One has to factor in that the WWC is an event. Many people watch who know nothing about soccer and care even less about soccer. It is like the Olympics but with gender politics thrown in.

So many people see a player they identify with as representing their political/world view, etc beliefs. I think it’s stupid because as a fan you have know idea what these athletes are like IRL. If you question or say another player is better, it is seen as detracting from the player they identify with.

The OP posed ? Why Lavalle is seen differently. I think style of play is relevant.
I like Lavalle and the attacking possession style.
Rapinoe is done for any more WCs Alex Morgan will not be in next either unless she takes care of her physique and develops her game as the pivot.
Heath Horan Lavalle and press created.
Rapinoe and Morgan capitalized.
For direct you want capitalizers
For attacking poss you want creators in final 1/3

I think Jill Ellis managed to do both and work all these players and tactics together as a team.
She took the hardest path and achieved the greatest success
This was Ellis’ WC and one of best tactic and team jobs we will ever see

Let’s keep the forum about Lavelle, not Euro soccer elitist thoughts. Comparably, I still like Horan more than Lavelle but consider them both top 10 in my book. I know that Horan did not play in the final (disappointed at Ellis for that) but she has the best first touch, vision, and soccer IQ I’ve seen. Her weak point is her lack of speed and physical quickness, something Lavelle does have. I look forward to years of Horan orchestrating the US offense and Lavelle taking on players and scoring. The two of them together will keep the US on top for years to come. The other WC player that stood out as an unstoppable force was Diani from France. Dunn (best one-on-one defender in the world) did an amazing job on her, but Diani scared me every time she got the ball.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She’s not an attention seeker. She is very, very good. Her style is more European than American.

Last time I checked the Americans were the world champions not the European?

Because they have a euro style player who is the best player in world.
Rapinoe made PKs, embarrassing to accept the hold ball

Who was the “euro style” player the last three times the US won. You are embarrassing. You probably apologize of being American every time you go to Europe.

The game is European in origin.
By euro style rose ? is a touch oriented player so is Tobin Heath.
By contrast Rapinoe is a classic speed on the wing and center it over and over in hopes a big Alex M will body her way to it and score

Jill Ellis specifically changed the US to a euro possession style and needs a Lavalle or heath to make it work.
Awarding the Golden boot to someone who racked up their goals on PKs they did not draw is technically correct but does not reflect much

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She’s not an attention seeker. She is very, very good. Her style is more European than American.

Last time I checked the Americans were the world champions not the European?

Because they have a euro style player who is the best player in world.
Rapinoe made PKs, embarrassing to accept the hold ball

Who was the “euro style” player the last three times the US won. You are embarrassing. You probably apologize of being American every time you go to Europe.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She’s not an attention seeker. She is very, very good. Her style is more European than American.

Last time I checked the Americans were the world champions not the European?

Because they have a euro style player who is the best player in world.
Rapinoe made PKs, embarrassing to accept the hold ball

Anonymous wrote:She’s not an attention seeker. She is very, very good. Her style is more European than American.

Last time I checked the Americans were the world champions not the European?

Anonymous wrote:She’s not an attention seeker. She is very, very good. Her style is more European than American.

Americans can’t recognize that which is why she isn’t appreciated as much in the States. Imagine if she had players around her that could play on the IQ level.

She’s not an attention seeker. She is very, very good. Her style is more European than American.

She's good but seems fragile to me. Hope hamstring issues don't prevent a long and successful career.

So, it sounds like the "mixed" reactions all fall somewhere between "awesome" and "super awesome."

What's the question?

Oh she is the deal. Look what happened when she left the England game. The English midfield started to dominate.

During this World Cup, she sacrificed her offensive for the teams defense. She should be playing the 10 and getting the ball in the final 1/3. Arguably the top player in the world after the World Cup.

She is a starter on the world champions. By definition she is good. Top 25 in the world, probably. Top 10, that is a good debate. Not sure.

Expert what- gasbags?

Such disparity around Rose Lavelle. To the experts - is she good or not?