Does the Canadian men’s national team have the best front three in North America?
The OneSoccer Today crew opened up that debate on Wednesday, as hosts Andi Petrillo, Oliver Platt, and Gareth Wheeler embarked on a 10-minute discussion about Canada’s attackers, and whether the trio of Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, and Cyle Larin – based on current form – makes up the strongest front line in the Concacaf region.
Larin’s recent play – 23 goals for Besiktas this season (not to mention his goals for Canada in recent World Cup qualifiers) – might be what puts Les Rouges over the edge, with the impact of Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David already well-established. In fact, the panel discussed whether it’s time for the 26-year-old to move from the Turkish league to a higher level this summer.
“What really impresses me about the way Cyle Larin is playing is just the range of finishes,” Platt said. “He’s clinical in the box, whether it’s first-time, whether he’s taking a touch or two, whatever kind of position he’s in, whatever kind of angle he’s at, he’s absolutely lethal right now, and clubs all over the world are looking for that kind of player.”
Does Larin make Canada’s front three the best in Concacaf, though?
Wheeler pointed out the strength of Mexico’s veteran attackers, including the likes of Raúl Jiménez and Chicharito, as well as some of the players in the pools of other countries, like Jamaica and, of course, the United States.
Alphonso Davies, Cyle Larin, Jonathan David – best front three in all of Concacaf? ??@plattoli and @GarethWheeler debate the merits of the #CanMNT FW line, compared to those of #USMNT, Mexico… and a few other surprise shouts ?
WATCH (FULL) ▶️https://t.co/KiNocXnlMi pic.twitter.com/N5ohigr34G
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) May 6, 2021
Ultimately, it all comes down to how the coaches of national teams – John Herdman included – deploy their attackers in order to get the best out of them.
The OneSoccer Today panel, which will welcome Herdman to the show Thursday, went on to chat about a whole range of topics, including how recent coaching changes at Bayern Munich may impact Alphonso Davies, as well as Jonathan David’s role in Lille’s chase for the Ligue 1 title in France.
The Canadian men’s national team will next be in action on June 5, for a World Cup qualifying match against Aruba (broadcast live on OneSoccer).
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