Back 5 remains unchanged. With all of the pace and ability the Argentina attack possesses, and considering last year's Brazil friendly, I want as much chemistry and athleticism in my backline as possible.
Beckerman and Bradley covering the backline. I like Kitchen's athletic ability, but his inexperience costs him, here. Opting for Zusi over Pulisic/Nagbe solely for his defensive abilities, as I expect USA to be on the back foot for most of the first half. Dempsey in behind Wondo b/c the vast majority of US attacks will rely on his and Bradley's ability to move the ball up the pitch, and having him centrally allows him more opportunities on the ball and find the little spaces in Wondo's wake. Wondo up top solely because it will get the best out of Dempsey, and b/c of the chip on his shoulder from the Belgium WC match.
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JSPAR10
almost 8 years
Back 5 remains unchanged. With all of the pace and ability the Argentina attack possesses, and considering last year's Brazil friendly, I want as much chemistry and athleticism in my backline as possible. Beckerman and Bradley covering the backline. I like Kitchen's athletic ability, but his inexperience costs him, here. Opting for Zusi over Pulisic/Nagbe solely for his defensive abilities, as I expect USA to be on the back foot for most of the first half. Dempsey in behind Wondo b/c the vast majority of US attacks will rely on his and Bradley's ability to move the ball up the pitch, and having him centrally allows him more opportunities on the ball and find the little spaces in Wondo's wake. Wondo up top solely because it will get the best out of Dempsey, and b/c of the chip on his shoulder from the Belgium WC match.