Pepi can't lead a line or even be a goal threat outside of the Netherlands. He also is weak in combining with the midfielders. He's not there yet.
Posting this in the Pepi thread, but it's just a summer friendly update. No Muricans with the team yet. LdJ and Chucky both start. Junior started in Dest's LB slot... which I think is pretty unusual, don't ever recall seeing him as a wingback, but who knows. Tied Brugge 1-1. Full squad change at half.
I guess Junior Mauro is "officially" a left back and was only playing more forward due to Dest being undroppable. Forgot he filled in there last few games. In my mind he was mostly a CM/AM for PSV but previous to this season he played mostly as an FB on either side. Be interesting to see how he does over a longer series of games.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/ent...cle/ar-BB1ppTU7?item=flightsprg-tipsubsc-v1a/ Unclear that he actually owns the car or was just spotted sitting in one, but what the heck. It's summer. Meanwhile, Pepi with an assist in the Paderborn friendly. "After half an hour, PSV took a 0-1 lead. Ricardo Pepi was sent deep, laid wide on Driouech and the latter then scored his first goal in Eindhoven service."
To whom? The only one I can see fit is Veerman or Boscagli, but only when Luuk isnot on the pitch. A long as LdJ even performs at 80% of last season, he'll be the captain. Only when his performance sags significantly, LdJ stays captain.
Today at 11 PST is the "Lichtstaderby" friendly between PSV and FC Eindhoven. Will be interesting to see who gets a run out. There's another friendly on Friday v. Brugge U21 that's going to be on ESPN+ it says.
It's interesting for us: Pepi starts, Ledezma on a small bench - have to believe he'll play. Dest not back from injury, no Tillman.
Pepi with a goal in the 30th minute 😍#PSVFCE https://t.co/fkXBHr9HNC pic.twitter.com/p9B5PaSqbs— PSV (@PSV) July 24, 2024
🚂 Ricardo Pepi 🇺🇸 scores for PSV, assisted by Chucky Lozano 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/slh9BfPe8F— 🇺🇸USMNTvsHaters (@USMNTvsHaters) July 24, 2024
Scored a 2nd: 1816193940581937527 is not a valid tweet id Repeat: EL TRENNN! 🔥#PSVFCE 2-2 pic.twitter.com/ChIllSnAPh— PSV (@PSV) July 24, 2024 ❤️🔥#PSVFCE 2-2 https://t.co/M8NHA9YIZx pic.twitter.com/EtM3FyGpds— PSV (@PSV) July 24, 2024
Hatty: Ricardo. Don't need to say more 😍😮💨#PSVFCE pic.twitter.com/zN7mia2M96— PSV (@PSV) July 24, 2024 HATTRICK HEROOOO 😮💨#PSVFCE 3-2 https://t.co/X3tFNjzjPW pic.twitter.com/yJ6hrvU8uT— PSV (@PSV) July 24, 2024
MALIK TILLMAN TO RICARDO PEPI TO WIN IT FOR PSV AT THE DEATH 🔥 pic.twitter.com/c2t0yo1lA3— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) March 17, 2024
On the bench for the Shield: Our #JCS2024 names ⚡️#PSVFEY pic.twitter.com/9EIacE1w3H— PSV (@PSV) August 4, 2024
Entered in injury time: Pepi time! 🚆— PSV (@PSV) August 4, 2024 Scored his PK (as does Tillman), but they lose 4-2 on PKs after a 4-4 regulation.
Kind of a weird move to keep De Jong in all game, yet take him out before PKs. Either take him out earlier if he is tired, or keep him in for PKs and put Pepi on for someone else.
The weird decisions surrounding LDJ and Pepi continue. It's gonna be another frustrating season it seems.
The chance of LdJ and PSV making another injury-free dream start to the Ered season is pretty low. There have been fairly few dynastic runs in the Netherlands and LdJ will turn 34 in a few weeks and it's unlikely he's in the run for the scoring title all season like he was last year. He's proven a pretty durable and resilient player, but it's a long season (starting Saturday!) with some Europe and cup matches as well. Maybe LdJ manages another 4000 minutes, but it's equally likely he misses a few games with an injury or two. Then the question will be whether Pepi can make himself indispensable.
I've lately determined you are one of the most thoughtful and measured posters on BS. No pressure ...I'm not asking you out on a date. I'll just miss posts like yours.