I’m an older lady now, was always athletic, athlete in my military days, in the last three years, I discovered soccer and I love it thank you for opening my eyes to the constructive criticism things that I don’t see I’m still learning, but this video has helped so much.

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

Never too late to learn something new. So happy to hear you're loving this game and learning.

This is fantastic! I love how you are opening my eyes to the off-the-ball decisions that players are making. Balancing "being ready to counter attack" vs "assisting in defense" is so crucial and hard for a sandlot player like me to see without your help.

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

2 ай бұрын

I love to hear that! Nothing in this game is ever as easy as the pros make it look.

Love the analysis! I do think Lynn Williams is top 3 in the press - thinking back to how she was playing with Gotham at the end of last season.

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

2 ай бұрын

That's a good shout, I definitely biased towards recent play. She looked fantastic this weekend, I think she's going to be highly motivated to show out in club play and force the conversation.

@Nilteak

2 ай бұрын

@@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer I hope so, she’s one of my favorite out of the bunch 🤞

Great analysis! Thank you for taking the time to put all those clips together, it was very informative. I agree with the top three in your rankings. Right now the preferred starters seem pretty clear: Swanson on the left, Trinity on the right, Shaw at the 9 -- with plenty of options for interchange during the run of play, because all three can play any position up top. I'm hoping that over the next few weeks Cat Macario will show out in her club play and really force her way into the conversation as a USWNT starter, whether at the 9 or the 10. For me, she is at least potentially among the top four best attacking players. Finally, I'd love to take Alex for her character and her leadership, but with such a limited roster size, she's probably on the bubble. It's maybe between her and Smith if there's room for one more forward.

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

2 ай бұрын

I need to start watching some full Chelsea games to see more of Macario, she seems like such an exciting player with the ability to offer some physicality that most of the forwards are lacking. I'm thinking the fact that she can play the 9 or 10 helps her make this squad, flexibility is going to be critical. There for sure needs to be a really experienced veteran in that forward group and I'm not sure Swanson has enough time in to do that. Alex is such a fantastic teammate and leader so I really hope to see her there. If she's not on the main roster I fully expect her to be an alternate.

@glarris1

Ай бұрын

Great post about a great video. You are correct about the first 3. Fitness will ultimately decide for a few bubble players, Alex among them. I think we all hope Cat bounces back (but carefully, please).

@glarris1

Ай бұрын

@@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer when healthy, she is hard to stop. 2 years to recover from an ACL is worrisome but the rust is slowly starting to clme off. Still need to see her old explosiveness but that takes confidence that can only come with demonstrated ability.

I really love this insight! I definitely think it will be a race for spots until the very last camp. I can't help but root for Lynn and Alex. Lynn has worked so hard for so long and deserves another chance to help win a world tournament after the world cup. I can't help but feel like this could be Alex Morgan's last chance at a big tournament. She's an OG who shows up in big moments so I'm really hoping she proves that she deserves to be on this team. You should totally do one of these for the midfield and defense too!

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

I hope Alex gets to end her international career on a high, wanting to win for her could also be a little extra motivation for the team. If spots were based on effort alone Lynn wouldn't even be a question. The defense I have strong feelings about who should be going, but with the midfield I'm quite lost! Looking forward to roster selection for the Korea friendlies for clues.

I think it’s been helpful for Rodman to be given a clear role to work on (primarily right wing). I think that same focus could help Smith, I think it’s clear she’s a 9 and should be used as a winger in emergencies. She’s shown in the nwsl she’s a world class finisher. I think it’s worth sacrificing her versatility to focus on her strengths.

@glarris1

Ай бұрын

Great POV. Totally agree.

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

Great take. I've been a little worried about this for Shaw but I think we're seeing the impact it's having on Smith right now. How can you get really excellent at one thing when you're being asked to focus on doing a good job at lots of different things?

Yes it's a great analysis! Taught me a lot. The Morgan dilemma, and what appears to be her downfall, I think might just be her fear of a career ending injury. There's been so much talk about it from all the commentators and news media , that especially in America players are afraid to get hurt. This fear as you know will slow a player, and there's no way you can give 100 percent if your mind is preoccupied with such thoughts. Morgan in my view lives with such a situation. She has lost her bravery. She knows that retirement is just down the road, the last thing she needs is a player ending injury. Any major injury will effectively end her career. I love Morgan and all she's done for women's soccer, but it's time to hang up her jersey when it comes to USWNT. Lastly, fear is a strange animal , it can spread to other players on the team. What did Churchill say in ww2 .... ALL WE HAVE TO FEAR, IS FEAR ITSELF. Thanks .. from a fan.

