to help shore up the secondary... not too bad.
Trysten Hill DT - B
Hill is a bit of reach here in the second round after barely playing last year, but his talent shows in the tape. The defensive staff in Dallas like him, and he just adds more depth to an already well-rounded Dallas D-Line.
Connor McGovern G - B
Left guard has been an issue for Dallas ever since the departure of Ronald Leary, and McGovern will hopefully be able to either fill it or backup a promising Connor Williams.
Tony Pollard RB - B-
Pollard backed up Darrell Henderson at Memphis, but he is a great return man. His speed and size allow him to play running back and receiver and could be a Tavon Austin sort of weapon for the Cowboys offense.
Michael Jackson CB - C+
Joe Jackson DE - B
Jackson is a physical defensive end who will come in and immediately get some rotational snaps with the Cowboys. The defensive line was already one of the best in the league, and it just got better with the addition of Jackson.
Donovan Wilson S - B-
There's a big gap at safety for the Cowboys after they failed to sign Earl Thomas, and Donovan Wilson will be competing with Jeff Heath for starting snaps.
Mike Weber RB - B-
Weber is a solid pick here to help give Ezekiel Elliott his occasional break.
Jalen Jelks DE -  C+

4. New York Giants - C+
The Giants made some strange picks this draft, but they did really work on the corner position and bring in a couple other valuable pieces.
Daniel Jones QB - C+
The most disappointing pick in the NFL draft, GM Dave Gettleman opted to take Duke QB Daniel Jones at 6 instead of record setting Ohio State QB Dwayne Haskins or just waiting to 17 to take a quarterback. While Jones is a decent player, even as the 6th pick he'll be sitting for a couple years behind the washed up Eli Manning.
Dexter Lawrence DT - B+
Lawrence's big body will clog up the middle in DC James Bettcher's 3-4 defense, but the Giants seem like they already have that position covered with Damon Harrison. Lawrence's snaps will be limited as a backup, but when he's in offenses will have a hard time running the ball up the middle.
DeAndre Baker CB - B
Baker is my top rated corner in the draft, but his attitude is poor. If he can stay away from suspensions and being a cancer in the locker room, he could be a star. He is essentially an Eli Apple 2.0.
Oshane Ximines OLB - C+
Ximines was a talented pass rusher, but he lacks the size to be dominant straightaway in the NFL.
Julian Love CB - B
Love was one of the best corners in college football last year. Pairing him with DeAndre Baker could be a match made in heaven for the Giants secondary.
Ryan Connelly LB - C+
Darius Slayton WR - C
Corey Ballentine CB - B-
The Giants really went after the cornerback position, and they fared pretty well. The depth they've assembled in this draft has been a great start to re-loading their defense. Now it looks like offense is their sole problem... Good thing they'll probably be back with some high draft picks next year.
George Asafo-Adjei T - C+
Chris Slayton DT - C

NFC West Draft Grades

1. Arizona Cardinals - A
The Cardinals draft was near perfect, and a strong sign that if Arizona doesn't bounce back to being a top 20 team this year, they will for sure in the next three years.
Kyler Murray QB - A
The Cardinals got their quarterback in the future in Kyler Murray who has all the tools to dominate under Kliff Kingsbury. Murray will be able to use his legs and arm to quickly become one of the league's best dual-threat quarterbacks.
Byron Murphy CB - A-
With the rumors that Patrick Peterson is becoming unsettled in Arizona, the Cardinals needed to take a defensive back high in this draft. Murphy is one of the best in this class, and if he isn't forced to replace Peterson, the pair could develop into one of the best CB tandems.
Andy Isabella WR - A-
Isabella is a quick slot receiver that lives off of route running and gaining separation for catches. Separation was not easy to come by for Cards receivers last year, and it didn't help that Josh Rosen seldom got them the ball when they did find some space. With Isabella, the Cards get a Julian Edelman/Cole Beasley type guy who will make a huge impact if utilized in the right manner.
Zach Allen DE - B+
The Cardinals did well in bringing in another defensive end. The talent in the front seven had been dwindling ever since the departure of Bruce Arians. Allen will be able to contribute right away.
Hakeem Butler WR - A-
While Butler is not great with his hands (lots of dropped passes), he is tremendous value in the fourth round. His big body and athleticism could lead him to become one of this draft's best receivers, but that will only happen if he can learn to catch the ball on a consistent basis.
Deionte Thomspon - A
Thompson, another tremendous value at where he came off the board, was a star safety at Alabama. There is no reason to expect him to change now that he's in the NFL, and he could be one of the steals of the draft.
Keesean Johnson WR - B
Johnson has good hands and will be able to add some more depth to a receiver corps that now boasts Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk, Andy Isabella, Hakeem Butler, and himself. Murray will have plenty of options to go to, but Fitzgerald and Johnson might be the most sure-handed of the group.
Lamont Gaillard C - B-
Gaillard is a quality pick because it fills the need at offensive line. If they want to be successful, the Cardinals have to keep Murray upright, and the line from last year simply isn't good enough. Gaillard might be counted on to jump in right away.
Joshua Miles T - B-
Miles is another quality pick simply because of the lack of talent on the OL. Marcus Gilbert is a star at the tackle position, but DJ Humphries is unreliable at best. If Humphries continues to struggle, Miles could make a push to start over him in his rookie season.
Michael Dogbe DT - C+
Caleb Wilson TE - C+

