Re: [nas] USA v Korea [R]

[RichieAnimal@cs.com]

In a message dated 6/11/02 3:32:21 PM Eastern Daylight Time, grattonp@unlv.edu writes:


> Tim says it well. Mathis is a Wynalda type - pure scorer not an all around
> player


Not true Pete, before he was injured he could do it all. 

He was an all around player. He could make a pass, and hit a receiver from any where on the field.  He was full of ideas and would take risks and be pretty successful at it. 

He could always finish a chance that hasn't changed. 

He had very good control of the ball that has slipped but not that much.

Terrific free kick taker.

He had speed, but he doesn't look as fast anymore. 

He could also hold the ball against pressure.

Plus and most importantly he had first step speed. Which he used to take on and beat defenders one on one all over the place? That talent has completely left him since his injury. He doesn't even attempt to take and beat players anymore.

He would have been a bitch for the opponent to stop if he had not had his injury.

On fitness, now when he comes back to the ball and can make a forward pass he seems to be content to admire his pass. He is not attacking in the flow of play after he makes that pass so he looks and plays lazy. He has to move into the flow of play after he makes a pass for a return pass from someone. I am not sure why he doesn't do it? If he did he would be scoring all over the place from back passes. He is just not up when the ball is up very much any more.

Donovan always moves up in the flow of play after he passes the ball.

I posted this before he was hurt. I thought at that time he was probably the best player the United States ever produced. He is not now.

Richie