With the players offered, i think this would definitely be the team I would start. First off, for formation, I personally prefer a 3-5-2 but I don't think the US can cope with 3 defenders in the back, especially because they don't have the fastest outside full-backs. I think 4-4-2 is the safest bet because it provides enough defense to prevent killer counter-attacks and history has shown that Altidore really needs a partner up top to be successful. Jozy was probably the most proficient scorer for the US when he had Charlie Davies supporting him, and with the array of attacking talents out there today for the US i think Klinsmann can safely pair Altidore with a partner. Now for the lineup, I think just from looking at it the biggest shock would be Jermaine Jones at center-back. From what I've seen, Jone's utility is purely his physical presence. His passing is average, his creativity sub-par, and his consistency in the middle just purely undependable. I think the safest bet is to pair him with Cameron (who I think has pretty much cemented his role now) so he can provide his greatest strengths, which are his physicality and defense, and bolster a US defense which has been shaky in the past. I think Johnson has also cemented his role as an outside defender, showing time in and time out that he can help out in the back but push forward and create chances for the forwards. For now, I'd put Cherundulo in the lineup for his experience and consistency, but because of his age, I think Klinsmann should start looking more closely at Eric Lichaj to fill the void in the years to come. In the center, I chose Bradley and Williams. I think Bradley is a no brainer - for both the experience he's gaining at Roma and because he's just now the most consistent center mid we have. He's developing his creative game but can still play with a defensive mindset, exactly what is needed from a center-mid in a 4-4-2. Danny Williams was a risk. He hasn't really shown much but for playing in the Bundesliga as a center-mid, he's certainly got the experience. And he's got a pretty deadly long shot. Donovan and Dempsey on the wings just makes the most sense. Donovan has the speed that so we desperately need. I'd much prefer Dempsey up top with Altidore but I don't think there is anyone out there today that can fill his role in outside midfield. Sure there's Shea, but he needs more time to develop but plays the role as super-sub extremely well. Now for the strike-force. Altidore may not be consistent as a scorer for the US, but the way he's been scoring in the Netherlands shows us that with the right supporting cast, he can get the job done. His partner is what is still iffy today. Again, I'd love Dempsey up there, but due to current circumstances, his role is filled elsewhere. I think Gomez has shown the most promise, maybe not on goal proficiency, but pure hustle. I think Gomez has been the hardest working player on the US roster since the last World Cup, and if he keeps getting playing time he will be reward to the US's benefit.
Copyright ©2012-25 American Soccer Now LLC
Zaki Khan
over 12 years
With the players offered, i think this would definitely be the team I would start. First off, for formation, I personally prefer a 3-5-2 but I don't think the US can cope with 3 defenders in the back, especially because they don't have the fastest outside full-backs. I think 4-4-2 is the safest bet because it provides enough defense to prevent killer counter-attacks and history has shown that Altidore really needs a partner up top to be successful. Jozy was probably the most proficient scorer for the US when he had Charlie Davies supporting him, and with the array of attacking talents out there today for the US i think Klinsmann can safely pair Altidore with a partner. Now for the lineup, I think just from looking at it the biggest shock would be Jermaine Jones at center-back. From what I've seen, Jone's utility is purely his physical presence. His passing is average, his creativity sub-par, and his consistency in the middle just purely undependable. I think the safest bet is to pair him with Cameron (who I think has pretty much cemented his role now) so he can provide his greatest strengths, which are his physicality and defense, and bolster a US defense which has been shaky in the past. I think Johnson has also cemented his role as an outside defender, showing time in and time out that he can help out in the back but push forward and create chances for the forwards. For now, I'd put Cherundulo in the lineup for his experience and consistency, but because of his age, I think Klinsmann should start looking more closely at Eric Lichaj to fill the void in the years to come. In the center, I chose Bradley and Williams. I think Bradley is a no brainer - for both the experience he's gaining at Roma and because he's just now the most consistent center mid we have. He's developing his creative game but can still play with a defensive mindset, exactly what is needed from a center-mid in a 4-4-2. Danny Williams was a risk. He hasn't really shown much but for playing in the Bundesliga as a center-mid, he's certainly got the experience. And he's got a pretty deadly long shot. Donovan and Dempsey on the wings just makes the most sense. Donovan has the speed that so we desperately need. I'd much prefer Dempsey up top with Altidore but I don't think there is anyone out there today that can fill his role in outside midfield. Sure there's Shea, but he needs more time to develop but plays the role as super-sub extremely well. Now for the strike-force. Altidore may not be consistent as a scorer for the US, but the way he's been scoring in the Netherlands shows us that with the right supporting cast, he can get the job done. His partner is what is still iffy today. Again, I'd love Dempsey up there, but due to current circumstances, his role is filled elsewhere. I think Gomez has shown the most promise, maybe not on goal proficiency, but pure hustle. I think Gomez has been the hardest working player on the US roster since the last World Cup, and if he keeps getting playing time he will be reward to the US's benefit.