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

I genuinely had not thought about this once but I can 1000% see it now you say it. Things she used to do instinctively she seems to think about and there just isn't time to second guess yourself. I'm curious to see how she looks coming back from the ankle injury she picked up this weekend. Looked to me like studs in her shin below the guards which really shouldn't be anything beyond just painful. It'll tell me a lot if she starts avoiding pain vs avoiding injury. Love your comment about what she's done for women's soccer. That woman has sacrificed every ounce of her privacy and all her time to progress this game. When she does hang it up she'll go down as one of the most impactful US players of all time, on and off the pitch.

Roster size and those Olympic matches being so close together are such huge factors. I agree with top 4. If Cat is healthy enough, I think she's the clear #5. If Lynn were completely heathy, her speed and defense would be hard to give up. And Alex is just so savvy. Just her ability to win us a key penalty can't be ignored. Tough decision. Midfielder analysis next?

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

2 ай бұрын

Young teams win tournaments! Average roster age for the last 5 Olympic winners was 25 on the low end, 28 on the high end, with 26 as the median. Getting this roster right is going to be a balancing act. I very tactically did not choose between the last three forwards because it's impossible right now. In an ideal world I want to take them all, but the bigger question becomes what does Emma Hayes want. Mids may be good to do after the Korea games. I could see them taking only four with Shaw or Macario being their "fifth".

@glarris1

Ай бұрын

Great point about younger teams! Would love to see you review Spain heading into the Olympics. They seem to be on another level right now.

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

@@glarris1 Great suggestion! They're a scary team and also have some talented youngsters hoping to break into the squad. Could be a rivalry here for the next 10 years.

I've really enjoyed your videos, and this analysis is up there with your best. Like you I've been really impressed with Shaw's well-rounded game, and Rodman is improving visibly each tournament, it seems. I wish I could say I was surprised by your take on Smith, but I've been watching her since she was a freshman at Stanford and she's exactly the same player, with the same strengths and puzzling weaknesses. I really hope Macario will be ready to go for the Olympics -- on form, I think she's the best offensive player (shooter, passer, ball handler) among this group. I'd recommend watching her in Chelsea's recent loss to Barcelona; played 60 min and showed flashes of her old self

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

Glad to hear you liked this one! You got me watching some Stanford highlights of Macario, and wow, she was so far ahead of some opponents she looked like an adult playing against kids. The video I'm currently working on is going to look at both legs of the Chelsea Barca matchup. So many great things to cover!

Nice to see someone singing Rodman’s praises. It feels like many fans don’t appreciate just how good she is. Swanson is rounding into form and seems like the glue offensively. If she improves her press hustle, watch out world. Can you please discuss the change in strategy and tactics for the US Team under the new coach?

@michaelt6218

Ай бұрын

Most of the time when I watch Rodman play, whether it's with the Spirit or the national team, she looks like the best player on the field -- and it doesn't even matter if she scores or assists or not, because of her hustle and her defense and the way she makes the players around her so much better. It's hard to believe she's only 21, and still has so much room to grow!

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

In the past she's felt a little "one-note" for me, incredibly talented but a little bit raw. But I'm not convinced this is the same player I watched in 2023. She looks so selfless, more patient, and very determined to win. I really struggled to find anything to critique, I know I'm reaching when I mention headers! Looking at the change in tactics is a great suggestion, I'm anticipating more passing patterns, more crossing, more of posting up big players in the box. I've got to watch Chelsea's Champions League game from this weekend to start challenging that theory.

@glarris1

Ай бұрын

@@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer Your fans appreciate your work and welcome every video. You videos and player evals are honest, fair and informative. Women’s sports fans deserve and need the type of smart analysis you deliver. I think sometimes you can do shorter videos on topics you see on the film. I think many fans don’t know, for example, while Mexico smoked the US or why teams play one formation over the other., do any women’s teams use a false nine, etc. There is a myth that Americans don’t play enough different styles vs EMEA leagues. I think that is less true than it used to be but will be tracking player and strategy development in you channel in the years to come to see if the trend continues. On Rodman, she’s been around so long already that we all forget how young she is. She just keeps getting better and better right before our eyes. Her passing is superb. She is an awesome teammate in every way. The tragically injured Purce is probably the only better US forward 1v1 on offense ( before the injury she had her way in every game I saw and was clutch, too), and I also wish Rodman was better in the air but I also know we have certain, large air-worthy midfielders that I would not get in the way of up there. LOL

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

@@glarris1 I so appreciate the kind words and any suggestions for videos. I feel like I'm starting to make videos with more of a narrative instead of just analyzing clips and those ideas would work really great. I love talking about formations, a quick breakdown of some of the main ones would be really fun. Looking for opportunities to answer the why questions is a helpful thought. I have a lovely bruise on my nose from doing my best Horan impression in my rec league game this morning. A very humbling experience after filming this!

