Johann Smith
June 19th, 2009 . 9:23 am . By: Buzz CarrickHere’s a guy I wouldn’t mind FCD taking a look at. Johann Smith was waived this week by Toronto FC. They had been using him as a midfielder. But it wasn’t that long ago that Smith was a big, physical, fast, and dangerous target striker for the US U20s he was good enough to go to Bolton Wanderers rather than College. So is he a bust? Possible. Was he good cause he matured early and now people have caught up? Could be. Has he just failed to develop? Sure. But let’s face it, FCD isn’t great right now and Smith is (was?) the kind of high striker FCD is missing for Cooper to play off of. TFC needed a spot to sign Ali Gerba. There is a chance this guy at 22 could still be worth something. Although Smith wasn’t in residency, I bet he knows Ellinger. So why not take a look? Edit: He’s been playing a lot of mid for TFC. Something else FCD might need. Yes, not a high soccer IQ. I still think it’s worth a look. 5 Comments Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI Leave a comment |
be careful what you wish for.
Smith has no soccer IQ. His specialty is the “stepover”. His best move is “kick the ball past the man and chase it”. He has trouble linking up with teammates (likes to go it alone) and can’t recognize plays very well. Jim Brennan on TFC would try to do give and go’s with Smith, but Smith wouldn’t go. Brennan freaked out at him a couple times for this.
He’s a physical beast (strength and speed) but if you want someone who knows the game, look elsewhere.
At least “kick the ball past the man and chase it” could be fun to watch.
What’s wrong with Brek Shea in the high striker role? Would you rate this guy better than Brek?
OObviously other teams think he has a better IQ that what hendrix thinks as he has signed with a club in Europe. It is so good to be a spectator because that is all you are. TFC has a lot of issues and he has been begging to get out
I watched Johann play at Oakwood Soccer Club in Connecticut. I wish him well, but he still plays exactly the way he played when he was 12 or 13 years old. His game hasn’t grown at all in the last decade even as his physical growth made him the fast and strong young man he is.