Look Ahead At U.S. National Team

After wrapping up an up-and-down and hectic 2011 campaign, here’s some thoughts on the U.S. men’s national soccer team. First off, I am happy to see a new coach manning the sidelines for the national team. Bob Bradley’s defense-first, defense-last, defense-always motto was growing old. National teams could use a fresh look from WC cycle to WC cycle. Klinsmann was a natural choice having close ties to U.S. soccer – at least for any foreign-born option. He brings a bit more an aggressive style to the team as well, which finally reared its head against Slovenia in his last match of the season. I particularly liked that after a half dozen games with middling to downright bad results he switched up his formation and it breathed life into the team. I also want to note that he failed to have his full roster for even one game since taking over so the win-loss recor is a bit deceiving. I hope te Slovenia match in tough conditions on the road in Europe (often a terrible place for the U.S. team) is a huge step in the right direction. With World Cup qualifying kicking off for the U.S. team next season, here’s a lineup and some subs that I’d very much like to see for those first qualifiers. I think Klinsmann should stick with the 4-4-2 lineup that he ran out against Slovenia with a diamond look to the midfield. I think that provides a good balance of offense and defense for the U.S. team. The extra forward is vital, I think, for a team that struggles to score goals. Having a second player attacking in the forward third should help create some more turnovers and timely chances (like what happened in Slovenia).

 

Assuming no injuries, here’s a starting lineup that I think could do well for the U.S.

Altidore-Buddle

Dempsey (at the top of the diamond)

Holden-Donovan (on the wings)

Bradley (in the back of the diamond)

Chandler-Onyewu-Boacnegra-Cherundolo

Howard

I like Dempsey working just below the two forwards because he is by far the most creatve player on the team, particularly with the ball at his feet. He can force turnovers, start the break and breakdown top-notch defenses. If Stuart Holden would ever get healthy and prove his form he is still one of the best American midfielders. Bradley acquitted himself well to the right side of midfield against Slovenia and is clearly one of the U.S.’s best options in the middle. He is comfortable in a defensive midfield role so he should get the nod at that spot. The backline is pretty self explanatory as the depth along the line is thin. Onyewu was starting to get back to form after two years before a slight muscle pull sidelined him for the last two friendlies.

Reserves:

Forward:

Juan Agudelo – A rocky season in the MLS might slow him down a bit, but he’s young and can still provide an electric spark off the bench.

Midfielders:

Freddy Adu – He can easily step into multiple positions on the pitch, including at forward. He proved himself well in some action in the middle of the year and he is going to help anchor the U-23 squad gunning for the Olympics (yes he’s still that young). But he’s charismatic and not afraid to attack. That should suit him well for Klinsmann’s style.

Fabian Johnson – By all accounts he was great against Slovenia and could be the option on the left is Holden isn’t back in top form. He needs to be capped as soon as possible in a FIFA-sanctioned tournament.

Brek Shea – He showed some real spark during his play under Klinsmann. He struggled at times as well, but that comes with youth). He should be a sub on the initial WC qualifying team.

Jermaine Jones – Behind Bradley, he’s the best option as a defensive midfielder. He should certainly be on this team and depending on the health of various players like Holden could easily slide into the lineup if Bradley moves up to one of the wings. The U.S. isn’t hurt by having him on the pitch.

Maurice Edu – With Jones there, maybe he’s a bit redundant but he’s also played on defense in a pinch so that flexibility makes him someone that could be very useful off the bench.

Final Roster Spot – Decisions, Decisions – Take a bunch of photos, hang them on a dartboard and throw from among the following group: Benny Feilhaber (I think he gets the nod slightly in my book), Jose Torres (or maybe I like him most for the final spot), Sacha Kljestan or Alejandro Bedoya.

Defense:

Eric Lichaj – He’s injured right now and struggled in a few games over the summer but that was with a different coach.

Omar Gonzalez – I don’t know much about him but he seems to be quite popular and apparently played well in MLS.

Clarence Goodson – He would be my first defender off the bench for sure. He isn’t as good as any of the starting four, but he’s definitely number five on the depth chart right now.

Goalkeeper:

Hamid (he’s clearly being groomed already to replace Howard after the 2014 World Cup, let him continue on that path) and the third keeper should be another youngster that plays regularly for a club team and can grow with Hamid and become a potential starter down the line if Hamid is not the guy.

 

Waiting in the wings in case of injury or something else unforseen: Teal Bunbury, Danny Williams, Alfredo Morales, Edgar Castillo, Mikkel Diskerud, DeMarcus Beasley.

 

The January camp will likely, as always, be heavy with MLS players as will the first firendly of the season. So look for a more complete team (hopefully Klinsmann will have a complete team for the first time ever) in February.

 

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