By IVES GALARCEP
MIAMI– Now that we know who has been called into U.S. Men’s National Team camp, it is time to start thinking about which 11 players Jurgen Klinsmann will call on to take the field in San Pedro Sula to face Honduras on Wednesday.
The Hexagonal World Cup Qualifying opener will be a stiff test, and Klinsmann is sure to turn to his veterans to try and grab a result in Central America. There isn’t much of a mystery about most of the starting spots, though there are one or two that could raise some question marks.
Right back could be up in the air, with Steve Cherundolo injured. Timmy Chandler is expected to start, but Michael Parkhurst has experience in qualifying matches.
Defensive midfield could be a battle between Danny Williams and Maurice Edu. With Edu getting regular minutes at Bursaspor, and Williams struggling for playing time at Hoffenheim, the position is up in the air.
So who will Klinsmann turn to? Here is our projected starting lineup for Wednesday’s qualifier:
PROJECTED USMNT LINEUP vs. HONDURAS
——
What do you think of the lineup? Who would you include in the lineup that didn’t make our projection? Do you see this lineup getting a result in Honduras?
Share your thoughts below.
i’d seriously consider playing Jones as the #6 instead of Edu. then bringing in Sasha or Zusi to play where Jones is currently slated in this projection. not because i don’t like Edu, I just think we need more offensive bite.
i’ll also be curious to see if he uses Chandler as a right mid given the cover at RB. doubtful, but possible.
either way, i’m confident the lineup above is more than capable of getting a result.
Who should start and who I would like to start are two different things. I think Ives’ lineup will be fairly close to what we will see. I also think alot of the Omar love is a bit premature. I want him to grow into this role as well as everyone else, but I think starting in the Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula is a huge step for him yet. I’d be more comfortable with Bocanegra for the time being, especially since ‘Dolo won’t be on the right.
================Altidore=====================
EJ===========Dempsey===================Zusi
=====Bradley=============Edu================
FJ======Bocanegra==Cameron===========Chandler
==============Howard======================
My lineup (considering I don’t appreciate Edu or Beckerman):
—Johnson—Gomez—Zusi—
—Dempsey——Bradley(c)—
—————Jones—————–
-Johnson————-Chandler–
——-Besler—–Cameron——-
————-Howard——————
What I think we’ll see:
—————-Herc————————
—————–Dempsey—————
EJ————Bradley—————Zusi
—————–Jones———————
FJ———-Omar—Cameron——Chandler
—————–Howard———————
What I would do to hold the ball up a little, play wide, and then cross in..
——————–EJ—————————–
————————Clint———————–
Davis————-Bradley————-Zusi
———————–Torres——————–
FJ————-Omar——Cameron—Chandler
———————-Tally Hall (jk)—————–
4-3-1-2, just for fun:
——–Howard———–
TC-Gonzo–Cameron-FJ
–Holden-Jones-Bradley–
——–Dempsey———–
—Donovan–Altidore—–
Holden…that would be tight if it was possible
I hope that Klinsmann has done his homework on Honduras. Without any Quakes players in the roster, would someone PLEASE tell coach that Victor (El Muma) Bernardez has a lethal cannon of a free kick from as far out as 30 yards from goal. He kicks it so hard there isn’t time to move. Love it for our team, don’t want to see this bite us in a qualifier.
+1 good scouting report!
im sure Geoff Cameron is watching videos of those right now
i like the line up even though Edu has not done much lately to get the nod, let alone start.
The lineup he should use if he wasnt a super cocky german. For the first time ever in my NATS lifetime I am not 100% confident we will get through the hex. I have no idea why and maybe its because we have no more beloved Landy or what but I don’t trust JK for a second. I don’t know how to describe but I feel really scared and weird.
If I was the coach: 4-4-1-1
Keeper: Howard (although I do think Guzan is better right this second)
LB: Boca
LCB: Besler (If your good enough then your good enough)
RDB: Cameron
RB: Chandler
LM: Fabian Johnson
HM: Williams
Go grab the game by the scruff of the neck mid: Bradley ( should be captain)
Sh!t Mid: Jones
Playing just behind Jozy: Deuce
Striker: Jozy
Boca on the left? No thanks
seriously..Boca is slower than slow at this point. Playing him at LB would be suicide. Do you not remember the game in Kingston? Turd, you’re absolutely crazy if you think that’s a good idea.
Let’s all say it in unison. Bocanegra will not play anything but center back. 1) He is too slow 2) We lack wingers, and L/R back must provide crossing passes without the normal wingers.
See Steve’s comment 04 Feb 12:09PM
I’m with the Turd. I am very afraid.
You should be afraid, but it’s not because of JK. It’s the qualifying final, and it’s tough.
————–Eddie———-
Dempsey—Zusi—–Herc
————–MB——————–
——————–Torres———–
Fabian–Boca–Gonzales–Cameron
No. That’s all wrong. No Eddie, no Zusi, no Torres, no Herc.
Choose anyone else for those losers.
Gotta agree with Murray, how can you not play Altidore for EJ?
I’d like to see Torres over Jones, Gonzo over Boca and EJ over Gomez eventually. Jones feels like he is always a liability in these away games. I know he hasn’t received a lot of ejections but it isn’t for lack of trying.
My best guess…
4-3-3
Dempsey————-Altidore———–Gomez
—————-Jones–Bradley–Zusi————-
F. Johnson—-Boca–Cameron—-Chandler
————————–Howard———————-
Reading the article, I think the lineup is a projection of what JK will use. I’m curious what lineup SBI / Ives would like to see employed . . .
