Every good orchestra needs a conductor to ensure that its woodwinds, percussion, brass and strings play in unison. Soccer is no different. To make the disjointed jointed is an art. At times, individual performances can stand out; at times, they can even transcend the collective. But the art of joinder can make the unexceptional exceptional, which is why a gifted conductor creating a masterpiece with seemingly simplistic movements can be so mesmerizing.
The current U.S. squad is arguably the most talented ever. All eleven U.S. starters that lined up this past weekend against Turkey played for European clubs this season, which speaks to the growing strength of the U.S. team. But individual displays don’t always translate into collective success. For that, you need someone to orchestrate the proceedings.
Over the past few years, the U.S. has lacked a conductor in spite of its growing foreign legion. That matters in matches where individual talent, or athleticism, or set pieces can’t break the opposition. But fortunately, José Francisco Torres is on the U.S. roster.
In Michael Bradley and Maurice Edu, the U.S. has two central midfielders with an international pedigree. But the question is whether the duo in a 4-4-2 can create enough going forward to break down top opposition. Offensively, both players have shown a greater proficiency in creating scoring opportunities. Defensively, whether tackling, closing down players, or playing the simple ball to keep possession, Bradley and Edu are more than capable. But what the U.S. lacks with these two players on the field is the dynamism to manage the flow of play and the vision and technical ability to dissect opposing teams from midfield. That much was clear with the introduction of Torres against Turkey.
Torres has the vision, range of passes and the technical ability to hold the ball, distribute, and quickly change the point of attack, all of which is essential to keeping opponents off balance. He knows when to play short and when to play long. Perhaps more importantly, Torres doesn’t panic under pressure, whether in the offensive or defensive half.
The art of possession has been missing from U.S. sides for some time, especially since Claudio Reyna’s international retirement in 2006. In South Africa, possession and poise in the midfield and the ability to spring an attack at a moment’s notice will be desperately needed if the U.S. is to have any hope of dictating the proceedings rather than simply reacting to the opposition. At only 22 years old, Torres already has all the qualities to conduct a masterpiece for the U.S. Whether he gets that opportunity in South Africa is a question only Bob Bradley can answer.
Although I’m not holding my breath, against England, the U.S. might be well advised to go with a 4-5-1 to get its best players on the field without committing the football equivalent of hara-kiri by playing one defensive midfielder (assuming Torres starts). Although we’ve made huge strides over the years, the U.S. is not technically sound enough to match England playing a 4-4-2. A 4-5-1 would place Edu and Bradley in front of our defenders, assisting our outside backs against England’s speedy, marauding outside midfielders. Torres would play just above those two, with Donovan and Dempsey playing as outside midfielders, and Altidore as the lone striker up top.
The key to this formation is Torres, dropping back as the first outlet when we win the ball at the back and dictating the tempo of the match when the U.S. is in possession. Playing both Bradley and Edu would relieve Torres of some of his defensive duties, freeing him up to focus on being the first pass after winning possession.
The thing is, the U.S. doesn’t always have to concede possession against better teams, nor do they always have to skip over the midfield hoping Altidore can turn defenders as he did against Spain in the Confederations Cup. We have a player in Torres capable of getting the best out of our individual parts and willing to take on the responsibility. We have our very own Xavi, capable of the establishing our tempo and keeping opposing defenses guessing. When you have a player like that, you have to play him. My fingers are crossed, and I’m sure I’m not the only one hoping.
Check out “The Conductor” from the Turkey match. Really, no more words are needed.
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Great post. I couldn’t agree more. For along time, the criticism about the US is that they don’t have a specific style of play. I disagree with this critique. I think the U.S.’s style of play should be called a “Panicky Style.” It’s kind of an attempt to run a fast break all of the time. When we get the ball way back in our end of the pitch, the defenders panic and just clear it out of the area, as opposed to passing the ball and working it up the field. Go back and watch every match since Bob Bradley started as coach and you will see the “Panicky Style” at work. Gringo Torres is the antithesis of the panicky style. When he has the ball, he gives the rest of the team the brief moment needed to relax a little and focus on spacing, passing lanes, etc. He is indeed a Xavi-like presence that diffuses the panicky style and allows for a more natural flow to emerge. In my opinion, Torres must start against England and we need to cultivate more players (perhaps the MLS could loan some of our younger midfielders to Mexican clubs?) who can play in a way that diffuses the panic. I grew up outside the US (though I am a gringo) and I think that (having observed this in my own children) basketball, american football and baseball are all sports that demand 100% full speed when the ball is in play. Soccer, is
counter-intutitive to this “full speed all of the time” approach. Anybody who has watched Barcelona (or any team from Mexico) play knows this. Sometimes, you need to slow down and maintain ball control in order to “go fast” and accomplish your objectives.
Torres definitely needs playing time. I am not sure if the U.S. can ever find a comparable substitute for Claudio Reyna, though. I liken Michael Bradley to John O’Brien on previous teams, strong defensive midfielder who has the ability to push forward and score if called upon. I think the combination of O’Brien/Reyna was very effective and we need that going to WC 10′. Hopefully, Torres gets a chance to prove it.
Just bought a Torres Jersey. Great post
There is a calmness about him that reminds me of Andrea Pirlo. From this clip, and others, Torres likes to have the touches, going front to back before he sends the crosses. Looking at Pirlo vids, looks like Torres could be like Pirlo, and I would think that’s an honor.