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There have been a number of changes in the Whitecaps regular starting eleven over the past two matches that Vancouver have played in. Some of these changes include the inclusion of players like Russell Teibert, Corey Hertzog and Tommy Heinemann. Of course, with all these younger and new players in the lineup, a few regulars have had no choice but to make way and start games on the bench.
Some of the players who have recently been left out of Rennie's squad include the likes of Gershon Koffie and even Darren Mattocks. Now the big question that comes out of these recent lineup changes is, “What was the primary reason behind these lineup changes?”
Why did Rennie change the lineup?
Perhaps Martin Rennie was just looking to switch things up, as the original lineup obviously was did not fare as well as hoped against Houston and Chivas USA. We first saw change occur back against the San Jose Earthquakes when many were caught by surprise by the Caps starting eleven that took the pitch. Koffie and Mattocks took a rare seat on the bench and Teibert and Hertzog got their first starts of the season.
There have been no complaints with regard to the play of Russell Teibert, as the young Canadian has definitely been impressive. However, Corey Hertzog has only been average in his first two starts of the season, despite scoring the tying goal against the Quakes in his Whitecaps debut.
Another possibility could be that Martin Rennie is trying to send a message of sorts to the young but talented players in the Whitecaps side, such as Koffie and Mattocks. He could be trying to tell them that their spots are not guaranteed and that they must work hard to earn them back. Darren Mattocks recently stated that he will be a 20 goal-scorer this season but so far he has only managed one goal in 6 matches. Gershon Koffie, on the other hand, is more of a difficult story to explain. Since he joined the Whitecaps he has been nothing but consistent. Maybe Rennie picked up something that suggested that Koffie believed his spot was completely solidified and/or that he does not have to work as hard anymore. Whatever the reason, Martin Rennie certainly believed it was time to mix things up.
Has it paid off?
It is hard to say whether or not these lineup changes have paid off or not. In both of the matches in which the lineup has been different than usual, the Whitecaps have drawn twice. These performances have certainly been far from overwhelming successes and many problems have been apparent in undesirable results still loom with the Caps side. However many changes Rennie makes, these issues will be difficult to resolve just by a swap of personnel. Time and effort will have to be put in during training and the veterans in the Whitecaps' squad must take charge.
I must say that the insertion of Teibert into the starting lineup has definitely paid off, as he has played brilliantly in his first two starts of the season. He has impressed many, including teammate Nigel Reo-Coker who came out and said that he believed Russell was capable of playing overseas in Europe. These are bold but extremely meaningful words coming from a player like Reo-Coker, who had previously played his entire career in England.
Hertzog, on the other hand, has not been very good in his first two regular season matches in my opinion. He has not done well as a lone, target striker and has not been the dangerous striker the Caps need. Hertzog would not have been my first choice after Mattocks and I would much prefer to see Omar Salgado up front once he reaches full match fitness.
What is the Whitecaps ideal starting lineup?
My preferred starting eleven, taking into account Kenny Miller's absence, would consist of Joe Cannon and the Whitecaps current starting back line. These have actually played alright so far this season and consistency across the back is usually a virtue.
In the midfield, I would like to see Davidson, Reo-Coker and either Koffie or Teibert in the center, with Camilo and Kobayashi on the wings. Camilo has been top class whenever he has stepped foot on the pitch and having him in the lineup helps the Whitecaps in the attack immensely.
Up top I would like to see Darren Mattocks back as a starter because he is far more dangerous as a striker than Hertzog. I would also definitely suggest Salgado as a possibility for the striker position as well, but unfortunately he has not yet reached match fitness.
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