2012 Best XI
This lineup is from...
{{starting_xi['gk'].last_name}}
{{starting_xi.player_1.last_name}}
{{starting_xi.player_2.last_name}}
{{starting_xi.player_3.last_name}}
{{starting_xi.player_4.last_name}}
{{starting_xi.player_5.last_name}}
{{starting_xi.player_6.last_name}}
{{starting_xi.player_7.last_name}}
{{starting_xi.player_8.last_name}}
{{starting_xi.player_9.last_name}}
{{starting_xi.player_10.last_name}}
Justin Baumann
about 12 years
Based solely on national team play. The formation is not necessarily reflective of actual position. However, this is an interesting formation that may play to the midfield strengths of USMNT. Bradley, Dempsey, Howard are easy choices, everything else is a little tricky. Fabian Johnson has been solid and has shown some ability to fill the gap at left back. Boca was inconsistent at best, but he captained the squad in some big games and played almost all the time so it is hard to sub him out here. Geoff Cameron looks like a possibility at center back moving forward, and Steve Cherundolo is solid at right back. I'd like to see Omar Gonzalez and maybe Besler get a shot back there as well. The midfield is strong. Bradley is terrific, and Dempsey is a difference maker. Graham Zusi has showed some promise on the wing, but I have him as the playmaking CAM here. I think that is more his style. Obvious Landon should be in there somewhere, but this is about 2012 and he wasn't around much. Danny Williams is still adjusting, but he has played well (except in Russia obviously). Stu Holden and Lando are interesting pieces to throw in the midfield as well. Jermaine Jones played well when called upon, but will that last? I'd love to see more Josh Gatt at some point as well. The forward position...this one is hard. I only have 1 forward because I 3 defenders is not enough, and midfield is the strength of this team. Gomez was probably the best this year, but you can throw in Boyd or anyone else really. If I was making this the formation for the upcoming games I would play Jozy Altidore up there. There are plenty of goal scoring threats in the deep midfield and Jozy has been hot in Holland.