PST: A few thoughts on the MLS XI

Major League Soccer unveiled its All-Star First XI as selected by fan voting (via text, Twitter and on-line voting elements).

All-Star coach Ben Olsen isn?t beholden to this lineup, although previous managers have attempted to remain as faithful as possible to the fan picks. He is free to choose players he likes based on availability, recent performance, tactical concerns, etc.

Data first, then a few comments:

2012 MLS All-Star First XI announced Sunday:

Goalkeeper: Jimmy Nielsen (Sporting Kansas City)

Defenders: Steven Beitashour (San Jose Earthquakes), Aur?lien Collin (Sporting Kansas City), Jay DeMerit (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Heath Pearce (New York Red Bulls)

Midfielders: David Beckham (LA Galaxy), Dwayne De Rosario (D.C. United), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)

Forwards: Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

Olsen will probably be OK with that back line, although Sporting Kansas City?s Collin will need to be reminded it?s a friendly, and as such he may need to crank down the agitation factor a smidge. The man does like to get under the skin of any nearby forward.

I really like Heath Pearce will be a left back rather than a center back as he?s been for Chivas USA and New York this year; he?s a quality MLS center back, but left back is clearly his best spot.

Olsen is almost sure to juggle that midfield just a little. Otherwise, who will play defense among that foursome? David Beckham, presumably, since he plays a fairly deep role in the Galaxy?s 4-4-2. But how do you suppose that will work out once a fluid Chelsea passing machine starts humming? Because with De Rosario, Donovan and Zusi around him, I don?t see nearly enough tackling and tracking in that midfield. I suspect that Kyle Beckerman or Osvaldo Alonso will find a way into foursome, creating a far sturdier balance.

Hard to find much fault with that forward pairing. Wondolowski scores goals, although Chelsea center backs will be better than what he generally opposes in MLS. Henry will drop closer to the midfield as he does with New York ? assuming he?s healthy, and that?s anything but assured based on his in-and-out availability this year.

I?ll have thoughts later on which players I?d like to see filling out Olsen?s lineup for the July 25 date at PPL Park against Chelsea.

Source: http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2012/07/09/a-few-thoughts-on-the-mls-all-star-first-xi/related/

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