I chose the 4-4-1-1 because Dempsey has no natural fit in the 4-3-3, and Wood is much better up top than on the wing. This allows Dempsey to drop, receive the ball and face the backline with Wood constantly looking to get in behind.
With the ball, we move more into a 4-2-3-1. The biggest concern defensively is our left side, where Castillo/Pulisic have to contain Antonio Valencia. Still, we'll need possession, and I've seen enough from Pulisic to know he works hard to get back. Zardes/Zusi can spell him in the second half, depending on the score.
Eventually, Nagbe starts in the center of the park over Jones, but Jermaine is still playing like a beast so he stays and Nagbe remains our do everything super sub.
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Evan Thomas
almost 8 years
I chose the 4-4-1-1 because Dempsey has no natural fit in the 4-3-3, and Wood is much better up top than on the wing. This allows Dempsey to drop, receive the ball and face the backline with Wood constantly looking to get in behind. With the ball, we move more into a 4-2-3-1. The biggest concern defensively is our left side, where Castillo/Pulisic have to contain Antonio Valencia. Still, we'll need possession, and I've seen enough from Pulisic to know he works hard to get back. Zardes/Zusi can spell him in the second half, depending on the score. Eventually, Nagbe starts in the center of the park over Jones, but Jermaine is still playing like a beast so he stays and Nagbe remains our do everything super sub.