While I doubt it will happen, I like the idea of Edu on the bench, Jones playing deeper and adding some creativity a la Sacha, Zusi or Torres into the middle with Bradley.
I like Edu on the bench for one reason: He gives the team many more options as a substitute.
Klinsi should have give Gonzo a few call ups prior to this so he had a little more experience under his belt.
Yea – that would’ve been great while he was working his way back from a torn ACL. The only match he would’ve been fit for was Russia and at that time he & the Galaxy were fighting through the MLS playoffs…
Remember, Gonzo tore his ACL in Jan 2012 but Klinsi has coached the US starting since Summer 2011. He could’ve given him a run out in any of the 5 games in Aug/Sept/Oct of that year instead of experimenting with Michael Orozco Fiscal.
I have Sasha over Edu since his form at the club level has been so good and Maurice is still getting his feet wet in Turkey. And Jones is so overrated all he is good for is yellow cards and I like what Torres is doing down south.
I’m a fan of Jones. He has aggression that no one else has on the team (except Timmy when someone effs up in the box). True, he might as well start each game with a booking, but his presence and experience makes a huge difference.
+1000
————Altidore————-
E.Johnson–Dempsey–Zusi
—-Bradley—-Jones——–
F.Johnson-Gonzalez-Cameron-Chandler
———Howard—————
I know this is not going to happen, but frankly Guzan has had a better season than Howard.
Can we really even count how many games we have either been in or won simply because of Howard? Guzan will get his time, but after Brazil.
Oh, I don’t disagree with that, but Guzan has looked better in the EPL this season.
Which EPL have you been watching Guzan’s team is getting relegated in half because of how many balls are in the back of the net. Guzan has been benched from time to time as well. At the same time Howard continues to by solid between the posts on a very good Everton team.
Huh? What have you been watching? When was Guzan benched? He’s played in every league game since taken over for Given early in the season.
Jesse, it appears you are the one who hasn’t been watching the games
I don’t know if I would say Guzan is better, but he definitely has had to stop a lot more shots than Howard.
This is a ludicrous comment. Howard is one of the best keepers in the world and has saved our back line numerous times. Also, his Everton are currently in the top 5 in the EPL and Aston Villa might get relegated. Yowza.
Big Tim Howard fan here, but the comment is not ludicrous. not sayong Guzan should start either
Howard is no longer one of the top keepers in the world. Not even close and I love Timmy.
And you know there are 10 other players on the field that decide a team’s point total?
The last I saw a list, Howard was ranked around 19th best GK in the world. Guzan wasn’t on the list. Furthermore, Tim Howard has the bulldog mentality you want for for a WCQ.
Both of these goalies would start for 90% of other national teams…..
Are we going to be able to watch this thing?
Believe it’s on beIN Sport, I’m trying to check with BWW and other places to see if they’ll be showing it. Otherwise I might have to resort to “other” measures.
Just watch it online they have every game on. from every league
where?
He can’t say…
It’s on at 3pm CST on beIN Sport and then they are replaying it a bit later in the evening if you somehow have cable without a DVR which is hard to do this day and age.
I think Ives lineup is what we will see. EJ is brought in for Gomez if we need more left side attack. This lineup is more flexible than you might think and can be easily adjusted whether we are up, (SK in) down (EJ, then Zusi in) or even. (lots of younger fresh legs) I fully expect a defender to score, if we score at all.
I guess in Klinsmann we trust and we’ll just have to see where this goes But right now we are suited up like we are going up against Scotland, Russia or Denmark…..Not a Central/south American team……
Torres….instead of Feilhaber or Diskerud? Or Corona? Who plays in the same league on a better team. When lwas the last time Torres even trained with the team?.
4-3-3 instead of 4-4-2….against a team like Honduras? Playing with the notion that our strikers are going to track back to help on defense….making them basically ineffective up front. How are we going to control the game with 3 defensive minded midfielders against a quick south/central American style of play with speed, counter and dribbling?
3. Where is the creativity? Where is the individual skill? Where are the players than can keep their MF and CBs honest on the flanks, hence opening up the field/game. Edu, Jones and Bradley….they are all some of our best players but all 3 at the same time….again? When we play teams south of the border we should be playing with the likes of Corona, Feilhaber, Orozco, Torres, Freddy Adu, Castillo, Beasley, Agudelo, Diskerud etc…..guys who play with or are use to handling other players with similar skill sets in La Mix, or have been effective against Mexico.
4. Boca in Defense? He’s is too slow in an all out sprint and lacks the quickness, we’ve seen him get beat time and time again, once his good sense of positioning fails that lane is wide open……He’s a good player, very dangerous at set pieces with his aerial ability but he lacks speed and ability to quickly track back when beat and is going to be one of the weak spots in the US defense
But again like I said in Klinsman we trust…..
Yes, aside from Klinsmann bringing in Fabian and Tim Chandley, this squad feels like 2009 all over again: inferior and conservative.
Inferior to what?
A lot of good results last year. Maybe ugly, but effective.
Not the biggest fan of Jones starting with the other two mids…I’d rather see Torres or Davis on the left..
I have the feeling that all the people complaining about the 3 defensive mids don’t understand the strategy of international soccer. You are on the road in a very hostile situation against a good team. Although Klinsmann keeps talking about getting the 3 points, you know he will be happy to get a draw. If the US gets the 3 points it will probably because of a successful counter attack combined with good defense. The way you advance in international tournaments is to draw on the road and win at home.