2. Los Angeles Rams - B+
The Rams did well to address certain positions of need, but they could've gotten some better value.
Taylor Rapp S - A-
Rapp will finish off an already strong secondary after Lamarcus Joyner left for Oakland in free agency.
Darrell Henderson RB - A
The Rams got my my top rated running back in the draft in Henderson, and he will make an immediate impact amid Todd Gurley's injury concerns. Henderson can be the CJ Anderson for the Rams in 2019, but eventually his talent will be too great, and he will look for a starting gig elsewhere.
David Long RB - C+
Drafting RBs back to back is never a great option, but I really didn't like this pick especially after picking up a guy like Henderson. Long will either beat out Henderson for the lead backup role, or sit on the bench all year.
Bobby Evans G - B-
The Rams get a big powerful guy to put on the inside of their line to break open holes for Gurley and Henderson/Long.
Greg Gaines DT -
David Edwards T - B
Nick Scott S - B-
Dakota Allen LB - B
Dakota Allen had tremendous value in the 7th round is one of the best 7th round picks you'll see this year. If he makes it on to the field this year, I think he could have a nice year as a rotational player in the Rams front seven.

3. Seattle Seahawks - B
The Seahawks made some good moves, but reached in a few places.
LJ Collier DE - C+
Collier is a good player, but he was a major reach in the first round. He should get some valuable snaps at defensive end as a replacement for Frank Clark, but he will have nowhere near the same sort of impact.
Marquise Blair S - B
With Kam Chancellor hanging it up, and Earl Thomas enjoying his last days in Baltimore, the 'Hawks desperately needed help at safety. Blair should be able to contribute, but he will be a work-in-progress for the next few years.
DK Metcalf WR - B
Metcalf has the physical ability to dominate in this league, but there is some concern with his agility and footwork. Metcalf is a physical freak, so if he can progress in certain areas of his game, he could be the best receiver in this draft.
Cody Barton LB - B-
Gary Jennings WR - C+
Phil Haynes G - B-
Haynes will be expected to be one of the pieces to rebuild and revitalize this offensive line. No one wants to see Russell Wilson on the ground, especially after he's sucking over 150 million dollars out of their pockets.
Ugo Amadi CB - C+
Ben Burr-Kirven LB - C+
Travis Homer RB - C+
Homer was a solid pick, especially since Seattle doesn't have a true RB1 at the moment, but it might've been a better move for the 'Hawks to nab a runner earlier in the draft.
Demarcus Christmas DT - B+
Christmas is a very good football player, and if he can stay healthy, he can be a dominant force on this young Seahawks' defensive line.
John Ursua WR - D+

4. San Francisco 49ers - B-
The Niners continue to improve their roster, and if Jimmy G can finally stay healthy, they have a chance to be a decent team this year. However, this draft, even though it was fine, could've gone a lot better.
Nick Bosa DE - A
Bosa is the best edge defender in this draft by far, and he will easily become a consistent Pro-Bowler in the NFL.
Deebo Samuel WR - B+
Samuel has good speed and was a good pickup for the 49ers who need targets for their franchise QB.
Jalen Hurd WR - C+
Hurd is a former running back that didn't really excel as either a runner or a receiver so it will be interesting to see how he is used in this offense. Of the few coaches that can maximize the potential of an offensive player by moving him around in an offense, Kyle Shanahan is one of them.
Mitch Wishnowsky P - C+
Wishnowsky is an amazing punter, and I can see how John Lynch might have gotten excited and jumped the gun a bit by taking him in the 4th round, but if he's not going to be there for your next pick, why not, am I right? Anyways, this guy is a phenomenal player, but the value for a punter in round 4 just isn't there most the time.
Dre Greenlaw LB - B-
The Niners helped fill some depth in a position of need with Greenlaw. After losing Patrick Willis, NaVarro Bowman, Aldon Smith, and now Rueben Foster, San Francisco's linebackers have been dropping like flies.
Kaden Smith TE - B-
Stanford consistently produces good tight ends, and it looks like they're continuing the trend with Kaden Smith. Even though San Francisco already has Pro-Bowler George Kittle, Smith will play a nice backup role to the young star.
Justin Skule T - B-
Tim Harris CB - C+
The 49ers really needed a corner 4 or 5 rounds earlier than this. But, Harris is better than nothing I guess. Harris will come in and play a few rotational snaps for San Fran this year, but Lynch and Shanahan need to get some further help at this position across from Richard Sherman.