DEPTH: A GIFT AND A CURSE
Can depth actually be an issue?
That would be a novel idea considering how rare it is to have options in this cap-tied league. The fact is, though, that the time for tinkering should be over. The stretch run should be about fortification, not exploration.
For the Red Bulls, there are many options, but few spots to fill. Here is a quick look at the forward situation as an example:
FORWARDS: Thierry Henry, Kenny Cooper, Sebastian Le Toux, Tim Cahill
Since joining New York, Backe has looked to wedge Le Toux anywhere he possibly can. Cooper has seen the bench more than once thanks to the tinkering. Cahill featured up top for New York away at DC, adding him to the mix. What will be the final solution.
We spoke about the defense, which still has the ability to go anywhere (much to Backe’s shagrin), but what about the options on the right wing? Lloyd Sam is expecting minutes, Solli has been a mainstay, Barklage will look for minutes anywhere, and even McCarty has featured on the wing. And the middle of the park? Teemu Tainio is back, McCarty has been fantastic, Cahill has tried his hand there, as has Lindpere.
The point is this: ideally in September, you would want a set XI. The Red Bulls simply do not have that. The luxury of riches may come at the cost of chemistry. If the team finds the right pieces just prior to the playoffs and makes a run, they did everything right. If not? It may be another disappointing exit to the golf course.
Dave, I agree you are essentially correct as Luck is what you make of it. The blessing of talent across the board seems almost overwhelming to Backe as he’s now almost prone to tinkering in fashions that leave his best talent on the bench (read: Cooper).
I must, however, beg to differ on a few points.
You note there have been contributions across the various role players throughout the season and for the most part that’s correct. I would add that, despite some early struggles, Lindpere has made himself relevant again at the most important time of the season, right now.
And, I further suggest Le Toux deserves to be only listed in the Complete Bust category. Short of his debut game/goal, he’s had no impact whatsoever, but for permitting Backe a poor excuse of a player to replace Cooper in the starting XI. Le Toux’s supposed “high work rate” has produced little more than the useless chasing of balls passed back to the opposing Keeper. He is soft on the ball and losses possession easily, doesn’t win 50/50 battles and rarely provides any cover for overlapping defenders on his side of the field.
Despite a few Assists, Roy Miller is finally in the right position for RBNY- firmly planted on the bench. He’s single-handedly (and lazily) cost the team goals and games with his unyielding desire to push forward and abandon his primary duties as a defender, however poorly he plays the role. He’s beaten regularly on his wing and not merely by the best the MLS has to offer. His last game in the XI was nothing short of horrific and not even “Miller-loving Backe” could afford to keep that sort of player on the pitch any longer. It’s about time. His descent gives us hope to find a backline that might yet prove effective.
2 to 0 to The Arsenal !!!