Counterattack: Has Robbie Rogers Done Enough To Earn World Cup Consideration?

Allen Ramsey: I don't think he has. Rogers looked good in the first two matches of the Gold Cup, but it's not as if he was a world beater against Honduras. His crosses are still not what they need to be, his touch is a bit long, and while his pace is hard to contend with he still hasn't done as much as I think he'll need to to be part of the World Cup team. The midfield for the United States is very deep at this point, and I just don't see Rogers as one of the guys who will be in the discussion for a World Cup spot. 

Greg Lalas: The midfield is deep . . . in the middle! Bradley, Clark, Mastroeni, Torres, Kljestan, Feilhaber, and now Beckerman, and soon Jermaine Jones. But it's not that deep on the flanks. Donovan and Dempsey are set out there, but after that, who is there? Beasley isn't going to see any time the way he's playing (or not playing). Adu isn't comfortable on the wing. But you need someone. And Rogers is a very good solution.

Let me explain why:

He's got the speed, obviously. His first step is world-class. Yeah, his crossing needs to develop, but it's getting better, and he's learned (finally) how to cut his crosses back after going deep to the line as opposed to firing balls straight at the near post and into the goalkeeper's hands.

He's also become a lot smarter in the last year or so in his decision-making on when to cut inside, when to go down the line, and when to hold up the play.

All around, I'd actually argue he is the best option we have on the outside after Donovan and Dempsey.

Bold, huh? 

Allen Ramsey: Yeah, that's a bit bold.

But here's the thing. You've listed ten midfielders. Of those ten, Feilhaber, Torres, and Kljestan can all play in the wide areas. I think we both agree that Dempsey and Donovan have those starting spots locked up, and I don't think Bradley is going to use a roster spot to carry a sub that can really only play in one spot on the field. 

Greg Lalas: Frankly, I don't want to see Feilhaber or Kljestan on the flank. Feilhaber doesn't have the engine to get to the byline, and Kljestan doesn't have the appropriate skills.

Torres, I don't know. I haven't seen him enough, really, so I can't make a judgment.

But you might be right.

It's a good point you bring up that Bradley might not want such a one-sided player.

But I see him as a late sub when the U.S. needs to push.

That speed, as was the case with Charlie Davies at the Confederations Cup, could be a difference-maker. 

Allen Ramsey: I can agree with you that Rogers has the type of pace that can change matches. He reminds me of a young DaMarcus Beasley in that he in not at all afraid to run at defenders and use his pace to cause problems. He's even stepped up defensively. In fact, I think Rogers has grown a ton over the past two years, and yet I still don't feel that he has done enough to earn one of those spots in the midfield. Out of 23 players I would assume ten midfielders is already the high end of the number Bradley will carry to South Africa, and I just don't see a spot in there for Robbie.

And we haven't even mentioned Maurice Edu yet. 

Greg Lalas: Edu . . . another guy for the middle.

I don't get what it is that you don't like about Rogers? He has pace, he has a wonderful attack-first mentality, he is cool-as-cucumber under pressure, and you even admit he has improved his defensive work and abilities. Other than the agreed-upon two starters, who else in the U.S. fold is that complete a package right now? 

Allen Ramsey: As a pure wide player? Nobody. But it's not as if Donovan and Dempsey are "pure" wingers. My point is not that I don't like Rogers. I like him very much as a player. But Bradley likes to have a midfield full of guys who can play in numerous spots, making them all interchangeable. Rogers is not that guy. He doesn't fit the mold, and honestly, of the guys we've named, I not sure he's a better all around player than any of them.

Here's my question to you. Who would you leave off of the roster to bring a guy like Rogers? 

Greg Lalas: At this point, Beasley and Kljestan.

And Beckerman, but only because the US is so deep at that holding midfielder position with the likes of Bradley, Clark, Edu (when healthy), and possibly Jones.

Then the attacking guys, Donovan, Dempsey, and Feilhaber.

Oh, and I'm not sure about Mastroeni. He can be such a vital player, but after all the games and battles he's been in over the years, I feel like he's slowed a step and his decision-making with the ball has become suspect.

So I would put Rogers in there.

Bradley, Clark, Edu, Jones, Mastroeni, Donovan, Dempsey, Feilhaber, Rogers. The first eight midfielders.

If you need a few more, you take Beckerman and probably Kljestan. 

Allen Ramsey: Well, we've at least seemingly agreed that he's a better option at this point than Beasley. 

Greg Lalas: The easiest agreement I've ever made.

But I was also just about to say . . . Kljestan only if Beasley is still struggling and not playing. Beas is still only 27 and he has two World Cups under his belt. I'm a big believer in experience at the World Cup. 

Allen Ramsey: I think Bradley would agree with you there, which might push Rogers even further down. I mean, I don't see Bob carrying one guy who is only good on the left side of the midfield, much less two.

Time will tell, but for me Rogers still has some work to do. If he has good showings though out the rest of the Gold Cup I may be singing a different tune, but for now he still hasn't put himself in the running for a World Cup spot in my opinion. 

Greg Lalas: Fair enough. It would be a shame not to take a kid with such promise, who has made a commitment in the last year to shed his youthful nonchalance and who has become a lightning-quick force that could give nightmares to even the best wide defenders in the world. I think, in the end, he will be there, a secret weapon unleashed on the world the way Clint Mathis was in 2002 and Clint Dempsey was in 2006. He can be a game-changer if given the chance and the confidence of his coach.

Counterattack runs every Thursday on Goal.com