01-16-2020, 12:52 PM
One positive about Rapinoe is that she's still a deadly crosser; unfortunately, this year's team doesn't have a big aerial target in the front, unless the d-mids are up.
But as I said after the WC, she has a tendency to switch off a bit defensively (or conserve her energy for the offensive end, if you prefer.) That's why I thought Ertz or Lavelle should have won the Golden Ball.
I think Lloyd has a stronger case for inclusion, also, given she can play either up top or as attacking center mid, and still puts the ball on frame as well as almost anyone.
Will be interesting to see what formations Vlatko plays around with - that could have a strong impact as well on personnel decisions - Rapinoe in a 4-3-3 is much more viable than in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2, given her disinterest in tracking back.
One other thing about Smith - her skill set is very similar to the other forwards, more ball at her feet attacking than say a back to goal target forward or great distributor from the end line.
VG
But as I said after the WC, she has a tendency to switch off a bit defensively (or conserve her energy for the offensive end, if you prefer.) That's why I thought Ertz or Lavelle should have won the Golden Ball.
I think Lloyd has a stronger case for inclusion, also, given she can play either up top or as attacking center mid, and still puts the ball on frame as well as almost anyone.
Will be interesting to see what formations Vlatko plays around with - that could have a strong impact as well on personnel decisions - Rapinoe in a 4-3-3 is much more viable than in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2, given her disinterest in tracking back.
One other thing about Smith - her skill set is very similar to the other forwards, more ball at her feet attacking than say a back to goal target forward or great distributor from the end line.
VG