Klinsman has a tough job on his hands but I think this lineup provides a great central defensive presence in the back while being an attack minded group.
Howard is obviously in goal, this can't be disputed.
Jones, Bocanegra, and Cameron solidify a defensive presence with Cherundolo and Danny Williams both being able to competently play defense and make quality runs into the attacking third.
Michael Bradley and Zusi have played well recently (when Bradley has been able to remain injury free) and would serve in a midfield role where their jobs would be able to create the chances for the guys up front. Both have an innate ability to see space and exploit it for longer range opportunities and this keeps the oppositions defense aware of their presence throughout the game.
Dempsey and Donovan haven't been able to line up next to each other or in the same 11 very often since Klinsman took over but the pure talent these two bring to the U.S. side can't be disputed. Questions still surround Landon's form and motivation but when he's on, he's a force. Dempsey, is scrappy and finds himself in the perfect place at the right times. If these two can work in sync, while providing service to Altidore we might be able to see more goals for the U.S. team.
Altidore, the cause of much frustration when U.S. fans see his goal tally at AZ not resulting in high scoring results for the U.S. but he's still maturing and developing as a player and a striker. It's also very hard to score when you play a lone striker role and don't get service from your midfielders.
If I was setting the lineup for the next WCQ this is who I'd send out there but as long as we're able to qualify (I'm not taking anything for granted after the failed Olympic qualifying campaign) maybe we'll see the Klinsman experiment mature and become the attack focused system he claims to be implementing. In the mean time I'll support who ever runs out on the pitch wearing the stars and stripes.
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Tyler Frazier
over 12 years
Klinsman has a tough job on his hands but I think this lineup provides a great central defensive presence in the back while being an attack minded group. Howard is obviously in goal, this can't be disputed. Jones, Bocanegra, and Cameron solidify a defensive presence with Cherundolo and Danny Williams both being able to competently play defense and make quality runs into the attacking third. Michael Bradley and Zusi have played well recently (when Bradley has been able to remain injury free) and would serve in a midfield role where their jobs would be able to create the chances for the guys up front. Both have an innate ability to see space and exploit it for longer range opportunities and this keeps the oppositions defense aware of their presence throughout the game. Dempsey and Donovan haven't been able to line up next to each other or in the same 11 very often since Klinsman took over but the pure talent these two bring to the U.S. side can't be disputed. Questions still surround Landon's form and motivation but when he's on, he's a force. Dempsey, is scrappy and finds himself in the perfect place at the right times. If these two can work in sync, while providing service to Altidore we might be able to see more goals for the U.S. team. Altidore, the cause of much frustration when U.S. fans see his goal tally at AZ not resulting in high scoring results for the U.S. but he's still maturing and developing as a player and a striker. It's also very hard to score when you play a lone striker role and don't get service from your midfielders. If I was setting the lineup for the next WCQ this is who I'd send out there but as long as we're able to qualify (I'm not taking anything for granted after the failed Olympic qualifying campaign) maybe we'll see the Klinsman experiment mature and become the attack focused system he claims to be implementing. In the mean time I'll support who ever runs out on the pitch wearing the stars and stripes.