Each time he has trotted those three out on the field they looked atrocious. They all play the same position, so they are always on top of each other. There isn’t even enough physical space for those three on the field. 2 DM’s max is all you need.
I understand how bad our back line is defensively, but still…
Not in love with this lineup, think it will play much to narrow and Honduras will be able to just muck up the middle. I know the flanks aren’t our strength but you can’t just abandon them entirely. I know it is about getting our best 11 out there but this would be so incredibly narrow
I would start our Mexican based players as I feel they would be unfazed by the atmosphere San Pedro Sula. Johnson is our top LB no doubt, but he doesn’t play regularly in this sort of environment like Castillo does.
—————Jozy———-Herc—————–
Dempsey—-Torres——-Bradley——–Zusi
Castillo—–Boca———Cameron—-Chandler
———————–Howard———————–
This would have been a good game for Beasley to be called in for. He’s playing regularly even though he’s not scoring much for Puebla these days nor is he as quick as he used to be but he’s still an experienced player that would be great off the bench.
+1
I like your point on Castillo being used to this environment over Johnson. Would like to see more of him anyway.
This doesnt make much sense to me. You do realize that Johnson plays his club football in Germany, he is used to playing games against in away stadiums with hostile crowds. Why would he be intimidated by Honduras exactly?
What, Euro-based guys have never been in a hostile atmosphere?
I’m not saying he hasn’t, but the hostile atmospheres are way different when you compare Europe to Central America. Johnson has played in front of 80,000 rabid BVB fans in Germany but the atmosphere in San Pedro Sula is a different world that he’s more likely not accustomed to like Castillo would be at this point.
Basically my point is Castillo would be in familiar surroundings unlike Johnson (who imo is the better LB).
While San Pedro sula is tough its Azteca. We drubbed this last time 3-1 at their place. Don’t oversell the environment. Tough for sure but Fabian is the man. I like Castillo but play the best players.
I meant its not Azteca.
The last I checked, the projected weather at game time was going to be 82F, clouds and sun with a chance of a shower. A few days later in San Pedro Sula, temperatures are going to be in the low 90s Fahrenheit. The game will feel warm to the European-based players on the USMNT, but at least it won’t be 90F. Those that play in Mexico shouldn’t have a problem with the temperature.
I like this. We’ve done well in a 4-4-2. And with our fullbacks good at getting forward, they can provide the width a diamond midfield would have trouble creating. It could also turn into a 4-3-3 with Dempsey playing the false 9.
Unfortunately for us our three best central mids that aren’t DM are Bradley, Jones, and Sacha. All 3 of them are more box-box then creative. We really should only ever play one of those 3 and then a creative central mid like Mixx, Corona, Benny, Adu, etc.
I agree but we should play our best players, and I don’t necessarily feel a creative MF is needed for the 4-3-3 to work. Right now Liverpool is playing great attacking football with out a real creative force in the midfield. I’m in no way comparing L’pool to the USMNT, just pointed a system similar to ours that is working.
I think that’s probably a pretty good prediction.
If this is the lineup, the key for the match is going to have to be the play of our fullbacks, Johnson/Chandler. If they are bombing up and down the pitch and getting crosses into the box, we are going to have a good game. If the reins are kept tightly on them and they do not get into the attack, we could be in for a nail biter.
Without true wingers, or a playmaker in the 8, we have to have offensive input from Johnson/Chandler to be successful.
Steve nailed it. The lack of true wingers is going to force the L/R backs to contribute to the playmaking. That is precisely why Soccerhorn’s prediction in this post that Bocanegra might play L/R back is just not possible. Bocanegra can’t contribute to the crossing like Cherundolo can, although Bocanegra can be an option on set plays near the goal.
Don’t think that will be the lineup.
The defeince is set with Johnson Boca Cameron and Chandler. Jones and Bradley definately start in midfield. Dempsey will definately start. I think Williams or Zusi beat out Edu. And Gomez beats out Altidore. Although Altidore and Edu may start, Klinnsmann doesn’t rate them as high as this webiste does.
There is no way Gomez is beating out Altidore. As a coach, you can create mismatches with advantages in speed, height, quickness, or strength. Hercules Gomez doesn’t have an advantage in any of these areas versus prospective defenders. Most likely Altidore will have an advantage with his height and strength against Honduras.
Hercules Gomez is the Everready Bunny. He works hard and doesn’t stop trying, but he’s not going to create a problem with match ups.
Howard-Chandler-Cameron-Gonzalez (but probably will be Bocanegra since hostile away environment)-Johnson-Jones-Bradley-Sacha-Gomez-Altidore-Dempsey……….Crazy part is I’m now used to seeing this team without Donovan…..Never thought I’d say that
Have this feeling the usual attempt at 4-3-3, and then a switch to 4-4-2….Don’t feel comfortable with Jones so far up field as his offensive attributes are below par….If he does start up field, I can see a lack of service to the forwards….
That lineup provides absolutely no width, with 3 holding mids.
Ives cannot be serious with that lineup, there is no way.
The width comes from our fullbacks. That’s the point of playing Johnson and Chandler, they’re good going forward. And when they do, that’s the point of having 3 ‘holding mids’ who can then drop back to help defend.
that s the answer on paper but it never pans out on the field
Yep! That is how a 4-3-3 works. And it is the formation that allows for our best players to be on the field at the same time.
We have never had our best XI on the pitch at the same time. When we do maybe we will win some real matches that count on the world stage.
Obviously I will agree to disagree. There is no one who got left off this roster that is a hands down approvement over one of the projected starters. There are players who are people’s preferences but no OBVIOUS omission. All that being said, it does show how far the US has come when we are able to discuss who and who should not be starting.
