Some observations from Red Bulls camp

Here are some observations from Red Bulls camp in California courtesy of some of my sources:

Dema Kovalenko has continued his impressive form. His fitness and skill have been among the team's best and he has established himself as one of the squad's true leaders.

Craig Capano has been sidelined by injury and hasn't had a chance to prove himself. He may still make the team if he is willing to accept the developmental slot the team has available.

Ansu Toure hasn't carried the momentum from his impressive stint in Florida. He hasn't been terrible but hasn't stood out the way he did last month.

Dane Richards is looking good again. Richards has succeeded in carrying over his Florida heroics by looking entirely capable of of starting on the right flank in place of Markus Schopp if the Austrian has any more health troubles.

The forwards have yet to set themselves apart. Josmer Altidore has shown flashes but hasn't grabbed hold of the starting forward spot in Bruce Arena's projected 4-5-1 formation. John Wolyniec has looked better in Carson than in Florida but still hasn't claimed a starting role either.

Jon Conway is looking like a beast. The job is Ronald Waterreus' to lose but Conway certainly looks ready to be the man again if the opportunity arises.

Tim Regan and Elie Ikangu have been sidelined still so we still don't know what they're going to bring to the table.

That's all I have for now. I will try to update you guys periodically on the buzz out of camp so stay tuned.

Comments

[Tim]

Thanks!

[athan]

Curious what you thought about the 'Fred' rumor to DC United. Why is it that DC gets its hands on so many good South American players, while the rest of the league is standing still? I mean the Red Bulls have Wolyniec starting up top, but it seems they have done nothing to improve their squad?!! I don't get it. What do you think Ives?

[Napoleon]

Thanks.

Do you think a Robbie Fowler for example, would indeed be a good target upfront for the 4-5-1 lineup you mentioned? Ives, I just can't see Wolynec holding down the CF spot by himself....he is a complimentary player, certainly, but not a single holding CF.

I mention Robbie due to him being excess in Liverpools future. I do not see Crouch/Kuyt/Bellamy leaving LFC anytime soon, and with the addition of a few young upcoming players, Robbies place is not even 4th choice. JD in North Dakota, what are your feelings on "Robbie to MLS" talk?

[rice!]

Awesome, Ives coming through. Thanks!

[um]

DC United gets so many talented South Americans because they have scouts watching prospects and aggressively pursuing them in the way that clubs in Europe. They do their own scouting while most of the clubs in the league depend on whatever scouting the league has done.

They also have a a lot of open international slots and huge stack of allocations to use so it is a good chance that along with Fred they will sign another Brazilian, Welton da Silva. he following foreign additions to DC United's line up:
Pretty impressive if they pull this off:

Considered "Domestic":
- Moreno (green card) [Bolivia]
- Dyachenko (green card) [Russia]
- Farringdon (dual US - Danish citizenship) [US/Denmark]

YI (max 3):
- Erpen (Argentina)
- Casal [England)
- Kpene (Ivory Coast)

SI (max 4):
- Gomez [Argentina]
- Emilio [Brazil]
- Fred (if signed)[Brazil]
- Silva (if signed) [Brazil]

What you're seeing here is a sign that DC United is clearly building a team for CONCACAF Champions Cup/SuperLiga/Sudamericana competition.

Kpene and Casal should be ones to watch. They're young but promising. Kpene is nicknamed "Drogba" by his United teamates and Casal was one of two players named the Future of Fulham in Fulham FC's magazine before he transferred.

[um]

One of the problems that plagues New York is that they keep looking for big 'name' players who are past 30. If you look at the lineup above its both experienced and young. That's what RBNY should aspire to but instead they have the oldest midfield in the league. Good luck with that.

[athan]

Thanks for the assessment 'um'. As an MLS fan, I just have to marvel at the success and quality of play that DC United continues to put forth. As a die hard Red Bull fan, I can honestly say that DC United is the class of the league. From management to scouting to coaching to the on field performance, they just do things right.

[um]

No problem.

The other thing you often see is that some clubs like New England are content with the "SuperDraft". Robbie Fowler being linked to New England kinda surprised me cause it goes contrary to the New England philosophy of spending very little (even though they got a huge amount for the sell of Dempsey to Fulham) and try to get the most from the new kid from Wake Forrest University.

If New York can get Fowler good for them. He will likely put some bums in seats but i am not sure how much the quality of play will be improved in a league where fitness is as important if not more important than skill come July.

[Dominghosa]

http://www.lasoccernews.com/article.php?article_id=1217
about M. Wynne for you RBNY fans

[emmanuel]

Hello Sir

My name is emmanule obeni i am 18 and i am qualified fitness
instructor that specialises in speed and stamina work. i am a semi
professional, am very fit. i am a left sided player that can fill in at centre midfield. i specialise in set pieces such as free kicks and
corner kicks and am currently playing at the top clubs level in nigeria looking to move to the europ, assia or america as a player i am looking for a good club to play for.thanks and god bless you.