Bornstein Should Be in the Midfield, Not Defense: Or Why Preki Does not Know How to Use His Players

By: David | May 31st, 2007

Throughout the season, we have seen Preki make some pretty interesting roster movements and formation changes. Each of which have had varying results, but overall they have not proved to be that impressive. One of the oddest moves, in my opinion, is keeping Jonathan Bornstein at defender. Understandably, Bob Bradley has Bornstein at defender for the national team, but we do not have that much talent on our team and our midfield is lacking in depth.

In each game, the most aggressive player has been Bornstein, who has had to leave the backfield and try to make some movements down field. You can see that he is more of an attacking player than a defender, and as such, I feel he is not being used correctly. Maybe I am wrong, but I would rather seen Bornstein in the Midfield and Zotinca (when he comes back from injury) in the defense.

This is just a thought, however, I really feel we are doing a disservice to Bornstein by keeping him in the backfield, when he proved last season that he loves being around the opponent’s net.

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Tags: Alex Zotinca, Bob Bradley, chivas usa, Jonathan Bornstein, MLS Analysis, Preki, Team News, USMNT

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• Eric |  May 31st, 2007 at 10:46 am

  
  
  

  Well considering Jon B played fwd in college, it doesn’t surprise that he’s more of an attacking defender. Going along with what you said, it was Bradley’s decision to put him back there his rookie season.

  totally disagree, though. our backline is what’s killing us this year (we tend to dominate possession due to our already efficient midfield). in my opinion, its already shaky back there with thomas. (should be zotinca – suarez – vaughn – bornstein…with nagamura staying close by as a defensive mid)

  in fact, while im at it:
  guzan
  zotinca – suarez – vaughn – bornstein
  nagamura
  panchito – marsch – kljestan
  galindo – razov

  Posted from United States

  

• David |  May 31st, 2007 at 12:06 pm

  
  
  

  Eric, I like that, or actually using Nags as a more defensive midfielder. Yea, I do realize that our defense is very weak, but so is our midfield.

  I will post more later, time for job interviews.

  Posted from United States

  

• Jeff Bull |  May 31st, 2007 at 1:30 pm

  
  
  

  David, first I want to note that you’re kinda a personal hero. As someone who can’t get nearly as worked up as you do about your team…well, I can only tip my hat.

  But the main reason I’m here is to spread a little sunshine. I pull together a post once a week to see how a collection of professional and amateur pundits view Chivas USA in the context of MLS. You’ve sounded glum about your side in the past, so I thought I’d pass on a series of opinions that peg them a solid #7 in MLS.

  Posted from United States

  

• David |  May 31st, 2007 at 4:27 pm

  
  
  

  Jeff, thanks buddy! That does cheer me up a bit, but what will I do with this sunburn? *Shakes fist at the LA sun*

  But we shall see what is going to happen the rest of this season. This Saturday could turn out to be a real benefit, as it will provide preki a chance to mess with the starting line-up and test some of his younger players.

  Now to tending my red/burned skin.

  Posted from United States

  

• ChivasFan |  June 17th, 2007 at 4:02 pm

  
  
  

  David and Jeff, I think it is smart putting Bornstein in the back due to his pace and full year of experience….pace in the back is key, especially if Suarez is in the lineup. Also, with Bornstein being gone, maybe he will be put back in the midfield if Chivas continue to get shutouts with their current backfour.

  Posted from United States

  

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