Formation: Fits the players called up for the Honduras match, with no "true" wingers outside of Davis and plenty of industry in the midfield.
GK: Howard. No explanation needed.
DEF: Athletic backline that represents the future of the USMNT defense for at least the next 5 years. Chandler & Johnson bomb up the wings in attack and provide speed/athleticism in defense. Gonzalez/Cameron pairing is complementary in skill set and formidable in terms of size. Gonzalez's aerial ability a plus.
MID: Given the players called up, having more centrally-based players in this formation makes sense. However, this group is only as good as the ability to possess the ball, something that Bradley and Williams excel at. Both the DM positions have incredible industry, and help shield a quality but potentially shaky backline. Three AM positions give each the ability to float to their respective comfort zones, with Dempsey playing almost as a CF and Zusi/Kljestan floating wide or making incisive runs off Altidore.
FW: Simply put, Altidore is the best striker in the USMNT pool right now. Although his run with AZ hasn't translated to the MNT as much as fans may like, there is no denying the ability and potential (still only 23 years old) that Altidore has in a USMNT shirt. In this formation, his holdup play and strength against smaller Hondurans is a benefit, and his partnership with Dempsey will be on full display.
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Brad Miller
almost 12 years
Formation: Fits the players called up for the Honduras match, with no "true" wingers outside of Davis and plenty of industry in the midfield. GK: Howard. No explanation needed. DEF: Athletic backline that represents the future of the USMNT defense for at least the next 5 years. Chandler & Johnson bomb up the wings in attack and provide speed/athleticism in defense. Gonzalez/Cameron pairing is complementary in skill set and formidable in terms of size. Gonzalez's aerial ability a plus. MID: Given the players called up, having more centrally-based players in this formation makes sense. However, this group is only as good as the ability to possess the ball, something that Bradley and Williams excel at. Both the DM positions have incredible industry, and help shield a quality but potentially shaky backline. Three AM positions give each the ability to float to their respective comfort zones, with Dempsey playing almost as a CF and Zusi/Kljestan floating wide or making incisive runs off Altidore. FW: Simply put, Altidore is the best striker in the USMNT pool right now. Although his run with AZ hasn't translated to the MNT as much as fans may like, there is no denying the ability and potential (still only 23 years old) that Altidore has in a USMNT shirt. In this formation, his holdup play and strength against smaller Hondurans is a benefit, and his partnership with Dempsey will be on full display.