José Francisco “Gringo” Torres is the current object of my affections. Here he channels Nadia Comăneci.
2 years ago • 0 notesHe’s listed by the U.S. Soccer Federation as 5-foot-7 (that’s generous), 135 pounds (probably accurate). With that wispy frame, soft-spoken José Francisco Torres doesn’t look like a guy who might symbolize the future of the U.S. national team…
“He gives the U.S. a different look when he comes on the field,” one source close to U.S. Soccer said. “He looks for the ball in most positions, he wants it at his feet. He can start an attack from a deeper position with shorter passing and combo plays. To be honest, I’m not sure [Coach Bob Bradley] knows how to use him.”
And that’s the problem. He might be too good, at least for what the U.S. does. Torres hasn’t seen action for the Americans since the 3-1 debacle in Costa Rica in June, and didn’t take the field in South Africa despite being named to the Confederations Cup roster. Some of that is due to his inexperience. Probably more of it is due to the fact that there’s no natural place for him.