Ha! Oops! Improvement not approvement
Only 1 who comes to mind for me is landycakes. He brings qualities no other player in our pool can. If landon decides he wants to be part of the team, he starts and we’re better.
That’s because we only play 1 GK at a time. Our best 11 would have 3 on the pitch
I think the whole roster fails to provide width. I would prefer to see a Landon Donovan/Brek Shea/Josh Gatt as an option for the wings on the roster. I know Donovan is unavailable. I would have dropped one defender and taken another winger.
how bout jones at the 6 and sacha or zusi up with bradley?
4-4-1-1
_______________Howard_____________
Chandler____Cameron____Gonzalez____F. Johnson
_________J.Jones______M. Bradley______
Zusi___________________________________E.Jonson
________________Demps_____________
_________________Jozy______________
Reply
Ya, I like this, as it avoids having the three cdm’s
I’d be interested in seeing something like this, but not on the road in Central America. Maybe in Columbus, especially if we’ve already secured qualification with a game or two to spare. But we have to look at this game pragmatically, and the first order of business is to at least earn a point.
I see your point mike, i know that they say that a draw is honestly what they look for on the road in concacaf qualifying so yes hopefully they try it at least once or mod it on wed some how. I dont want us being to defensive, that always backfires on us don’t you agree?
This isn’t THAT radical of a formation. I agree that we probably wouldn’t see it in Honduras but it’s not like we’re busting out a 3-4-3 or something really out of the ordinary.
Al, I agree completely. I actually posted this lineup on a previous link, and the more I think about it, the more I like it. I really think this group has the potential to be both stout defensively and creative offensively. Zusi can tuck inside and support the middle if need be and both Chandler and FJ can provide an attacking presence along the wings. If we get a lead, bring Edu in for EJ and switch to the triangle that Ives posted above.
One thing I will say. I’d rather have Edu coming on as a substitute in the second half than Zusi coming on as a sub. Not that I think Zusi should necessarily start over Edu. But I think Edu gives the team more options as a sub than Zusi.
Gotta start to phase Boca out somehow but I don’t think a road qualifier in Honduras is the time to do it. Gotta have some experience on that back line with all those (internationally) green folks projected to start. Would love to see Tim Howard’s face if JK were to tell him that his back line was going to have < 20 caps combined.
Would love to see Jose in the mix but I don't think he makes the cut. JK loves the physicality from Jones and honestly I think you need a guy like that to get under the skin of the opposition.
I'm not buying into Altidore until I see some international production. He is lazy when he plays for the US. Hoping that changes because the guy has real talent, that much is obvious.
We’ve got our first official Altidore hater of the thread. Take a bow, friend.
lol, I just don’t see that he is “lazy”. He isn’t supposed to be Michael Bradley, that’s not his job. Altidore doesn’t have elite acceleration and his long stride makes him look slower than he is. Jozy is a big strong striker, with surprisingly quick attacking moves. I think the lazy critic’ of Altidore is based on his defense but that isn’t his role.
I remember when they used to call Dempsey lazy too…
As I keep pointing out, gee, he has something like 20 goals so far in all competitions. Does that mean he would be in Suarez’s class if he wasn’t lazy?
what took you so long?
Just sayin’ fellas, maybe he doesn’t fit into out scheme. Something isn’t working. I’m sorry. I’d rather see Boyd up there for the future. If he can start producing for the USMNT I’ll shut up and back track in a heartbeat.
You got a guy netting 20 goals in a top flight euro league you gotta play him. If he’s not scoring goals for you, you’ve got to reevaluate your system. The guy has obviously displayed he has the ability.
To say he magically becomes “lazy” when he puts on the USMNT jersey is ridiculous.
+1
It’s just your use of “lazy” I think. I don’t believe laziness is Jozy’s problem at all. Frankly, I think it’s the lack of midfield production, which we’re just going to keep seeing again and again if we keep playing 3 of Bradley, Jones, Williams, Edu and Beckerman. Don’t get me wrong; I love what some of these guys, especially Bradley and Jones, bring to the table, but offensive production out of that group isn’t as high quality as what Jozy gets at AZ. The guy’s not Messi or Ronaldo, he can’t do it all himself.
well said Alex, thanks
Dead wrong. Been watching AZ matches online. what has impressed me the most is Jozy’s touch, vision, and decision making in and around the box. Everyone knows about his finishing, but AZ has some talented offensive players (adam maher in particular) and Jozy’s interchanges are resulting in some absolutely beautiful goals in which he was the second or third assist.
What isn’t clear to me is if Jozy and Herc’s games can coexist.
I dont like what I see from the USMNT when they field three cdm’s. I understand that we lack the attacking wide player but we can off something more dynamic than what the thre cdm formation has proven. I would propse a 4-2-3-1, leaving Bradley and Jones/williams as the two cdm, and an attacking three of EJ, Clint, and Zusi, and Jozy up top. I think EJ and Jozy would support eachother well, while Zusi and clint would be more of a link between midfield
Thats pretty close to what i proposed as well.
SBI, this projection makes a lot of sense for a tough road qualifier in terms of players/formation that Klinsi is likely to pick. The line up has many physical, defensive-minded players and plenty of experience.
Like it with the exception of Jermaine Jones, would rather see a more creative player in the middle of the field.
4-2-3-1
-Howard-
Chandler-Cameron-Boca-Johnson
-Bradley-Jones-
Zusi-Dempsey-Johnson
-Altidore-
Bradley plays box to box.
