PMan and HCE are better sources but I'll do my best.

by Bryan (IrishCavan), Howth Castle and Environs, Monday, July 06, 2026, 19:17 (16 days ago) @ Mike (bart)

1. Most of our best players grew up in other countries, who emphasize these fundamentals of ball handling. If they were better, they'd be playing for their home countries. Balogun, Tillman, Robinson, Dest, etc. are not good enough to play for the countries they grew up in.

2. Unfortunately, yes. The US, for whatever reason, has not produced a decent CB in a long time. Richards is probably the one exception.

3. Courtouis is one of the best keepers in the world. They are essentially recycling to move it to the other side of the field to keep the defense moving. The idea is to move the ball from one side of the field to the other to make the defense work and open space.