Ryan Johnson is an asset for the 'Boyz.

[USAF]

First, let me say that I don't see R.J. as a pure striker. He is a utility player and a workhorse, and every team NEEDS at least one. He has played midfield and forward in college, and as pro he has played defense (left-back while at San Jose), midfield (left wing while at San Jose), and forward/striker (at San Jose, Toronto and now Portland).

Ryan Johnson will go out there, play diciplined and battle: helping out in defense, midfield and forward, wearing down the opposing defense. Did you see how much trouble the Mexican defenders had, keeping up with Robinson and Stewart. R.J. will make Mattocks and your other young forwards/strikers more productive for the 'Boyz, especially in away games.

You have Johnson doing his work for 45 - 60 mins., and opposing defenses will be in serious trouble with a fresh, strong and fast Mattocks; especially with a fit Hue putting the ball in goal-scoring spots.

[Karl]

Hue?
...but the thoughts are bang on!

Respek!

[Mitty]

He lacks a striker's instinct, poor at running off the ball, thinks too much when presented with goal scoring opportunities, and always seem like he is a step late. However, he holds on to the ball well and bring other players into the game.

Cannot play him as a lone strikers, his skill set doesnt fit that role.

[USAF]

He is not a pure striker. But I think the 'Boyz strategy, in the Hex, will be: win the home games and try to get at least a draw away, and that is why they will start with a lone striker, especially in away games, and he is the best for that.

Johnson, for at least the 1st half, will allow the coaches to better analyze the game and make the necessary adjustments, because he will help in defense, tire the opposing defense, and can hold the ball in attack.

Someone like Mattocks is a pure striker, and will go for goal when he gets the ball, which in Central America can get him hurt, especially early in the game. Because of Mattocks size, strength, speed and direct approach they are going to do anything to stop him, but he is more of an asset and deadlier against slower and tired defenders. And when the defense can't keep up, the opposing coach will have to pull midfielders to help, thereby creating more space and freedom for you in attack.

[USAF]

What's wrong with Hue? You don't he can make the necessary passes anymore?

[Jawge]

Yes Johnson brings a defensive game to the team. This will have to be assessed by the staff to see where it will fit it the upcoming game.

Mattocks a pure striker ? Yes and that's what Ja needs right now. Everyone seems comfortable with the one point from Mexico when it could have been three. Nothing is guaranteed in the Hex. Road to France Ja won a game on the road. Ja can ill afford to go on the road seeking a draw. What if Ja draw a game in the office? The aim is to score goals. The point from Mexico is a good start but there is much more hard work ahead.

BTW the way how Ja is playing Hue is not a factor. Ja is playing a counter attacking game were they give you the ball and dare you to come forward, you turn it over and they strike with their speed (this is where mattocks comes in). Hue cannot work in the middle to win balls (I'm sorry but that's just how it is)

[USAF]

Jawge, I know you love the Brazillian football (especially 60s, 70s and 80s - don't like what the h@ll is happening now, but that's another topic), as I do, but Jamaica has to play to their strength, and that is not an attacking game.
You, more than most, know that Tappa has an offensive mind set and would love to have the 'Boyz play an attacking game with skill and flair, but he does not have that luxery, so what he is going to employ, especially in the away games, is the rope-a-dope. He is going to play TEAM defense and counter attack and use players to wear the opposing defenses down, and then inject more attacking players as the game goes on. If you had gone into Azteca with an offensive game plan, you would have been hurt, because that would have opened you up to waves of attack exposing your left-back even more, and Mattocks would have been in the final third starving for service. Jermaine Johnson is a purely attacking player, see how lost and ineffective he was in that first half. I bet he would have been more of a factor if he came on in the second half.

You have to know how to effectively use the cards you have.

