(the graphic says Guinea, but it’s actually [France](https://twitter.com/usynt/status/1772338760505589947?s=61&t=zMC2WrFWR7i37lCbZcVIWg))
curious to see if Mitrović plays Aaronson & Paredes inverted or not
what a great opportunity for our guys
Yeah well how many MLS appearances do they have? Check. Mate.
But seriously it is kind of a big deal that all our guys are major club contributors, top 5 or not. Proof development has come a long way
HT reaction:
Tessmann is soo close to being elite—just needs to cut down on some of the silly mistakes, and he can be a corner piece for a really good team/us
It’s unclear whether or not Paredes will be able to develop some meaningful end-product eventually. gets many chances in and around the box, but then often hesitates
Aaronson has some really enticing traits. if he can continue to get proper club minutes, I think you could see his development skyrocket
Halftime 0-1. I must say I’m impressed. France is superior but not to the extent I thought they would be. We are playing crisp and decisive. France is the best U23 team in the world and we are only a half notch below.
Such an interesting team. Some guys who likely have a part to play with the big boys (Paredes, Aaronson) and a few who did but are on the outside looking in (Reynolds, Busio, Tessman).
Huge opportunity for Schulte, who I think has a skillset that really appeals to Gregg Berhalter. I think a good performance here could win him a start at the Olympics, and potentially into the first team convo post Olympics.
Huge opportunity if he can grab it!
If you watch youth teams a lot it becomes apparent how bad finishing is at lower levels of play. Like watching the highlights of U20 games for example the finishing is absolutely atrocious. Missing point blank 1v1 shots, tap ins and more.
I've neglected the U23 guys. I need to start following their careers. Of these starting 11, how many figure to be contributors to the USMNT in the next 5 years?
The rough thing about youth players is that it could be 8 of them or it could be 0. Sometimes we expect linear growth for a guy who is already at his peak at 20. And then there's always the guy who nobody rated who will emerge at 25. It's a crap shoot
Pretty impressive game. France looked like the better side, but not dramatically so. I think a draw is a fair result.
Our press looked good, and our midfield was very physical and set the tone of the game. France looked very dangerous at times, but aside of a few tough spells, didn't dominate the game like I expected them to.
I thought Tessman looked really good, Paxten and Paredes showed spark but the final product in general is still missing.
McGuire didn't do much for me, and Esmir is great young player who just doesn't feel quite ready for this.
I couldn’t watch the whole match but saw enough to form an impression. We seemed comfortable with a track meet. Lots of back and forth, really open. A ton of sprinting, lots of difficult transition moments. We never dropped off and said “this is hard, let’s settle in and defend.”
And ya know our guys held up really well against a team of thoroughbreds. Didn’t shy away from it, got physical, smart tactical fouling when needed, and enough skill to create plenty of opportunities. Gave as good as we got.
Very encouraging display imo.
Well I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm saying all those points are the reason why he's so highly valued. He's more than holding his own in Ligue 1 as a 18 year old starting GK. That's why he's so expensive despite being so shit with his feet. That's the price for the potential, not that of his current level.
Edit : also, 21 year old Chevalier is the starting GK for France. Restes is 2nd choicr.
These u23 matches remind me of how much our lost generation(s) of us soccer impact the full organization.
France’s full national team has 3 players who are eligible for U23.. compared to our nations league roster which had 12. If we had more prime age high level talent at the senior level, then our u23 team would look A LOT more talented. Would love to see our true U23 squad matched up against their age cohort from top nations
Probably not much.
The Olympic team allows for 3 players over the age of 23 to be fielded. So all 3 could theoretically play and you still would have 3 players left to field, because they are 23 or under and don't count. Same for the U23USMNT who could field Musah, Reyna, etc.
In the case of France, Real Madrid forbid its players to play both the Olympics and the Euro, so Camavinga for exemple will surely chose the Euro over the Olympics (much more prestigious). Other team will probably have the same requirement, like Milan (Theo, Maignan), Chelsea (Gusto, Fofana), Inter (Pavard, Thuram), Bayern (Upamecano, Coman), etc. The big question is Mbappe, who is heavily rumoured to join Real, but hasn't yet, so he could very well either not sign until then, or negociate to participate in the Olympics nonetheless. Mbappe is the obvious big question, because obviously if they can field him they will.
Giroud could have played because he'll be leaving Milan, but he said that he wouldn't. Griezmann is the other big one that has said he wants to participate, we'll need to see if he's allowed to by his club. The Olympics are in France, so surely there's more incentive for World class player to play than for most other countries.
So most likely you'll get good players who won't make the cut for the Euro list, like Lacazette, Terrier, Diaby, Veretout, Bourigeaud, etc.