Very good analysis. I agree with the end sequence. A few points from my observations and critiques of each player, Agree with Jaedyn Shaw's position first, but I don't view her as a forward, I view her as an attacking midfielder, where she's most comfortable with #10 position. So, she's out from this list Swanson to me from the brief look of a couple of games, is the most clinical forward, she knows when to pass and when to shoot, and can do both well. The concern is injury and she might over-extend herself. Rodman, agree with the analysis, she is a great passer, but sometimes do the skill for the sake of doing the skill maybe, and her finishing needs improvement Smith, the pros are she can create her own chances, and she can finish with both her left or right foot. She's great at finishing. But I've never seen her having a floater as a pass skill, as a winger, she wants to go into the middle, but as a pure 9, it seems she's uncomfortable with air balls. I was actually happy to see her shooting those errant shots, because those are daring tries and you have to do those if you want to finally find one. I would put her higher too, if she can display a certain level of comfort passing or receiving the ball over the air. Alex, she has good understanding of what needs to be done. She can run and position is good, but hold up play is not great, and haven't been finishing the play very well. Her feel for the ball offensively is what I would call "stiff." This is the same with Lynn Williams. Maybe from the past, that's not a big problem if you're just a striker/forward. Defensively, Alex can press really well and create chances. Still hope she can be included in the Olympics squad. I also hope Ashley Hatch can be an alternate, feel like haven't seen enough of her plays.

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

Really good point on Smith in the air. I was looking for anything where she's asked to head or volley off a cross but I just couldn't find footage where she's served in that manner. Maybe she does have it in her skillset! She should be higher up this list for ability as a pure 9 if that's something she can offer. Hatch is an interesting one to me, there's some players where I wonder what's happening off the pitch that they aren't being selected for tournaments. Spirit look fantastic so far so that may help her case for the alternate spot.

@erobinsonii

Ай бұрын

@@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer You probably know this. The off pitch negative to Ashley Hatch may be that she doesn't play (or train I assume) on Sundays due to religion. The Spirit played the Utah Royals on Easter Sunday. Hatch didn't play due to illness. Also, Hatch doesn't do much defense.

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

@@erobinsonii I hadn't made that connection before. That's definitely got to be hard for a team to work around.

@Patrick-kh4bx

Ай бұрын

@@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer ​ Hatch plays soccer on Sundays - for example, she has played twice for the USWNT on a Sunday, she plays for the Spirit on Sundays every year (e.g., season opener in 2024, 6 times in 2023, 6 times in 2022) - see her FBref match logs for details. Yes, Hatch in interviews has talked about the importance of her Mormon faith, including growing up not playing club soccer on Sundays and desiring a faith-focused Sunday as an adult. However, she has also spoken about and demonstrated that in practice her in-season Sundays as an adult regularly involve playing soccer or traveling with her team(s) rather than going to church. (I come to this topic as a Spirit fan who has seen her play many times, including on Sundays. I am neither Mormon or religious/spiritual, and I vehemently disagree with many of that church's teachings. However, my impression has been that people online are quick to jump the gun and unwittingly spread falsehoods about Hatch's actions or publicly-expressed views, which I don't think is fair to her.)

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

@@Patrick-kh4bx I appreciate the clarification, it's sounds like that's not a factor holding her back in USWNT selection. Maybe an excused absence once a season for something that's important to her that happens to be related to religion. I think we're seeing an uptick in excused absences across men and women's sports in general which is great to see these players treated more as people and less as a product.

I believe it was me that labeled Soph an enigma (lol), as i was totally baffled by her play in the last three tourneys. She's making progress, i think, but i still do not see her defending with much joy or moxy. Maybe Hayes will help her learn the defensive game. More experience should help her widen her vision in the attacking third, which i wouldn't call deficient, but certainly she over-dribbles sometimes when she has clear options. On Trinity, you are spot on. That gal is learning to be unselfish with her amazing skillset, and i dare say she's becoming a leader. Very impressed with her overcoming clear frustration in the swamp bowl after getting soaked in the first couple minutes, then managing to hang in there and be as dangerous as anyone could be in that mess. Final thought: Mallory is just plain kicking ass in club play. KEEP HER HEALTHY and Look out world.