[Karl]

Jawge, I know you love the Brazillian football (especially 60s, 70s and 80s - don't like what the h@ll is happening now, but that's another topic), as I do, but Jamaica has to play to their strength, and that is not an attacking game.
You, more than most, know that Tappa has an offensive mind set and would love to have the 'Boyz play an attacking game with skill and flair, but he does not have that luxery, so what he is going to employ, especially in the away games, is the rope-a-dope. He is going to play TEAM defense and counter attack and use players to wear the opposing defenses down, and then inject more attacking players as the game goes on. If you had gone into Azteca with an offensive game plan, you would have been hurt, because that would have opened you up to waves of attack exposing your left-back even more, and Mattocks would have been in the final third starving for service. Jermaine Johnson is a purely attacking player, see how lost and ineffective he was in that first half. I bet he would have been more of a factor if he came on in the second half.

You have to know how to effectively use the cards you have.

Exactly how he played in the Azteca...a strong defensive unit with introduction of offensive players quicker than Ryan Johnson and Jermaine "Teddy" Johnson. Clearly the aim was "(trying) to steal one in the Azteca"

[Karl]

What's wrong with Hue? You don't he can make the necessary passes anymore?

He can pass alright. ...but will he be fast/quick enough to allow for receipt of/get to many balls...or quick enough under fast closing down to get of his passes?

[USAF]

I think it was the BEST tacital game Jamaica has played, especially when you look at the opposition (their experience as a team and individually) and where the game was played. You played against a team that had players who had won U20WC, Gold Cup and the Olympics.

[Karl]

Agreed! - Hopefully at 'sea level' a smooth "passing & moving, moving and passing" game will lead to possession advantage, goals and wins against ALL!

Certainly we could see where our players under less physical distress as presented by the snog and rarefied air in the Azteca will be more mobile and stronger thus make less mistakes (poor passing=giving away the ball often as in that Mexico City match).

One thing Ricketts' last match (pre-season with his MLS TEAM) showed is he shall be excellent distributor of the ball. ...that should encourage the passing game!

[USAF]

So you don't think he could be an asset starting the second half or last 30 minutes, against a tired defense?

[Jawge]

Yes for decades Brasil has been the keeper of the beautiful game. We will discuss that on another thread (as it takes time purge the present selecao of average and ordinary players).

Concerning the Boyz; I'm not for flair and attacking ball (just not their strength). The Boyz strengths lies in counter attacking with speed complimented with their athleticism to soak up pressure. I think we are saying the same thing only differ at the point where when Ja is given that window of opportunity in the 18, I would like to see a calm and composed Mattocks with the ball. Boss it could easily mean three points on the road.

Some are saying that Ja should have a playmaker. First of all at present, Ja has no player with or similar to Tappa's ability. Secondly the present team is not structured that way. The Team is structured to get down and dirty, win balls and find openings in zone 14. It's more structured around Austin's game. BTW notice that Ja's major successes of late came minus Hue?

[Tilla]

Ryan Johnson is not flashy, but he gets the work done. He can also score goals too. I agree he missed chances against Mexico, but he was wearing down the Mexican defense.

I have no problem with Hue in the midfield either. Most people here (especially Karl and Stoni) will say he is too slow.He beings so much more with his passing game where he can pick out players to allow us to score goals. He is also a dead ball specialist when it comes to taking free kicks outside the box.

[TheDread]

Yes for decades Brasil has been the keeper of the beautiful game. We will discuss that on another thread (as it takes time purge the present selecao of average and ordinary players).

Concerning the Boyz; I'm not for flair and attacking ball (just not their strength). The Boyz strengths lies in counter attacking with speed complimented with their athleticism to soak up pressure. I think we are saying the same thing only differ at the point where when Ja is given that window of opportunity in the 18, I would like to see a calm and composed Mattocks with the ball. Boss it could easily mean three points on the road.

Some are saying that Ja should have a playmaker. First of all at present, Ja has no player with or similar to Tappa's ability. Secondly the present team is not structured that way. The Team is structured to get down and dirty, win balls and find openings in zone 14. It's more structured around Austin's game. BTW notice that Ja's major successes of late came minus Hue?

Last time I checked it was Hue that helped us get into the Hex.