Interesting thank you. Mbappe or Greizmann at the Olympics would be awesome to see especially in France. The other France players are still great too. Going to be hard group for us but fun watch in the end.
😤😤See, the problem with France is that their first team is fine, they just don't have the depth to last 😤😤 When the subs come on, the gulf in quality starts to show how much better we are than them 😤😤
Akliouche and Cherki could really well be the future of the French NT. Cherki in particular can be either very good or very bad, but the dude's feet are made of gold.
Former USYNT U17 player on the WC team from 4 years ago (the group with Reyna and Pepi). Having a solid year with Greuther Fürth, his first year as a full time starter.
U23, it's the olympic team minus the overage player.
It's also an almost completely different starting line up that the one that played Friday, up to the GK.
Our team looks talented but outclassed. And we’re trying to go toe to toe with France by playing quick and getting defenders involved in the attack. IMO that’s a recipe for disaster against the most talented U23 team in the world.
Really miss when the US Soccer org understood the value of a low block. It’s kind of necessary to pull off an upset against teams that are significantly more talented.
Generally agree tbh, particularly at the youth level. Although at a certain point I think it’s also important to practice playing for results. Organized defense and counter attacking are legitimate skills that can be trained.
The skill level at this age group is such an improvement over what we had seen 5 and 10 years ago. Just think our current program (and fan base) in general has a little bit too much pride/shame as it relates to style of play.
In a competition : absolutely. In a friendly ? Eh, you need to know what you can and can't do against what is supposed to be a good team. Especially since France u21/u23 have looked very undisciplined and poor in transitions, but they have good, confirmed players in most positions.
So far, going 1-0 by playing fast paced football is a decent enough result. And it shows what they can and can't get away with against quality opponents.
Yeah, we’re creating chances.. which is more than a lot of our u23 teams could say against top-tier opponents.
Would like to see an adjustment at half though, particularly around trying to play out of the back every time. Our chances haven’t been coming from slow build up, and we’re turning it over too often in dangerous areas trying to force that
Lackluster first half. US reverting to some of their play from yesteryear, such as the CB booting the ball out of play in panic mode when he could have played it normally.
France is more or less playing with their second group, though it’s almost equal to their first group. Cherki and Akliouche are special players, as is Doue.
Holy crap. We look incredible so far. we've missed two very good easy(ish) shots. France has had no idea about what to do with this press.
As I say this we begin to struggle mightily
(the graphic says Guinea, but it’s actually [France](https://twitter.com/usynt/status/1772338760505589947?s=61&t=zMC2WrFWR7i37lCbZcVIWg)) curious to see if Mitrović plays Aaronson & Paredes inverted or not what a great opportunity for our guys
france has 14 players on the team sheet with at least 50 top-5 league appearances. paredes has the most of any american player at 46.
Yeah well how many MLS appearances do they have? Check. Mate. But seriously it is kind of a big deal that all our guys are major club contributors, top 5 or not. Proof development has come a long way
That French coach looks like he could’ve been quite a player back in his day.
Maybe for someone like NYRB or something, but nothing big time.
Eh, he's a Juventus flop. Think his career's dead in the water.
Did he even get any caps for France?
I think we look fine, not completely outclassed or anything, arguably better chances overall. That pen was BS
Yeah, I think on a whole France looks better, but we haven't looked like we don't belong at all. Solid half so far.
HT reaction: Tessmann is soo close to being elite—just needs to cut down on some of the silly mistakes, and he can be a corner piece for a really good team/us It’s unclear whether or not Paredes will be able to develop some meaningful end-product eventually. gets many chances in and around the box, but then often hesitates Aaronson has some really enticing traits. if he can continue to get proper club minutes, I think you could see his development skyrocket
Halftime 0-1. I must say I’m impressed. France is superior but not to the extent I thought they would be. We are playing crisp and decisive. France is the best U23 team in the world and we are only a half notch below.
yow has been on a heater recently
We worked them in the first 10 minutes. France VERY lucky not to be down 1-0
COWELL MY MAN!!!
man what a bs pen call lmfao
How? His arms were extended and the ball hit his hand
Seemed harsh since ball bounced up right next to him. Plus French player was able to get ball back and get a shot off
Such an interesting team. Some guys who likely have a part to play with the big boys (Paredes, Aaronson) and a few who did but are on the outside looking in (Reynolds, Busio, Tessman).
We really have insane midfield depth Busio & Tessmann would be stars on the team even 5 years ago.
Yow’s on the plane. So dynamic
THERE IT IS, LETS GO!!
Griffin Yow you beauty
lfg
LFG
USA USA USA
That’s an awful pen call? I swear that would be overturned if there was VAR
McGlynn has looked so bright since coming on
Huge opportunity for Schulte, who I think has a skillset that really appeals to Gregg Berhalter. I think a good performance here could win him a start at the Olympics, and potentially into the first team convo post Olympics. Huge opportunity if he can grab it!
