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Ever since the 23-man US Men's National Team World Cup roster was announced, Landon Donovan fanboys and Brad Davis haters have taken to social media to point out Brad Davis' shortcomings as a Left Midfielder/Winger. The assumption by some of these "fans" is that by Brad Davis being included in the 23-man roster, then surely that is the lone reason Landon Donovan was left off.
Look, I'm not going to say there isn't some sliver of truth to the sentiment, but it is ludicrous to think it is the lone reason. Just look at the relationship between Donovan and Jurgen Klinsmann in the Gold Cup or look at the poor performance Donovan showed in Major League Soccer until he was nixed from the 23.
I digress. I'm not here to talk about Landycakes or why he was left off the roster. I'm here to talk about the Sweet Left Foot of Glory, Brad freakin' Davis.
Why was he included on the 23- man roster for Brazil, I mean BRADzil? There is no better service man available for the US when it comes to in-swingers from the right side. There is no better service man for free kicks from just about anywhere on the pitch. Even in the run of play his service into the box is better than 85-90% of players in the world.
With Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey up top and both wonderful in the air, is there any wonder why Klinsmann holds a "giver" like Brad Davis in high regard?
Just in case there is allow me to remind you prior to leaving for US Men's National Team camp who was the MLS assist leader, Brad Davis. He was the assist leader for Major League Soccer even though he arguably has one of the worst aerial forwards/strikers in the league. He managed those assists between Ricardo Clark, Will Bruin and Mark Sherrod, notching five assists in his 8 games played for the Houston Dynamo so far this season.
I'm sure there's people out there reading this thinking five assists isn't much to brag about. Well, let me tell you the current assist leaders have a mere 6…in 15 appearances. Lloyd Sam, Obafemi Martins and Diego Valeri have 1 more assist across an additional 7 matches. Would anyone argue those three players have better goal scorers on their team?
And yet, there will still be fans who decry Brad Davis as too slow, not defensively sound enough or a litany of other excuses they try to use to validate their disapproval. Fact is, there isn't another player I want taking set pieces for the US in the World Cup, and the fact is, neither should you.