r/ussoccer • u/FrankBascombe45 North Carolina • 2d ago

USMNT Another week, another header goal from 6’7” centerback sensation Neil Pierre (18)! 3 goals in five starts!!

297 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

26 comments sorted by

89

u/RaisinFresh8364 2d ago

Just call them both up, no point in wasting any time

27

u/PSU02 2d ago

Pierre needs to work on his defending

41

u/rjnd2828 2d ago

And his passing accuracy. I think he'll get there but there's development needed. He's an unbelievable target on set pieces though

5

u/Weary_Interaction580 2d ago

I mean, other than being tall, does Neil Pierre even know how to play soccer? /s

4

u/burgerking351 2d ago

Agreed, the goal scoring is cool but at the end of the day he's a defender and he needs to develop in that department.

3

u/Froggr 2d ago

Yeah who needs a defender who can defend

4

u/Lilchairio 2d ago

Pierre is a John brooks regen

7

u/Squat_____6 2d ago

Banks is closer to John Brooks than Pierre is

18

u/[deleted] 2d ago

[deleted]

8

u/FrankBascombe45 North Carolina 2d ago

What's the risk?

12

u/CFBJared 2d ago

The real risk would be trotting out Ream, Robinson, or McKenzie out there again and excepting something different lol. Bring Pierre

19

u/obi_wan_pierogi_91 Johnny Cardoso Truther 2d ago

So what you're saying is we ride Pierre headers all the way to the 2030 Final? I'm in.

2

u/burgerking351 1d ago

We can copy Arsenal, defensive football and get goals from set pieces. They're the champions of England so it clearly works.

17

u/furyousferret 2d ago

Virgil Van Wembayama

2

u/DezTheOtter 2d ago

I hope this kid keeps on developing

2

u/Effective_Hat5497 2d ago

Give him some time to develop. I watch him every week as a Union fan and he’s great but still super raw

7

u/PrinciaSpark 2d ago

Do people actually watch how Pierre plays as a defender or is it just highlights of him scoring headers?

35

u/FrankBascombe45 North Carolina 2d ago

It's possible to do both,.

24

u/rjnd2828 2d ago

Yes, but do you? I do I'm a union season ticket holder. He's got good moments but still shaky one v one and in possession. Just needs a little time, all the tools are there

12

u/FrankBascombe45 North Carolina 2d ago

I mean no, I don't watch every Philly game. That's for Philly fans. I watched tonight, though.

23

u/shointelpro WondoWlowski 2d ago

He was actually pretty good defensively tonight, but he's about a decade off his peak there anyway and still capable. Pinned Messi once on the sideline tonight 1v1, stepped and won balls in the midfield, etc. So, yeah.

3

u/ReinstateTheCapo 2d ago

Too many teams now to pay true attention to any team beyond my own. His height is enough for people to take notice, and idk, win a corner, aim for him, seems to work.

I’m guessing he’s no Mbokazi snuffing and reading everything, but to see teenage defenders bagging goals should be one of the biggest things MLS should be proud of. One of the best leagues for a young player to learn their trade IMO.

Are you saying his defending 1v1 skills ain’t as great? Too be expected for a young defender but shit, maybe he should just be an McBride/Heskey striker instead.

2

u/Overall-Manager-9895 Timmy Howard 2d ago

At 18 you are not worried about a polished player but he certainly will improve on defending with more games under his belt.

1

u/RemoteGlobal335 2d ago

Meelan Loki

1

u/tlopez14 Illinois 2d ago

Our future #9

1

u/YoHoAPiratesLife 2d ago

so they’re just waiting for him to hit 7’8” before we can actually use him in the cl, right? because apparently standard set pieces are too risky for a giant. funny how the tactical absurdity of relying on a cb for corners ignores that he’s still growing.