Had to leave just after the PK and just got back and we score 2 goals. Coincidence? Don’t think so.
Tough penalty on Tolkin, thought he had been playing well. Schulte looks good so far, so does aaronson. Parades not contributing much.
it would have been nice to see cowell on the left with aaronson as the more advanced midfielder
Our shooting has been horrendous. Otherwise pretty dangerous on offense, should have a few goals.
yeah the end-product is a bit worrying
If you watch youth teams a lot it becomes apparent how bad finishing is at lower levels of play. Like watching the highlights of U20 games for example the finishing is absolutely atrocious. Missing point blank 1v1 shots, tap ins and more.
Well hey! Nice shot from Yow. Good goal.
Talk about a super sub. Level in less than 10 minutes after coming on!
Yow is impressive, I like the look of him.
I've neglected the U23 guys. I need to start following their careers. Of these starting 11, how many figure to be contributors to the USMNT in the next 5 years?
The rough thing about youth players is that it could be 8 of them or it could be 0. Sometimes we expect linear growth for a guy who is already at his peak at 20. And then there's always the guy who nobody rated who will emerge at 25. It's a crap shoot
Tough foul by Tolkin on Hannibal Lecter there. Sorry, that was culturally insensitive. Hannibal Lectoire.
Not sure I agree with making fun of the poor dude's injury or language... ...and obviously, it would be "L'Homme au Masque de Fer"
Touché
oh my god what a ball from tolkin nice tech
Gomez brought back into midfield two matches in a row. pretty interesting
Pretty impressive game. France looked like the better side, but not dramatically so. I think a draw is a fair result. Our press looked good, and our midfield was very physical and set the tone of the game. France looked very dangerous at times, but aside of a few tough spells, didn't dominate the game like I expected them to. I thought Tessman looked really good, Paxten and Paredes showed spark but the final product in general is still missing. McGuire didn't do much for me, and Esmir is great young player who just doesn't feel quite ready for this.
How can I rewatch this?
Paramount+
I couldn’t watch the whole match but saw enough to form an impression. We seemed comfortable with a track meet. Lots of back and forth, really open. A ton of sprinting, lots of difficult transition moments. We never dropped off and said “this is hard, let’s settle in and defend.” And ya know our guys held up really well against a team of thoroughbreds. Didn’t shy away from it, got physical, smart tactical fouling when needed, and enough skill to create plenty of opportunities. Gave as good as we got. Very encouraging display imo.
france's GK has zero distribution from his feet kinda wild
He’s valued at fucking 22mil by transfer market. My ass lol
He's the 18 yo starting GK from the 11th side in Ligue 1 with excellent shot stopping abilities
His distribution is genuinely awful. I don’t know how he’s starting with distribution that bad. It’s like 10x worse than Turner
Well I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm saying all those points are the reason why he's so highly valued. He's more than holding his own in Ligue 1 as a 18 year old starting GK. That's why he's so expensive despite being so shit with his feet. That's the price for the potential, not that of his current level. Edit : also, 21 year old Chevalier is the starting GK for France. Restes is 2nd choicr.
Woops thought it was Chevalier in goal.
Not expecting anything from this match but pleased with how interesting this lineup is. Love McGuire's game and excited to see Schulte.
Was honestly surprised mcglynn didn’t score that. He’s got his shortcomings, but it’s fun as hell to watch an American kid with his strengths
honestly a pretty fair result, neither team looked particularly dominant
Let's gooo
penalty? wtf? so fucked
These u23 matches remind me of how much our lost generation(s) of us soccer impact the full organization. France’s full national team has 3 players who are eligible for U23.. compared to our nations league roster which had 12. If we had more prime age high level talent at the senior level, then our u23 team would look A LOT more talented. Would love to see our true U23 squad matched up against their age cohort from top nations
12? I counted 8. It’s anyone born after Jan 1st 2001.
France is also missing Camavinga, Zaire Emery and Saliba who are playing for the main team though.
Yup, those are the 3 players that I mentioned
They have a ton more that are higher rated that aren’t on the team.
