The 2014 World Cup begins Thursday in just a short amount of time. So while we wait for one of the biggest sporting events on the planet to start, I thought it would be fun to steal an idea that Big Blue View had earlier today: what sort of soccer team could you make out of your favorite NFL team's roster?
In this case we're obviously working with the Eagles. I'm a Chelsea fan so we'll be using Jose Mourinho's favored 4-2-3-1 lineup. Read more about that type of formation here. I'm far from a soccer expert but I do enjoy the sport on a casual level. Here's my best attempt of making a soccer team out of the Eagles.
Goalkeeper
WR Ifeanyi Momah. He's very tall (6-7) and fast. I considered other Eagles who are listed at 6-8 or taller but I figure Momah is the most flexible and able to stop shots on goal.
Defenders
Full back: CB Brandon Boykin. I imagine any passes kicked towards Boykin's way would be promptly intercepted.
Center back: ILB DeMeco Ryans. Ryans is the captain on the back end of the defense. You have to go through him if you're going to score. Ryans will be effective as a down-hill defender.
Center back: ILB Mychal Kendricks. Kendricks is erratic which could lead to cost penalties and fouls, but he produces enough turnovers to be worth the risk.
Full back: CB Cary Williams. Williams isn't the best in coverage but he'll be physical and get into the head of opposing wingers.
Midfielders
Defensive: OLB Connor Barwin. Barwin has shown the ability to drop into coverage quite often as well as setting the edge. Not to mention he has a knack for jumping up to bat down passes. Of course, he can't do that in soccer so he'll just have to use his head instead.
Defensive: TE Brent Celek. The Eagles veteran tight end is big and bulky enough to play defense yet also has the offensive mind to be a capable distributor who can get the ball to the attacking midfielders. He's a team player through and through.
Attacking side: WR Jordan Matthews. The Matthews hype continues. He's already the best player to ever set foot on the pitch. Matthews runs an additional 20 yards after every goal he scores.
Attacking side: RB Darren Sproles. Sproles will easily navigate through opposing defenses. He'll be a pesky presence on the pitch.
Attacking middle: QB Nick Foles. Foles is a little slow for this role but he can be relied on to distribute the ball to his wings and striker. Don't count out his ability to run up for a score himself.
Striker
RB LeSean McCoy. Easy one. Shady is quite adept at keeping control of the ball and defenders often can't even get near him. Shady will be a world class goal scorer in this offense.
World Cup Coverage and Open Thread
Use this thread to talk about Thursday's World Cup games. Complete SB Nation coverage of the 2014 World Cup can be found here.