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[QUOTE="Forza Azzurri, post: 3989001, member: 1452"]
This is simply not a true statement.  In a 4-3-3, the only time he should ever be the last man back is if centerbacks are up for a set piece and there is a quick counter, then anyone who is able needs to get back.

And even if you are talking solely about the flank, it is also not true.  The only time he would need to get back is if the outside back has made an overlapping or channel run and we turn the ball over.  Then he would need to get back and cover.

Playing good defense is about much more than desire.  It is about 1 v 1 technique, positioning , anticipating...many of the concepts that make for good defending in any sport.

And you keep asserting that he is lazy and doesn't try.  I don't see it.  I have games where he is ineffective but not a lack of hustle.  You will have to provide some specific instances, or periods during games, in order for me to buy into this assertion.

LOL. he plays for Barcelona and you claim he cannot control the ball.  C'mon.  Seriously?  He may be the most talented 1 v 1 player on the team.  He is certainly in the top 5.

He did do too much dribbling, with no apparent purpose against El Salvador but so did any number of others.  Part of that was on him.  Part of that is on Berhalter and his teammates.

But there have been times, in prior games, where he was absolutely scintillating on the ball.

McKinnie and Reyna both played one game, not three.  McKinnie played poorly.  The team played poorly.

I didn't think Reyna played particularly well but there were media members who said he was our best player on the field.

Ding.  Ding.  Ding.  We have a winner.  Can you tell me why you are spot on with this observation?
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