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

"Sophia Smith the enigma" has been stuck in my head ever since. There's no better way to explain it. I look over my notes from the Canada game and for every time I've marked out something she did that I like there's four notes on things I don't. It's always like that. I want her to get that experience but right now I feel like she'd be perfect as a super sub if she has the mentality to embrace that role. Mallory looked killer today. When she got injured I truly think she was playing at a level that would've made her a top five forward internationally, we just didn't get to see enough of her to prove that point. I think she may just be warming up. Scary!

@treycarmichael3605

Ай бұрын

@@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer Agreed on the super sub idea. She's already done a little of that, but sub her in earlier, at halftime. I'm not even sold on Morgan being on the Olympic roster with all the young talent we have. Looking forward to the next preview games with Hayes in place!

@danw4711

Ай бұрын

I’ve seen recently she said “just don’t put me on defense” and that’s not the mentality you want to hear from a player who has to do better.

Thanks for highlighting the forwards' strengths and weaknesses! With the limited roster and tight Olympic schedule, are players returning from injury at a disadvantage in Emma's roster picks? We shall see!

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

16 күн бұрын

Lingering injuries could for sure put some players at a disadvantage for selection, we'll see indeed!

The one issue I have with the entire attacking line-up is that none can really offer a Wambach-esque last resort power/header bailout when needed. A classic power striker of sorts

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

I would so love to see a physically dominant striker on this team. They're so reliant on Horan as an aerial threat but realistically you need at least one forward that's going to just outmuscle players in the box and zap an opponent's energy. The Fishel injury was devastating, it seemed like that was totally her game.

@michaelt6218

Ай бұрын

Abby Wambach was a once-in-a-generation player. That combination of size, strength, athleticism, bravery, and intelligence, plus an unquenchable competitiveness/desire to win doesn't come along very often.

@kssaint6290

Ай бұрын

There is one player on this squad which is probably the only one player who is a power center forward since Abby Wambach....Jaedyn Shaw! .....she was and still is grossly misused as a midfielder, when in fact her explosiveness and power is manifested in these two tournaments....Gold Cup, and the She Believes cup. There her speed, power and explosiveness was manifested in goals scored against Argentina, Colombia, Japan, and Canada. Problem is, the coaches are grossly misused her talent, and they used her as a midfielder, but even there, her talent is manifested especially in both of the games against Japan and Canada where she not only scored, but set her teammates up, and contributed in both goals against Canada. Truth is, she is more talented than Abby Wambach was, and Emma Hays can't come here soon enough to take over the US head coaching job, and start playing her in her natural position at center forward. Even at her club in San Diego she is featured at midfield, which is not her natural position. Now that Alex Morgan is out with an ACL, I expect J Shaw will overtake her position at CF, and I predict she will be a force to be reckoned with 😁

This is really great stuff like the press, good illustrations here.

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

Glad to hear it, thanks for watching.

I love a lot of your analysis, observations, and conclusions. That said, I had a couple of head-scratchers: 1- I can't believe you don't have Lynn as the #1 for high press. I would have said that is the strongest part of her game. I feel like no other player, game in and game out, forces keepers and defenders into bad passes and turnovers. So, curious as to why she isn't even in the top 3. 2 - I think Sophia's back-to-goal game is probably the strongest in the bunch. Like Swanson her ability to turn on a defender is amazing; at least as good if not better than anyone I see in the women's game. Her ability to maintain possession through contact is better than anyone I have seen; although, not strictly a back to goal situation. (I noticed you didn't have a "dribbling" category, which is where I would definitely put her top 3. Like I said, when it comes to dribbling through contact, Smith is the best I have seen.) 3- Also curious, you mention you have traditionally liked Morgan in this back-to-goal category; I find that puzzling, because I would put that as the weakest part of Morgan's game. I have never seen her turn on a defender...ever. Most balls that come at her bounce away with little control. She rarely is able to control a ball and her position. Your examples of her "recent" play as being sub-par seem just like her "historic" play to me. What am I missing here? Based on these assessments, and giving Lynn credit for pressing, I would see her as the clear #5. I agree Smith needs to amp up her D to be in top 3; if she can do that she becomes crazy good.

