some observations from our friendly vs Spain

Instead of playing Kanawha basketball yesterday, I tuned into another one of ESPN2's expertly covered U.S. friendlies vs. Spain. I didn't used to mind Harkes that much, but it really is painful to listen to JP Dellacamera butchering just about everything he can, so I usually just turn it all the way down to a barely audible volume. And every time we give the ball away Harkes keeps on saying, "I'd just look for the US to knock it around a few more times before they try and play that kind a ball." Well that's a nice tactic when you can't even get out of your own half.
Anyway, observation #1.
Eddie Johnson is not good. Has he ever done anything remotely impressive against a real opponent? He didn't have much of an impact at Fulham at all this year, and Ill be surprised if his deal gets extended. He really doesn't possess the requisite skills to feature as a lone striker. His touch is awful, and holding the ball up is quite difficult for him (something the US desperately needs their strikers to do to relieve the pressure on the defense). His only asset is his speed which does fit in to our counter attacking style, but he just doesn't cut the mustard when we're talking about what you want in a striker.

#2. Freddie Adu is probably already better than Donovan. I'm not sure if he came off at halftime due to injury, but he was absolutely tearing it up in the first half. I haven't seen that much of him, but all my doubts have been erased. He's got some nice little stepovers, we know he can shoot, but he was impressive as a passer last night as well. My only worry is that he'll be stuck in the shadow of the poster boy of American Soccer Landon Donovan, and not be allowed to play in that center attacking midfielder role, where he really shined last night.

#3. We really miss Reyna. We desperately need some stability in the midfield, someone who can take the pressure off the defense. Edu was ok, but I'm not sure that's the kind of player he is, I haven't seen enough of him.

#4. We are too slow. I mean that in every sense of the word. Our players don't think fast enough, nor are they physically quick enough to keep up with superior opposition. It was painfully obvious in our backline as Xavi carved past Onyewu for the goal, and with Fragile Frankie Hejduk, and Heath Pearce on the back foot for almost the entire second half. And Michael Bradley isn't too swift on his feet either, he didn't look like he had any business on that field.

#5. Spain don't look like a championship side to me. I don't know what it is, but I don't like it. They are almost too flashy in their matador uniforms with those golden numbers and blood red shirts. I wouldn't mind seeing them succeed, but with all the expectations they have this year, its almost more of a reason to expect them to fold as per norm.