The Full Backs

Sorry about the break... there was a little bit of a changeup in the lineup. Frankie Hejduk was diagnosed with a major knee injury and so, less then a day after being left off the team, Chris Albright finds himself on it.

Our list of Full Backs is thus:

Steve Cherundulo: One of the biggest locks on the team for a starting role. He has quietly done everything that Bruce Arena has asked. He can get forward, make crosses, defend and provide width without sacrificing the defense. He'll start at right back and will (likely) play every game there barring injury.

Eddie Lewis: Similar to Cherundulo in terms of playing style. He's slower than Cherundulo and not quite as experienced a defender (he's only played there for about a year). But he makes up for that with far better attacking skills. Where Cherundulo is capable at crossing Eddie Lewis is an expert. With Lewis and either Convey or Beasley in front, I expect the Nats to focus alot of their attacks down the left side of the field. Lewis also brings a good set piece element to the team (particularly on corners) that we are lacking. Without him on the field, Donovan takes the corners which leaves one of our most dangerous attackers out on the flanks.

Cory Gibbs: Nominally a central defender. I put him in this category because I believe he's more likely to play on the flanks then in the center. He showed himself to be a capable player on the flanks and he provides a more defensive option then Lewis on the left. He's similar to Onyewu but not as powerful which is why I think he's the 4th choice center back behind Onyewu, Pope and Bocanegra. Also, without Hejduk we're decidedly short on left backs.

Chris Albright: The new addition. Albright takes Hejduk's place but does not entirely replace him. Chris is comfortable along the entire right side and even at forward. He's dangerous (but perhaps not deadly) at set pieces and he provides some much needed cover at right back and at right midfield. What he doesn't do is give us much cover on the left. I think Hejduk's injury means that Gibbs and Convey have to be the left back backups in case of an Eddie Lewis injury.

Others:
John O'Brien: If he's healthy he's probably our best option at left back... He could also play anywhere in the center of midfield. Chances of being healthy are not good, however.

Claudio Reyna: Nats fans have gotten so used to seeing his name in the midfield that its easy to forget that he's logged considerable time for Man City as a right back. He's not the prototypical right back but he brings a creative verve that is not often seen at that position.


Alternates:
Todd Duinivant: Plays club ball for the Galaxy. Hasn't had much international experience but widely regarded as an up and comer.

The unit as a whole:
This is probably our weakest area, top to bottom, as a team. Eddie Lewis has questions around his speed and ability to defend (though he's done remarkably well with Leeds this season). Steve Cherundulo is top notch but his backup is a bit untested. Ditto for Lewis's backups. If there are further injuries at this position we could be left looking very exploited on the flanks. Split grade: Starters B+, Backups C-