). When the question comes up as to why we can produce top goalie talent but not field players, a typical response is, "it's the one position our system can't screw up"!
Nothing wrong w/ competition, if Mucha can earn the spot power to him. He sounds like a baller. And I'm sure he has no plans of conceding anything. Obviously as a Yank I'd hate to see our #1 get supplanted at club level considering it's the only position we're supposedly closer to traditional power nations (which, by the way....why does it seem like England is the complete opposite? Why can't you find some solid keepers?? It's not like you're losing all your Buffon's to NFL/NBA/MLB
As far as how good he is, to each their own. It's kind of a fickle, "you're as good as your most recent blunder", position. I admit started getting a bit (& I mean minor) nervous earlier in the year, then went through a stretch where I kind of didn't notice him outside a few outstanding saves (& I didn't miss a single Donovan game...yeah I know, I know). Then I thought, not noticing is actually a good thing for keepers (which I think is what you were alluding to BLS??). And when I think about all the bad luck goals, deflections, penalties, changing back line, etc....I've kind of settled back into "very confident" status. I've seen him enough w/ Nats to know he's the least of our concerns this summer. I can't imagine anybody who'd argue he's not easily above average EPL (personally believe he's fairly comfortably in top 5, but that's just me). I know it's blasphemy around these parts, but Reina's probably the only one I'd swap him out for w/o blinking. Used to feel same about Cech but he's slipped a bit IMO, Ed VDS is old, who else is CLEARLY hands down no questions asked better? Not saying he's 2nd best, just don't the clear better options. Plus he's a good dude, not a headcase, seems to genuinely love the club. I don't know, what else do you want really?
Plus there's something about him which makes me believe there could be a higher ceiling than you think. Considering he's 30-ish & keepers around the world are typically prime around 35, combined w/ his athleticism/raw talent & instincts....& finally the "Yank" learning factor. I always try to remind folks overseas how different it is to grow up as a "soccer" player in the states. W/ the exception of children of immigrants & the like, the game just isn't inherent to us. There isn't that natural understanding or gut feeling over here. Everywhere else kids are playing out of the womb. It's getting better, but still LONG way to go. That's why I think our players in Europe tend to be at best a few years behind the curve compared to their teammates--but on the flip side may have some unexpected upside, all else equal. Even at mid 20's some of our guys probably "feel" like academy products from a learning curve standpoint. But once we put our mind to it we generally find a way to figure it out, no secret there. And I think smart European coaches are starting to better understand this & adjust accordingly. Hey, I may need to coach these guys a little more, but w/ some patience I can find some decent value over there.
Meanwhile....I take it nobody else is confused as to the incentive for Mucha to sign pre-contract considering WC & freebie status? It just seems to me like, what's the worse that can happen....SOMEBODY will sign you on a free no matter, what's the rush? On the flip side, if you blow up this summer, who knows maybe you'll hit jackpot.
Other than the obvious fact that it's a glorious team w/ amazing fans & a top manager, of course!!
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