Diminutive Jack McInerney and the niggling non-issue of a striker’s height
For those of you wondering how Jack McInerney came to be called overrated–or, rather, how he became rated so highly that he was then labeled overrated–the following video should suffice.
Anyway, on to the meat of this post: some are concerned about McInerney’s size. At 5′ 8″, apparently, he’s worryingly short for a striker. I’ve seen this pop-up in comment threads throughout the US soccer blogosphere and even on the blogs themselves.
For reference, here are some other strikers who are worryingly short:
Jermaine Defoe, 5′ 6 1/2″
Gianfranco Zola 5′ 6 1/2″
Andy Johnson: 5′ 7″
Robinho: 5′ 8″
Carlos Tevez: 5′ 8″
Michael Owen: 5′ 9″
Wayne Rooney: 5′ 10″
So can we put this non-issue to bed before it builds steam and becomes an even bigger non-issue?
Anyone have any other examples of strikers who are 5′ 10″ and under?
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C. Horridus 
Lets talk as soon as he actually plays for Union, my guess in 2011 or something.
Or at least in the US Open Cup this year.
How about Pele. 5′ 8″
Also, Peter Beardsley was 5′ 8″ too.
Total non-issue.
I had forgotten entirely about Peter Beardsley. Thanks for reminding me.
Check your MLS stats. How many teenagers had any minutes last year?
Hey, yeah I’m not trying to engage in a debate about his MLS readiness or even whether I agree/disagree with the overrated label. I’m just saying that of all the questions people have about McInerney, his height is the least legitimate. You can talk about his first touch or movement off the ball or any number of other things, but not his height (unless he’s 4’8″ or something . . .)
Um, I think there’s some little guy named Messi. I think he’s pretty good too … 🙂
Whoever talks about size as a big factor for soccer players …they know jack !*?t.
In any case, let me play devil’s advocate to your McInerney post. The video is great, but let’s keep in mind this was against CONCACAF opponents (that does matter). In addition, a great highlight reel can be made of any player – it doesn’t mean they are true quality.
One must evaluate every touch, decision, and movement throughout 90 minutes of play, and over many games.
Just so you know where I’m coming from. I only focus on the absolute cream and what differentiates them from the pack. Having said that, McInerney does not have the quality of a #7 draft pick.
However, I’m sure Nowak is aware of that (he’s proven he knows a thing or two by selecting Mwanga & Okugo). So I’m sure the selection has to do with seeing potential he can develop.
We’ll see K.M., keep up the good work!
Hey Gary, you’re totally right about how insignificant a highlight clip can be. My point was more just to show how he became rated so highly by so many–and this highlight clip is basically the reason.
Nowak clearly sees something in him, and it was definitely a gamble selecting him so early (but then again, every selection in the draft is ultimately a gamble).
Using Adu as a guide line, I would be astonished if Nowak give any playing time to the new rookie teenagers.
I don’t know, I think we’ll see Danny Mwanga get a lot of minutes in season one–and maybe even starting up front with Moreno. Okugo could see some serious minutes as well–but McInerney will be a late-in-the-game sub at best.