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

Love these critiques! Some thoughtful debate like this is really what I was hoping for when I started making videos. I biased towards recent play (SheBelieves, GoldCup, and 2024 NWSL season) trying to come at this from the mindset of a new coach and I'm also a big believer that the best ability is availability. When I was planning this Lynn was still out injured, and when I filmed she'd only briefly returned to Gotham. Thankfully she is looking like her old self! Her combination of speed, coordination, anticipation, and general hunger to win makes pressing and defending the strongest areas of her game. If I redid this considering historical play and the last two NWSL games I'd probably put her #1 for both, I just didn't have footage from those limited games to support it at the time. Dribbling, this was oversight on my part. I felt like the team wasn't using dribbling a lot as part of the attacking plan at SheBelieves, it was more so individual players using the dribble to create better chances for themselves. For a better evaluation it should've been in there considering how critical it may be against certain opponents. Gut feel is 1 Smith, 2 Swanson, but I'm a bit lost on the 3rd out of this group. With Sophia I definitely have some bias, I set my expectations so high for her. When I think of her back to goal game I think of her not receiving balls because she's not physical enough to squat low and hold a space. You're right she's incredibly physical on the dribble, at speed it's amazing how well she can protect the ball. What she does do fantastically that I missed is combine movement with the ability to turn on a defender. I imagine this is the kind of example you were thinking of, kzread.info/dash/bejne/iGScp7JvdZSag5M.html This one I don't think I would've considered as receiving with her back to goal given how she has to collect the ball, but she puts herself backwards to protect the ball and turns beautifully on it. Good thoughts for next time, I could certainly have looked at a broader range of back to goal scenarios instead of just space holds and midfield turns. Now I don't think Alex has ever been great at turning on defenders but I think she has a killer one-touch game that she's developed to avoid turning. She's capable of some absolutely insane link-up play with her back turned. I could be motivated to dig up some film if you disagree with this one! It's certainly not useful against every opponent, but when it works it really works. Again, appreciate the critique, all helpful for the next one.

@jasonfoster6406

Ай бұрын

@@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer Hi, thanks for the responses. Regarding Lynn, I was thinking you mentioned your focus on recent form. So, that makes sense that we need to make sure she gets back to form before really giving her a fair look. Regarding dribbling, I would agree 1-Smith, 2-Swanson, and I would have to say it's a bit of a toss up for me between Shaw and Rodman. I think Shaw keeps her dribble closer and more controlled, if I had to choose. In any case, I think these 4 are next level compared to just about everyone else. (I haven't seen Caterina in forever, though.) I also agree with your Morgan observation of her cheeky flicks. She can usually pull off 1 or 2 a game, but I feel like that's about the limit of her back-to-goal play. I don't think those 1-2 cool plays (granted, they can be pretty cool when they work) out weigh all the transitions she kills by not being able to control the outlet pass or can't win the outlet pass or clearance. To me, Morgan is still great at those off-ball runs, splitting defenders; headers; but on the whole I feel like she has clearly been surpassed by Smith, Shaw, Rodman, Swanson (and frankly Lynn). I think back to the She Believes games, and every time Morgan got subbed out for Lynn, the offense opened up and became dangerous.

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

@@jasonfoster6406 Cheeky flicks is the perfect way to describe what I was thinking of with Alex, and when you put it like that, no it doesn't outweigh the value of a true turn. That 5th spot will be a battle, really curious to see who gets called for the series against South Korea.

@LittlePeculiar13

25 күн бұрын

I have to respectfully disagree about Lynn Williams. I think people need to stop seeing her with their NWSL colored glasses. She has never been able to translate her success to the National team. She is not even close to the technical level of the other call ups. Her first touch is terrible, her ability to possess the ball is terrible, she cannot beat defenders 1v1. I believe these are the attributes Emma Hayes is looking for, especially if you think Chelsea. Again, I’ve only seen her play on the NT. Makes you wonder why she’s never solidified her position as a starter, simply because the other forwards are just better, technically and creatively. And now there’s a whole new pool of better, younger players that do fit Emma Hayes style of play. I think Emma is playing the long game and looking to build going forward where players have the skill set to easily learn and implement her game plan.

Your video was worth the wait. Unpredictability is quite valuable, especially at the international level. In that I would rank Swanson and Macario highest. Even just dribbling upfield Swanson seems to travel with a sense of abandon which is enjoyable to watch. Macario is something of a wizard, but just now coming back. Might bump Swanson up one, but otherwise agree with your rankings.

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

Unpredictability and deception can be total game changers at this level. I had a difficult time analyzing Swanson's game and looking for patterns, I probably should've realized that's a sign of how intentional the unpredictability is! Just finished watching her game, it's exciting to think that she might only just be getting warmed up.

@williamswanson9428

Ай бұрын

@@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer Just now remembered that we were missing both Swanson and Macario at the World Cup, a tournament in which we gave up few goals but had trouble scoring. Will be interesting to see how fast Macario progresses.

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

@@williamswanson9428 That World Cup roster was far from ideal. Between the change in coaching and a bit of a shake up of the roster I'm really optimistic about the Olympics.

@glarris1

Ай бұрын

@@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer Swanson was he best attacking player on the team before her injury (see the ridiculous Japan goal, for example).

