ASN 100 Analysis
Kelyn Rowe on the Rise; Andy Gruenebaum Dissed
American Soccer Now's editor in chief John Godfrey dreamed up the ASN 100, so we thought we'd ask him to tell us what's wrong with the monthly, interactive ranking of U.S. players. He gladly obliged.
1. Michael Bradley moved past Clint Dempsey for the No. 1 spot in the ASN 100. Do you agree with that change at the top?
I do. I am big fan of Dempsey's work, but it's no secret that he has struggled at Tottenham as he learned the system and got to know his teammates' tendencies. Bradley, right this moment, is ahead of him. Could that change in the coming weeks and months? Absolutely. And that's why we have a new ASN 100 ranking every month.
2. Who is the most overrated American player in terms of their current ASN ranking? Why?
I think Sean Johnson needs more seasoning before we can call him the 53rd-best American player. I like his upside, but he had some real struggles in some key moments this year—for both club and country. Let's give him some time.
3. And the most underrated player? How come?
I am bullish on Kelyn Rowe. We have him at No. 75 but I think he should be higher. Jay Heaps did a good job managing Rowe during his freshman MLS season—the 21-year-old midfielder saw action but was definitely not overworked. With Benny Feilhaber now out of the picture in New England, I can see Rowe having a very big year in 2013, and I think he is ready for it. Every time I watched him play for the Revs he took his chances, showed skill and pluck, and made something happen. I wouldn't be surprised if he made an appearance in the January U.S. national team training camp.
4. Which player outside the top 100 most deserves to make the list?
Andy Gruenebaum and Luis Silva. I had the Columbus goalkeeper at No. 70 in my personal ranking, and Silva at No. 81. I think they both deserve to be in the ASN 100.
5. Who should be off it?
Michael Orozco Fiscal scored a momentous goal against Mexico in August—it will be highlight of his career, I imagine—but I haven't seen much from him otherwise. If it was solely up to me, he would be on the outside looking in.
Who do you think is ranked too high? Too low? Check out the ASN 100 here, leave your comments below the interactive list, and be sure to click the tabs up top so you can reassemble the players by different categories.
