A 4-4-1-1 plays to the strengths of the current U.S. squad allowing for creative wingers Landon Donovan and Brek Shea to find lots of space out wide and sprint down the line with creative weaving runs. The formation allows for flexibility. If the U.S. is facing a barrage of shots, the 4 midfielders can sit deep in their own half of midfield and support the back 4. If the U.S. is putting on pressure, Donovan and Shea can play deeper in the offensive zone almost playing a winger-like role. Fabian Johnson and Cherundolo are two defenders who like to push forward when the U.S. is on the attack and overlap on the wings creating chances for Altidore and Dempsey on crosses into the box. Michael Bradley and Danny Williams can play central defensive midfield roles. Both do a good job with a high work rate and winning the ball back and getting forward quickly. Traditionally, Klinsmann has not really played Dempsey where I believe he can thrive which is in an attacking role. In a 4-4-1-1, Dempsey can sit behind Altidore and receive the ball 10-15 yards outside the box, turn, take one or two dribbles, and fire a low, driving shot like he likes to do so frequently. Altidore, at least right now, is the obvious choice as the lone striker, as he is in the form of his life thus far in the club season.
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Andrew Ford
over 12 years
A 4-4-1-1 plays to the strengths of the current U.S. squad allowing for creative wingers Landon Donovan and Brek Shea to find lots of space out wide and sprint down the line with creative weaving runs. The formation allows for flexibility. If the U.S. is facing a barrage of shots, the 4 midfielders can sit deep in their own half of midfield and support the back 4. If the U.S. is putting on pressure, Donovan and Shea can play deeper in the offensive zone almost playing a winger-like role. Fabian Johnson and Cherundolo are two defenders who like to push forward when the U.S. is on the attack and overlap on the wings creating chances for Altidore and Dempsey on crosses into the box. Michael Bradley and Danny Williams can play central defensive midfield roles. Both do a good job with a high work rate and winning the ball back and getting forward quickly. Traditionally, Klinsmann has not really played Dempsey where I believe he can thrive which is in an attacking role. In a 4-4-1-1, Dempsey can sit behind Altidore and receive the ball 10-15 yards outside the box, turn, take one or two dribbles, and fire a low, driving shot like he likes to do so frequently. Altidore, at least right now, is the obvious choice as the lone striker, as he is in the form of his life thus far in the club season.