+1, I was thinking that as well, just took me a while to type.
I could go with this too!
I’d choose the exact same 11 but I think that Formation puts too much pressure on Altidore to hold up the play. I think Altidore is best when paired with a speedy forward (ala Charlie Davies a few years back). Herculez bores me to death. I like your inclusion of Eddie Johnson but I’d put him up top Altidore. Herc should be used as the super-sub, nobody else comes off the bench expecting to score like he does.
I like it, but I’m not sure having Johnson in the midfield is a good idea. Until I see him have a positive work rate for an entire game and not just goal scoring opportunities, I’m not sold on him attempting midfield.
Since it’s a 4-2-3-1, Johnson is a winger more so than a midfielder.
As for the argument about Altidore, he plays up top for his club team. While I too wish we had CD9 back, we have to work with what we’re given and if we could just improve service to Jozy I think we would see him score like he is in the Dutch league.
“If we could just improve service to Jozy”
The problem with that is this lineup of players is not built for that. It is built for a strong target man to hold up play to get numbers forward into the box. Not for a poacher-type striker (think Van Nistelrooy / Herc) who plays nearly offsides the whole game, looking for service to score.
I would rather see this.
——-howard——–
TC–Cam–Boca-FJ
——–jones———-
—MB——–Davis—
Zusi————-Clint
———Jozy———–
What about Zusi instead of Jones, and Jones instead of Edu?
Saved me some typing.
Midfield should be
——————Dempsey
—–Bradley————–Zusi
——————–Jones
Everything else in Ives’ lineup I agree with.
Agree!
+1
That is the lineup that I could see Klinsmann going with (or Williams instead of Edu). Don’t really mind it – the important thing is to come away from this game with at least a point and I think this group gives us the best ability to do this.
Will it be sexy? Most definitely not. But it will be practical.
That being said, I would love to see Torres and Jones sitting back while Bradley pushes forward.
I think you’ve got to play defensively looking to steal 3 pts on the counterattack or with a 2nd half offensive substitution. I’m OK with 3 Def Mids to start the game on the road, and look for increased offensive output as the game progresses/allows. Point on the road and 3 pts at home!
A very sensible outlook. You know Honduras will be amped up at the start of the game and will try to score quickly, so you need to blunt their attack early and then put on offensive pressure in the second half.
spot on
With Cherundolo out, Chandler gets cap-tied. This is huge. I wonder which of Evans or Parkhurst gets the backup right back spot to Chandler? I’m guessing Parkhurst.
I don’t think it will matter, neither will play. I can’t imagine any situation (barring injury) where JK would sub out Chandler.
I favor….
Altidore
E. Johnson Dempsey
Bradley Jones
Williams
Johnson Bocanegra Cameron Chandler
Howard
Boca’s time is coming soon, but on the road in Honduras in the first game of the Hex is probably not the time for 2 young CBs.
EJ over Jozy? no thanks
his lineup includes EJ and Jozy
Please excuse him, he’s French.
Lol
I think this is what we’re more likely to see. I don’t think we see a diamond coming out on Wed.
If only we could play with 12 men…
if only some people could count to 11…
No David, you forgot about our player “E.” so that makes 12.
+1
I like this formation due to the fact that we brought in ZERO speed options on the wings, however I’d like to see Jones put in the DMid spot w/ Zusi in as CM next to Bradley.
This formation would rely on the F. Johnson and T. Chandler providing width in the attack, which plays into their strengths.
The above formation is a great option, however I’m fully expecting Kilnsman to throw us some curveballs.
I really would prefer Beckerman over Edu, but that ship has sailed… other than that, I think the USMNT should be able to get a point at least with the above. Here’s hoping
Really don’t like having Jones and Edu as the other two midfielders. The USMNT severely lacks creativity coming from the midfield and I don’t see any young players in the national pool who can fill that need. It is a concern going forward.
Zusi and Mix should be able to grow into that role over the next few years, even though neither are true #10’s. The US has done reasonably well without having true #10’s for quite a while (not counting Donovan because he’s a winger/forward more than a central trequartista), and this cycle should be no exception.
Plenty of countries do well without a “true no. 10.” I always hate seeing this discussion; if you read guys like Michael Cox, an authority on the evolving tactics of the modern game, you’d find pretty quickly that the “true no. 10” hardly exists any more. You’ve got guys like Xavi and Iniesta who can play the ball better than anyone in the game but who are pretty clearly not “sit underneath a striker” guys. Messi is on another level, but I still wouldn’t call him a true no. 10; he’s not a simple creator, he’s a scoring machine. Mesut Ozil may have a case to being the closest thing in today’s game, but Cox likes to call him an “inverted winger;” he’s a guy who does play behind the striker, but benefits from cutting inside from wider positions to combine with a striker playing higher up.
This is all pedantic. I know what you’re saying, and I agree with it. The US lacks creativity, whether it be a “true no. 10,” a deeper passer, an “inverted winger,” or whatever you want to call it. I just don’t like seeing that term thrown around like it’s the Holy Grail of soccer players.
Fantastic comment
I’m not even clamoring for a “true #10”; I just want to know where the service is going to come from. Who’s going to make the plays? Essentially, Ives has projected 3 strikers up top, and 8 defenders behind the ball. I realize this is a road game, but I thought Klinsmann was above the defend-and-break-on-the counter approach.
Dempsey is no playmaker. He doesn’t provide helpers–he takes on defenders one-on-one. Bradley has developed and improved his passing over the years, but he’s doesn’t even come close to playmaking.