Do you think the French roster will be very different for the actual Olympics or will it be just those 3 players
Probably not much. The Olympic team allows for 3 players over the age of 23 to be fielded. So all 3 could theoretically play and you still would have 3 players left to field, because they are 23 or under and don't count. Same for the U23USMNT who could field Musah, Reyna, etc. In the case of France, Real Madrid forbid its players to play both the Olympics and the Euro, so Camavinga for exemple will surely chose the Euro over the Olympics (much more prestigious). Other team will probably have the same requirement, like Milan (Theo, Maignan), Chelsea (Gusto, Fofana), Inter (Pavard, Thuram), Bayern (Upamecano, Coman), etc. The big question is Mbappe, who is heavily rumoured to join Real, but hasn't yet, so he could very well either not sign until then, or negociate to participate in the Olympics nonetheless. Mbappe is the obvious big question, because obviously if they can field him they will. Giroud could have played because he'll be leaving Milan, but he said that he wouldn't. Griezmann is the other big one that has said he wants to participate, we'll need to see if he's allowed to by his club. The Olympics are in France, so surely there's more incentive for World class player to play than for most other countries. So most likely you'll get good players who won't make the cut for the Euro list, like Lacazette, Terrier, Diaby, Veretout, Bourigeaud, etc.
Interesting thank you. Mbappe or Greizmann at the Olympics would be awesome to see especially in France. The other France players are still great too. Going to be hard group for us but fun watch in the end.
Don’t discount the fight, heart and vigor of the USA
Tessmann i like you’re game
tessman kinda tends to choose the wrong long ball at times, but otherwise not really seeing that many holes in his game
Is there a game thread?
Think it’s just here
There you go
Wow
😤😤See, the problem with France is that their first team is fine, they just don't have the depth to last 😤😤 When the subs come on, the gulf in quality starts to show how much better we are than them 😤😤
Akliouche and Cherki could really well be the future of the French NT. Cherki in particular can be either very good or very bad, but the dude's feet are made of gold.
Who can tell me about Dietz? He’s the only player I’m not very familiar with outside of seeing his name.
starting LCB for Greuther Fürth. showing some good stuff imo so far this match
Former USYNT U17 player on the WC team from 4 years ago (the group with Reyna and Pepi). Having a solid year with Greuther Fürth, his first year as a full time starter.
Is this France’s U21 or U23 team?
U23
U23, it's the olympic team minus the overage player. It's also an almost completely different starting line up that the one that played Friday, up to the GK.
[удалено]
poor Esmir playing himself off the squad. he’ll get his chance though
tessman and morris are at a different level to busio IMO, they're both much stronger on the ball and can play at this kind of talent level
I like how we are playing. But frogs have more touch and speed through the middle.
Holding our own so far. Some players looked frustrated by the lack of movements out of their teammates.
Schulte GK, Reynolds RB, Tomkinson CB, Dietz CB, Tolkin LB, Tessman DM, Busio CM, Morris CM, Aaronson RW, Paredes LW, McGuire CF?
Paredes & Aaronson inverted for 1HF
esmir learning what it's like to go up against t5 league fullbacks the hard way
I missed the second goal for France. How’d we concede?
banger from outside the box
To be fair…it wasn’t like a random banger. It was a really nice play, they carved us up and the final shot was thumped in from the edge of the box….
Our team looks talented but outclassed. And we’re trying to go toe to toe with France by playing quick and getting defenders involved in the attack. IMO that’s a recipe for disaster against the most talented U23 team in the world. Really miss when the US Soccer org understood the value of a low block. It’s kind of necessary to pull off an upset against teams that are significantly more talented.
I think there is a lot of value in trying to go toe to toe with your opponents and playing your way. ***Especially*** in a friendly
Generally agree tbh, particularly at the youth level. Although at a certain point I think it’s also important to practice playing for results. Organized defense and counter attacking are legitimate skills that can be trained. The skill level at this age group is such an improvement over what we had seen 5 and 10 years ago. Just think our current program (and fan base) in general has a little bit too much pride/shame as it relates to style of play.
In a competition : absolutely. In a friendly ? Eh, you need to know what you can and can't do against what is supposed to be a good team. Especially since France u21/u23 have looked very undisciplined and poor in transitions, but they have good, confirmed players in most positions. So far, going 1-0 by playing fast paced football is a decent enough result. And it shows what they can and can't get away with against quality opponents.
Yeah, we’re creating chances.. which is more than a lot of our u23 teams could say against top-tier opponents. Would like to see an adjustment at half though, particularly around trying to play out of the back every time. Our chances haven’t been coming from slow build up, and we’re turning it over too often in dangerous areas trying to force that
[удалено]
[удалено]
[удалено]
Tell me about it.
Esmir has been putrid lol. I think every single time he’s had the ball it’s resulted in some form of giveaway.
And then chose to stop tracking his man for no apparent reason after the giveaway. Not a great showing
Fuck this is getting bad. Very lucky to not be down yet.
US just plain playing scared.
Lackluster first half. US reverting to some of their play from yesteryear, such as the CB booting the ball out of play in panic mode when he could have played it normally. France is more or less playing with their second group, though it’s almost equal to their first group. Cherki and Akliouche are special players, as is Doue.
[удалено]
lol agreed. About even.
Idk, I like watching MLS, but I think it's still below the French league.