I hope this isn't hot take-ish but i honestly think Brooks and Cameron have the potential to be the best CB pairing we have ever had.
I'm sorry if thats a hot take I'm just happy and had to get that off my chest.
I don't think we've ever had a CB of Brooks caliber or pedigree. There have been some good ones, Eddie Pope and Gooch in his prime come to mind in particular.
But Brooks is in a different category. He's been one of the brightest defensive prospects in Germany since he was 19 years old. Pretty much been a consistent starter at the Bundesliga level since the same age.
Taking lack of experience into account, he's always been good by Bundesliga standards but he took a noticeable step this year and moved towards cementing himself as a premier CB in that league. Only 23, he's going to keep growing and growing. The young man is gonna be playing champions league football very soon.
Cameron is also a damn good well rounded player imo. Tons of experience and ability, almost 120 EPL starts in 4 seasons. His biggest problem has always been lack of positional consistency. Was strictly a CM in MLS, then primarily a RB in the Prem. He's looking more and more comfortable at CB lately, I think having him Brooks there to lead the line probably helps a lot.
Our player pool is improving man. At the CB position take Omar Gonzalez for an example. Arrived at Pachuca this past season, walked into the starting XI and immediately helped turn them from meh into one of the best defenses in Mexico. Helped them win a Liga MX championship just a couple weeks ago.... and he's not really even close to being in the USMNT senior team picture.
In 2016 there are quite a few players who can't even come close to getting a look who, when looking at their current club pedigree and form, you realize that two cycles ago they would have been lock contributors in the USMNT program.