I hope they prove me wrong, but I doubt they will.
Who’s going to feed Altidore and Gomez?
I feel Bradley and Jones from midfield, and Johnson and Chandler from the fullback position are more than capable of “feeding” the forwards. It is so easy to constantly blame the service for our inefficient offense, as people tend to focus on whoever is on the ball. However, it is the poor movement off the ball that is at least part of the problem, if not the majority. I do not remember ever saying to myself, “Man, Jozy is making fantastic runs and keeps getting into dangerous positions… If we could only get the ball to him.” You may not agree fully with that but it is definitely worth a second glance.
You’re right about a few things: I don’t completely agree with what you say, and, Jozy isn’t the ideal paradigm of off the ball runs and continual motion.
That said, what world-class striker doesn’t depend on midfield linking and decent service?
“Jones”!! Seriously? The man has all the ball skills and touch of a neandrathal. If we’re relying on him to feed Altidore, Dempsey, Gomez et al., we are in deep deep yogurt.
How does the yellow card situation work? I assumed they would be wiped clean after the last round, but I guess not.
No, the yellow cards carry over into the Hex from the semis round, so players like Bradley and Dempsey who are sitting on yellows need to be careful, otherwise they’ll be suspended for the March 22 fixture against Costa Rica, which would be a terrible blow for building momentum in what is already a steep first half of the Hex. It’s a big reason why I was so upset at Dempsey in the last semis game against Guatemala…his yellow card was unbelievably stupid and unnecessary, and it almost guarantees he’ll have to sit out one of the Hex games at some point.
Agreed that Dempsey and Bradley need to play smart on the yellow situation, but at the same time if any of the one-yellow players get a yellow early on, I’d much rather it be in the first game. We need the full roster against Mexico,
+1. We need our top side for Mexico at the Azteca.
Can we please never again see a lineup that has Bradley, Jones and Williams together? Bradley should be automatic, and Jones/Williams should be decided based on form. Three defensive mids is terrible.
Bradley. Is. Not. A. D. Mid.
But he shouldn’t be the most attack minded player of a midfield 3.because he doesn’t play that attack minded
But he has shown in previous situations that he can certainly play the aggressive role.
Bradley can play anywhere in the midfield. he has shown this. That being said i would still like a more attack minded mf to pair with him
But he’s better at attacking than the “attack minded” players we have.
+1.
Sure he is. He’s talented enough to be whatever we need.
+1
However in interviews, he says this is his preferred role. We as fans see his best role as that roving “box-to-box” midfield, but Bradley prefers the #6.
Thats fine how you say it, he’s a defensive minded Mid that can go box to box. anybody who says he’s an attacking mid does not know what they are talking about.
No more than anybody who says he’s a defensive mid doesn’t know what they’re talking about.
GINO!
I cannot agree more. If we see a lineup with any variant of that type of midfield … I will scream. Then people will go, why doesn’t Jozy score …
if the #6 plays well it allows MB and Jones or whoever is in the #7-8 roles to feed the front three instead of becoming 3 CDM’s clogging the middle.. I wouldn’t say MB was a DM vs. Guatemala.. but if he hast to be then he will.. i agree when he isn’t comfortable going forward into the attack the forwards don’t get any service and struggle to do anything..
+1 and lol
Eric,
Bradley and Jones are on the list of the 13 best outfield players eligible for the USMNT .
I don’t know if Williams is on that list but if he plays in a big game it is pretty likely Bradley and Jones will be somewhere on the field with him.
I really think its about time to replace Boca, but I agree that it may be an easier call at home.
I think Besler is that option in the near future, not Gonzalez.
+1
Besler brings a lot of the leadership, smarts, and intangibles that Boca does, and as a left-footed CB, he should slot in perfectly well in Boca’s LCB spot on the US back four. Gonzalez I see as inheriting Clarence Goodson’s role of roving #3 CB in the pecking order behind Besler and Cameron while challenging for a starting spot.
Maybe it’s just me, but I’m really excited about the fact we have at least three seemingly capable CBs. I like your idea of Gonzalez being able to step in for either Cameron or Besler in any situation. I don’t know we’ve ever had the option of capable CBs so hopefully Besler and Gonzalez continue to grow.
Totally agree.
He plays LCB at SKC too. He is left-footed. He is a natural leader.
I see Besler breaking in before Gonzo, But maybe they’ll utilize Cameron at the 6 to open up a place for Gonzalez.
_____Gomez____Jozy_________
__________Deuce____________
____Jones______Bradley________
_________Cameron______________
Johnson__Boca__Gonzo___Chandler
_________Howard______________
Besler is 5’10”. Gonzalez is 6’5″. Biesler is flavor of the month. Gonzalez is a weapon and has the silverware to prove it.
Bocanegra is, what, 5’10/5’11?
Until either Besler or Gonzalez prove themselves at the international level, the “flavor of the month” title can be applicable to both.
I’m not sure what Gonzalez winning “silverware” with the Galaxy has anything to do with his performance at this level. That statement kind of puzzles me.
Both players appear to have potential at claiming a solid spot on the backline for years to come. That’s a good problem.
Right now? Besler appears much more comfortable on the ball. Gonzalez appears to much more superior in the air. Which trait does Klinsmann favor right now? I think his call up reflects this.
Your not sure what winning silverware has to do with his performance at this level ?
He wasn’t riding coat tails…he was the coat tail.