I unfortunately think that Cat Macario is a lock. She was able to be involved in some early goal scoring at Chelsea, but I don't think her instincts are back as of this date. I agree with what you said about Mal. Alex is injured, I feel that she was a lock, based on something the coach said, but I don't see them taking an older player who may be even slightly injured. Love your work. I will share

@glarris1

Ай бұрын

I think injury will matter a lot because the Olympic roster is so small.

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

Appreciate you sharing! That's where I get a little weary throwing in Chelsea clips with no context, it's like a super team and without watching a whole game it's hard for me to tell if someone like her showing up on the scoresheet so soon after returning is just part of being fed by the world's best.

@heppolo

Ай бұрын

With the number of injuries currently in the women's game the back-up/alternate list is also quite important. Honestly, I don't really know why olympic committee was not pressed to keep their Tokyo 2021 roster rules.

Birdie! This was great, super comprehensive. I learned a lot. One of the comments mentioned how Morgan is great at initiating the press and that made wonder what else she initiates and who on the team can be classified as an initiator or a facilitator of play. Who sets the tone for various plays (attacking, defense, etc.). Who would be considered a 'corner stone' of the team with regards to this aspect? Are there multiple corner stones? I also had a question about the USA v Canada final (I missed it and could only find a highlight video). After taking a 2-1 lead in the 2nd half, did our team strategy/ formation change (to become more defensive)? Similar to what we did against Canada in the Gold Cup? I was wondering why we chose to play super defensively in that game, instead of trying to score more goals; I feel like we gave the Canadians a chance back into the game. I guess I don't really understand that playstyle/ decision making. I think it's kind of weak sauce. (I also don't like this new trend of taking the ball to the corner of the field during full time). Anyway, great vid! 😄

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

I was so glad you suggested this. It was a challenge putting it together but I learned so much in the process and feel much more prepared to do this sort of thing in the future. It means so much that you reached out with the idea after watching the Japan game, it really helped me keep cracking away at it hoping you'd enjoy it. It's not this way in every team but generally it's good to have a leader at each position group. Sometimes that just means talking to the other players at halftime, but in some systems this player essentially acts as quarterback directing all on-field action. The USWNT doesn't seem like they're always looking to the same players for instructions or distribution, but a few players do still stand out as being leaders. Girma often instructs the defense in their vertical movement up and down the pitch, and to a lesser extent their horizontal movement in the box. Horan leads more through example, always making herself available as a passing option and initiating attacks. The consistency makes her reliable as a player. As a teammate you feel safe sending the ball to her when you're desperate, you feel less worried taking a risky 1v1 because you know you have her for backup. For the forwards I do think that's Alex but more so off pitch. From interviews it sounds like she's really focused on helping other players learn and giving them opportunities to shine. This could change tournament over tournament but it's what I'm seeing consistently right now. If you have Peacock and don't mind Spanish commentary you can find it in the sports replays. Canada can be such a punishing team to play because they're so comfortable possessing the ball and controlling the tempo. The US played two defensive midfields from the start and seemed to stay in that formation. I think the problem came in the second half when they had to take Coffey out and put Horan into her defensive midfield spot. The knock on effect was a lot less ball wins and hold up play in the midfield forcing them to reach for transitional opportunities. Smith's first goal came after a lot of back and forth in the box. The second was 10 seconds straight up the pitch. After that the team just never seemed to posses and were fighting to stay alive. I think the initial plan was fine (although a little boring to watch), but the mistake to me was trying to stick to it with different personnel once a setback popped up.

@zippityb

Ай бұрын

@@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer **Bridie You did a great job and I'm glad I could support you! Regarding, the US's formation starting the two defensive midfields, was that the 'double pivot?' I've heard people, i.e., Blaire Newman from equalizersoccer, complain about its effectiveness. I've also noticed an inflexibility with the U.S. regarding formation and strategy before, i.e., Vlatko's era. I think the U.S. has to have a variety of formations and strategies tailored to who is on the pitch. I think adaptability is a hallmark of any team's success.

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

@@zippityb ** I type it wrong sometimes too! Playing two defensive mids is indeed what I hear being called the double pivot. I don't love the term because "pivot" implies the player shifts between certain positions based off a teammate's movement. Today's pivots don't do much pivoting! I hear a single pivot used to describe playing one defensive mid, a double as playing two. The power of playing a pivot is flexibility and control, but having two defensive mids sit in that spot just means your team's structure is set further back. I totally agree adaptability is the key, there's too many talented players to keep playing the same two variations of the 4-3-3 every game.