Besler won team and individual silverware this year
I agree about Boca, his lack of speed hurts us and now is the time. We have a lot of better options on this roster
I also agree about Edu. I don’t get JKs luv fest with him. Im shocked, and pleased that he didnt take Beckerman but I dont get the Benny snub? He’s far more talented than Sacha or Torres
See my above comment re: Edu.
He’s played well recently for the USMNT (despite not getting PT last year at the club level), and has started to go 90′ every week for Bursaspor.
In contrast, Williams showing vs. Russia was very poor and he hasn’t been playing for Hoffenheim.
If you’re using the Russia game to justify Edu’s spot, I’ll counter-argue with the game Danny Williams had against Jamaica which in my opinion, was outstanding.
Russia > Jamaica
I’ll take a good performance against Russia over a good performance against Jamaica any day of the week.
We dont have to beat Russia to qualify, we do need to beat Jamaica
If you can do well against Russia, you can do well against Jamaica. No, they’re not the same type of team, and I’m not saying Williams isn’t good enough to start or play, I’m just saying that if you don’t want someone to justify Edu’s spot using the Russia game, then don’t justify Williams’ spot using the Jamaica game. Keeping the logic consistent, that’s all.
This game is in Honduras. It’s going to be a scrappy ugly affair. For this reason I rate Edu more for Weds but not for later games. Mo is athletic and strong. I doubt we will be maintaining any possession or passing around them. We get points if we can outlast, out jump.. Be quicker to the loose ball.
I’m not sure which games you were watching, but I’ve seen all of the the USMNT matches over the last year and can’t say I’ve seen Edu play “well” in any of them including the match in Mexico – perhaps “less poor” is a better description. He finishes well, but has no composure on the ball and is a turnover machine – not a good quality for a DM.
I do agree that composure on the ball can be an issue at times with Mo, but in the #6 role his main job will be to break up attacks and provide cover for the back four. Both of these things I believe Mo does very well. His physical abilities allow him to cover a lot of ground in a hurry and which is complimented by his positional sense. I would also be curious to see his passing %. I suspect he is not the “turnover machine” people claim he is.
Sacha Kljestan = Benny Feilhaber >> Torres
I think it is a solid lineup…I would prefer Danny Williams over Edu at the 6, and probably Gonzalez over Bocanegra next to Cameron in the back…but wouldn’t be surprised if Klinsmann went with the more veteran group like you are suggesting.
+1 … couldn’t agree more – Danny has shown promise in that spot each time we’ve tried it (just please NOT on the wing!!) and we need to make a move to the future with OG as Boca has really seemed to struggle of late. I also wouldn’t mind putting Zusi in for Jones – I think that would make for a very creative midfield.
Only problem is that Williams hasn’t been playing much at all for Hoffenheim lately, while Edu has gotten minutes in Turkey.
+1, as of the past 2 weeks danny has been relegated to the hoffenheim bench and mo has found a starting spot at bursaspor. I can’t say that I have seen their games but the boxscores infer that one is on good form and the other is not.
Also something i have noticed is that Danny Williams is excellent at home (vs. Hon in Miami, vs. Guat in KC and vs. Jam in CLB) but terrible on the road (@Italy, @Russia, @A&B, @Jam).. Mo has recently had some good games @Mexico and @Russia and in the past… maybe its just a coincidence but if i was a betting man, which i am, I would start Edu over Williams on the road as long as he is getting better minutes with the club.
I agree with most everything you said, but I must point out that in almost all the road games where Williams has struggled he wasn’t playing as the #6 (Russia being the only exception). He clearly sucks as a wide-mid, but for the past 12 months IMO he’s looked better than anyone not named Michael Bradley as the d-mid. Hard to tell which one is the better choice in Honduras considering their current club situations, so I’ll have to trust Klinsi on that one. If it were me, given the limited information we have as fans, I’d prefer Williams but my guess is it will be Edu.
Edu has only played in one game since moving to Turkey. There’s no real difference in playing time or match fitness between the two.
My bad, looks like three, including a cup game. Still, not a lot.
Solid line-up.
However, no Maurice Edu please. He’s careless with the ball and I haven’t been impressed with any recent performances in quite some time.
Put Bradley or Jones at the #6 and let’s add some offensive bite in the Edu replacement. There’s being cautious for a tough Concacaf road match and there’s being impotent.
I don’t want to see the 3 defensive midfielders ever again. It literally never works. Least of which Edu involved.
Edu was responsible for two goals against Russia. He has a great work rate and doesn’t get carded. Not sure what more you could want other than him starting for Stoke.
Turning the ball over isn’t a great work rate. I agree that an offensive-minded MF would be more beneficial here (hence the Torres inclusion, gulp). Otherwise, we’re playing for 1 point.
Not sure you’re being objective.
Mo’s last few appearances for the US dating back to the Azteca friendly have all been positive. As mentioned above, he initiated the sequence that led to both US goals against Russia, right after Danny Williams had a stinker.
Danny hasn’t been dressing for Hoffenheim while Edu has logged 4 games (3 of them 90′ performances) since the winter break.
You need to start judging people on current form and not outdated reputation. People seem to forget that, before his slump, Mo played well for the Nats, and he’s been playing well since.
Just have to push back on the Williams stinker in Russia. The turnover on the re-start happened because Jozy ran DIRECTLY behind him and clipped his kicking foot. watch the replays. It shook Williams a little for the rest of the game, no doubt.
agreed.
If work rate/no cards were the objective, there’s a bunch of “try hard” guys in our pool to field a starting XI.
However, outside of the Russia performance you’ve referenced (that I missed), I don’t recall a single solid performance on the part of Edu.