@zippityb

Ай бұрын

​@@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer I've actually wondered about how a team could adapt on the fly during a game and I thought about the team having a quick formation change for specified purposes. For example, the 2nd (?) game against China from December of last year; the Chinese ran a strict 5-4-1. I was disappointed that we used the same 4-3-3 formation for the whole 90 minutes. I felt that we should have changed to a 2-4-4 or a 2-5-3/ 2-3-5 or heck even a 1-5-4 or 1-4-5; I trust Girma and Naeher. It's more than just changing formation at the half too. I was thinking that the team could have initiated this formation change themselves, without coach "intervention." If the USWNT could manage this kind of "on the fly" adaptability, that would be great. I feel like we need to empower the girls to take more on field responsibility and autonomy; this would help boost their gameplay and lethality as individual players and as a unit. Additionally, we could have formations/ plays/ strategies revolving around specific player comps.

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

@@zippityb That was a weird game, fighting those low blocks can be really hard and you're right that changing approach is one of the most straightforward ways to address it. You could easily retool without coach intervention from a 4-3-3 into something where the two center backs become midfielders. If they have no joy with that my preference would be using subs to help with the change and doing something like a 3-5-2. The trick is that empowerment piece, the coach needs to be on board with trusting players to communicate amongst themselves and adjust. Otherwise the decision to start playing your position differently will get you yelled at and benched. This team hasn't look free or fluid enough in the past and I think one of the ways to get there is more structure, more strategies, and a willingness to interchange between them as needed.

What you have to take in consideration with the press is that Morgan is directing it. Rodman said as much. Shaw and Rodman are working off of her.

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

That's a great point. I hadn't thought about who was responsible for coordinating but it makes sense that's a strong area for her if that's something she's been in charge of for years.

@StephenEvansmusic

Ай бұрын

@@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer There are definitely hard decisions that Emma Hayes is going to have to make. I think it depends on what each match will call for and what best combo of forwards matches the game plan and situation. As far as Shaw goes, I think she is best utilized as the 10. But what is interesting is we also have Macario and Lavelle (if healthy) who are also great 10's. I enjoy your in depth analysis. Thanks for doing this. :)

@michaelt6218

Ай бұрын

Good point about Morgan's leadership on the press. Makes me wonder who can take over that role after Alex is done with the national team (if she's not done already). Maybe Swanson? She has a high soccer IQ and is very vocal on the field -- but so far hasn't shown as much desire to press as Morgan or Williams or, for that matter, Rapinoe. Could someone else step up that way?

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

@@michaelt6218 I think there's some benefit to having your center forward direct the press because positionally they have better vision. So it may just be whoever steps into that role next. Swanson seems like the next one up in terms of experience and I could see her playing center forward for this team.

@angelikabergmann5297

Ай бұрын

Morgan must got a Chance to Player,😂❤

I loved this so much! Super easy to follow ❤ would you ever do some champs league analysis? I’d love to see an overview of the Barca Chelsea semifinals and understand what Emma Hayes is doing strategy wise given she’s coming for the uswnt soon!

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

Glad to hear it! I think a semi-final recap is going to be next, tough loss for Chelsea today but great games to watch.

@sylvielee3685

Ай бұрын

@@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer So excited to hear that! Btw, do you have a patreon or kofi? Would love to support

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

@@sylvielee3685 I don’t, but that’s helpful to hear as I’m starting to think about growth. Very cool!

I am also considering some outside options like Mia Fishel or Ashley Hatch in the alternates conversation at least.

@julianroberts183

Ай бұрын

FYI Mia tore her ACL before gold cup tournament on February

@heppolo

Ай бұрын

@@julianroberts183 thank you, I totally forgot about another of those tragic injuries, I initially wanted to write Alyssa Thompson instead, although right now I don't see a realistic chance for her to make the roster

How the heck is the #1 NWSL goal scorer and #2 assist leader a number 4 on your list?

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

14 күн бұрын

Lol I know, feels so silly looking at this now with Shaw off form and Smith playing maybe her best soccer ever! I'm working on a video evaluating the full 18, definitely need to make some changes

I need someone to show this video to emma hayes

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

17 күн бұрын

I like to imagine someone sent her a much longer version of this concept while she was still at Chelsea!

Love this analysis! I really appreciated this breakdown of the different skills involved in the different positions. It not only helped me understand the players, but the positions as well! I would love to see this done for other positions, especially centerback. I also liked the focus on areas of growth for the different players. As a Washington Spirit/Trinity Rodman fan I especially appreciated your analysis of her, although I would also say another area of growth for her is shooting. She's so good at passing and assisting others that it seems like sometimes she chooses not to shoot when she should. I would also have personally ranked Lynn Williams high on pressing ability. She's created a lot of chances this way. I don't know how to watch/cut tape like you do but I did find these two relatively recent examples from game highlights: kzread.info/dash/bejne/oneFutSwl6XgmLw.html kzread.info/dash/bejne/qYmso9CHf5Xdm7w.htmlfeature=shared&t=7 One question for you - is "back to goal" the same thing as "hold up play" or are they different?

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

I had a bit of tunnel vision when thinking about shooting and I was really only thinking about the release. Such a good point about knowing when to take those chances, great thought to consider in the future. I didn't know you can send KZread links with a timestamp! Fantastic examples, I really love the Colombia once where she's effectively cutting off two options at once and really surprises the defender with that long reach. Thanks for sharing. I consider "back to goal" and "hold up play" different things but used a few terms interchangeably here for simplicity. Typically I'd describe back to goal as the work you do inside or just outside the box, whereas hold up play might be with your back turned in the midfield while you wait for the team's positioning to change. Hold up play is the broader of the two, you could dribble forty yards, cut it back, and fight to maintain that space a bit before passing and have held up play successfully.

Alex is looking thinner and more tired...not sure what's going on. She's lost her magical spark for whatever reason. With it, she would be more useful than Lynne and Cat especially in terms of experience and leadership. I agree with your analysis. It will be sad if Alex, Lynne or Cat are not there but it's competitive. The next few weeks will be crucial.

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

I really wish it was more acceptable to talk about player size, the first thing I do with any male athlete is google height and weight and I'm so curious about so many players on this squad. She is definitely looking smaller, less strong and stable. There was no time for offseason peanut butter this year!

@erobinsonii

Ай бұрын

Alex Morgan got called into the Gold Cup squad literally at the last minute, played as many minutes as any NWSL player, played the second half of Challenge Cup, most of the SheBelieves and 4ish more games, the last two on the road (the whole Wave team looked pooped). I think Alex Morgan is tired. >>> And she's a working mom.

@Pumpkin-vg1ur

Ай бұрын

@@erobinsonii True true...and Charlie is full of beans. Hope she can squeeze a rest in because I don't believe she's done.

stalwart USWNT forward crystal dunn didn't even make the list, shame on you 😥 in all seriousness though, love love love this. i see my near future as binging Busy Watching Women's Soccer until june 1 finally rolls around 😎 and also... scenes when we meet spain in the olympics and pull up in a 5-3-2 with trinity (aka JRK if she megged more) as right back and jaedyn and cat as our two forwards 😅

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

24 күн бұрын

Lol I truly wasn't expecting to see Dunn on the June list at all and was well prepared to defend cutting her on a defender's film study. Much easier to explain as a forward! Also committing this comment to my memory bank because that 5-3-2 against Spain is going to happen. Rodman will crush at RWB, but now I'm not sure if I want Krueger or Nighswonger as LWB. Truly cannot wait for June I have way more questions than answers. Appreciate you checking the videos out!

❤

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

🤟

Rodman is becoming a legit starter, no doubt. She combines athleticism, high soccer IQ and always contributes defensively (plus she's really fun to watch lol)

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

She's so fun to watch, I love the crowd noise she can generate.

I bet Lynn Williams will be an alternate. With Morgan's injury tho she just might sneak in!

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

Take that prediction to Vegas! I feel so deeply in my bones that her effort level is the exact same in training as games and a lot of that alternate role is going to be pushing the team during trainings.

Rodman does not finish, 4 attempts over weekend negative results

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

I kept thinking she has to score on the next one. Such quality chances without a result made me think it might be mental. Good showing for Spirit as a team though so hopefully she shakes it off.

@mosijahi3096

Ай бұрын

It’s not all about her scoring- she’s the best at defending at playing the wing in the world,it’s not even close. Also her assist are also part of her weapon.

korbin albert star

@bingsu079

Ай бұрын

lol you realize this video is about forwards and Korbin is a midfielder right?

Sounds like you have been listening to the announcers too much. Rodman doesn't score and many of her passes are turn overs. She is the least effective forward on the team and should be dropped from the roster.

@BusyWatchingWomensSoccer

Ай бұрын

A month or two ago I really would've agreed, it was either too much time on the ball for a silly 1v1 or a careless pass played too quick. I may be biasing because I think I've seen so much improvement in the passing between through balls and crosses. I didn't think about shooting in terms of chance taking and that probably should've been an improvement point for her. Can't score if you don't shoot!

Sorry I don't comment much but you need to go back to soccer school to legit analyze these players.