I couldn’t care less of his Stoke situation, I’m referring to the Nats.
Also, sidenote: I don’t feel like Bradley/Edu play well together. They don’t appear to have a good chemistry/feel for yo-yo’ing, as they both hover too often on the backline at the same time.
I don’t dislike him as a player but there are better options.
+1 and couldn’t agree more if that “card” reference is to Jones. He’s a liability
Don’t let facts get in the way of your comment. I bet you “feel” that way.
how about Landy Cakes
If only.
a midfield of:
——–Zusi/Kljstian——Bradley——
———–Jones/Edu/Williams——
would be enjoyable to watch but im not sure at Honduras is the best time and place to try it out.
I just don’t get starting Jones there….I like him but if he can’t beat out 2 players who play way less than him on worse teams (Edu and Williams) for the #6 role than he should be on the bench, he plays best for the US when keeping it simple.
I’d much rather see Zusi/Kljestan/Torres start next to Bradley.
Jermaine is no #6. He is strong and IMO underrated offensively. Our #6 covers a ton of ground, breaks up passes, and provides cover for the back four, none of which is his strength. He gets lumped in as a 6 because he is such a tough tackler, but that doesn’t define his game.
He is a normal starter for a good team in a top league. At some point Zusi or Torres or somebody will be his successor, but for now I do not see him losing his spot.
While Jones isn’t necessarily an attacking player, he is too good to bench and offers more from that role than do Edu or Williams.
That said, there’s gotta be a formation that prevents this problem from occurring.
Klinsmann has made it clear he doesn’t see Jones (or Bradley) as #6’s. So starting Williams/Edu in that role in no way reflects on Jones. Bradley and Jones have proven they work well together playing the box-to-box role, with both getting forward well while not overexposing the #6 and backline. I’d be shocked if we don’t see Bradley and Jones starting together with a d-mid (probably Edu) sitting behind. Klinsmann does not view such a lineup as “3 defensive midfielders”, regardless of what many SBI posters seem to think of it, but I think he does recognize it as the most responsible lineup for an important away WC qualifier.
Gonzales isn’t ready to take over for Bocanegra, plus no one yet has stepped up to take over Boca’s leadership
Michael Bradley.
+1
that my question; will boca, howard or MB hold the captain’s armband on Wednesday?
If he plays, Boca. If he doesn’t, maybe Howard. Should be a middie, but none of our midfielders are the type. Bradley is a leader, but in an intense competitor kind of way as opposed to a team captain kind of way. Do you really want him talking to refs on behalf of the team?
Yes, he should be the captain. He is saying all the right things right now and he will be around for the next 8 years. The older guys won’t.
Thats why Besler will step in for Bocanegra.
Edu >> Williams, period…end of sentence.
Both are inconsistent and Williams has a higher ceiling, but Edu is getting it done in one of the most hostile leagues in the world. He also brings more experience and versatility.
Lest we forget that his ball over the top provided Agudelo with an assist against Russia and that he was robbed of a legit game-winning goal against Slovenia in the 2010 FIFA World cup by the blind referee Koman Coulibaly.
Come on people.
+1 Couldn’t agree more
I agree with Darwin. There have been games when the USMNT just can’t seem to attack the goal and Edu has stepped up and provided nice feeds to give the team chances to score.
When I was watching the Canada-US game on 29 Jan 2013, nobody on the USMNT seemed to want to attack the goal even though the Canadian GK wasn’t very good. I kept thinking, if Edu were playing he’d at least attack. I know JK wanted to see passing and a controlled offense against the Canadians, but I kept thinking–“Just put the ball on goal and take your chances with the GK and possibly getting a rebound.”
My issue with Williams is that he has looked best in games where there was little or no attacking pressure. So I’m really not sure what we can expect from him
Frankly, (and I can’t beleive I’m saying this) Beckerman was the strongest player in the first half against Canada and deserved to be rewarded with a call up.
I agree with Tony. I am not a big Beckerman fan, but I think he was the best player in the first half against Canada. After a couple games last year, I swore Beckerman should never play another USMNT game. Now I think that against some slower teams, he may be an acceptable option as a substitute.
I don’t think Beckerman would be a good choice against Mexico or Jamaica who have too much speed to expose Beckerman’s relative lack of quickness. If Honduras doesn’t have a lot of speed, Beckerman might have been an option as a substitute.
Being the best player from the USMNT’s 5th choice squad against Canada is like being the thinnest kid at fat camp.
Except for that short free-kick giving away a goal! I agree with Beto that Williams shows up better at home than away. I think that Edu’s experience and current playing time with the club puts him over Williams for the starting spot. Mo might also get another look at CB though and Williams starts at DM.
I suspect Honduras will not want an open game. They surely have seen how tough a time the USA has against bunkered defenses. (Jamaica, Canada, pretty much any CONCACAF minnow) When the US has played a team that carried the attack, like Italy, Russia, MExico, Argentina the US did pretty well.
I like that the suspected wingbacks can get forward (so long as Klinsmann doesn’t clip theri wings) and Gonzo and Boca will be weapons on corners. This projected midfield lineup is not the one I would choose to unlock a packed defense, I would rather see Torres or Zusi instead of Edu as one of the 3 mids. Bradley can play pretty good balls into the forwards as can Torres
I think this is a safe lineup for the first match. I am not an Edu fan but he has been involved in many Celtics vs Rangers matches that this atmosphere should not shake him. I would rather see him as def. mid then the scary defender experience JK tried earlier. I believe the US goes as Dempsey goes…So lets hope Duece has a great game. Go USA!