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Klinsmann has tough decisions to make at centerback for Copa America

Photo by Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports
Photo by Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports

Every good team begins with its spine, and U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann will have some decisions to make in constructing his after years of tinkering.

With the announcement of the USMNT’s 40-man shortlist ahead of this summer’s Copa America, Klinsmann has left himself with a variety of options for building his central defense. In total, the door has left been open for 10 players that have the ability to play the centerback position. Generally, one would assume a roster of 23 would feature four central defenders, and Klinsmann will be tasked with eliminating several who have featured prominently over the past several seasons.

In many ways, the current centerback competition is both a compliment and an indictment of the current state of the U.S. backline. On one hand, Klinsmann has been left with a variety of options, each with a separate claim to a spot on the team. Previously a spot of weakness, Klinsmann has talented players at his disposal that should be capable of putting it together on the international level.

On the other hand, no defender has stepped up to rightfully assume that top spot. When looking at many of the world’s top sides, team leadership, mentality and culture radiate from true generals in the centerback position. The U.S. has no Thiago Silva, Jerome Boateng or Diego Godin, players that have emerged as elite leaders on their respective backline. It’s not even necessarily the talent that harms the U.S., but rather the lack of claim to a true leadership role as a general of the backline. There are no Carlos Bocanegras, Marcelo Balboas or Eddie Popes to assume a leadership role, a worrying fact for a team still looking for an identity on the backline.

Assuming Klinsmann selects four central defenders, the first name that is all but guaranteed is Geoff Cameron. With the versatility to play in midfield or on the right as well, Cameron has proven to be the USMNT’s most consistent defender throughout the past several months. With DeAndre Yedlin on the right and some combination of Jermaine Jones, Michael Bradley and Kyle Beckerman in front of him, Cameron should naturally join the starting XI from the get-go in the familiar centerback position.

Joining Cameron as virtual locks are John Brooks and Matt Besler, two players who will compete for the left centerback position. When healthy, the two have proven capable defenders since the World Cup, even with Brooks’ difficulties last summer at the Gold Cup. The Hertha Berlin defender has since become an integral part of a challenge for a Champions League berth, while Besler has since recovered from a concussion that knocked him out of World Cup qualifying.

That leaves one spot, or maybe two depending on fullbacks, for an additional centerback. Klinsmann can opt to bring in a younger option like Matt Miazga, Ventura Alvarado or Steve Birnbaum, and each boasts their own positives and negatives.

In Miazga, Klinsmann has a legitimate prospect making his way at Chelsea, even if he has fallen upon hard times after a solid Premier League debut. Alvarado has recently rejoined Club America’s lineup, but has been largely inactive since a putrid Gold Cup showing.

Finally, Birnbaum looked spectacular at USMNT January camp and has the ability to play right back, but the D.C. United defender has made only four international appearances on any level since 2008. Boosting Birnhaum’s case is his chemistry with Cameron, which was apparent in the USMNT’s defeat of Guatemala.

Instead, Klinsmann can opt to go with a more veteran presence, Like Birnbaum, Tim Ream, Brad Evans and Michael Orozco offer depth out wide, and Klinsmann may view them more as fullback options than centerback competitors. However, it would make little sense to bring the trio as pure centerbacks unless Klinsmann is looking to consolidate a roster spot by combining a central and wide option.

That leaves Omar Gonzalez, a player that has been out of the USMNT picture for a bit of time. The 2014 World Cup veteran has shined since joining Pachuca, even if he has seemingly fallen to the back of the line in terms of recent call-ups.

With so many potential choices, Klinsmann will have to prioritize. Is it worth it to use a fourth centerback spot on someone like Mizaga or Alvarado, players who may not be ready but could use the experience of a Copa America? Does the USMNT prepare for the worst by bringing in an experienced defender like Gonzalez who could step in should anything happen to the other defenders on the roster? Or does Klinsmann go somewhere in the middle, opting for someone like Birnbaum, who brings versatility to play out wide and a natural ceiling that has yet to be reached?

Whatever decision Klinsmann makes, it will be an important one.  The USMNT head coach has developed a reputation for surprises, and it’s hard to nail down exactly what Klinsmann will want to prioritize with a World Cup just two years away.

Following a disastrous defensive performance in the Gold Cup, Klinsmann will have to choose correctly. Each player proves vital in a situation as volatile as tournament play, especially against some of the world’s top teams. With so many ways to construct his roster, Klinsmann’s toughest decision lies with the centerback position, and it is that decision that may prove most vital against the titans of South American soccer.

Comments

  1. One thing that bothers me is the fact that there is always so little practice time for whoever winds up in defense. Maybe that could be dealt with by choosing a back line where all or at least two of the players come from one (MLS) team so they know one another. I am not sure there is a set like that available. There is a huge problem with all the players being so far away from one another distance-wise. Smaller countries have an advantage because players can practice much more often in the positions they will play when the major tournament finally comes along.

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  2. My choices would be Besler, Brooks, Miazga, Gonzalez. Cameron would be one of my defensive midfielder.

    My roster:

    G Howard
    G Rimando
    G Guzan

    D Besler
    D Brooks
    D Miazga
    D Gonzalez
    D Yedlin
    D Chandler
    D Johnson
    D Lichaj

    M Bradley
    M Jones
    M Cameron
    M Beckerman
    M Zusi
    M Zardes
    M Pulisic
    M Bedoya

    F Dempsey
    F Altidore
    F Wood
    F Morris

    Starting XI: Howard. Johnson – Besler – Gonzalez – Yedlin. Pulisic – Bradley – Jones – Zardes. Bedoya. Wood.

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    • your 23 look pretty good–i think castillo gets included at lichaj or miazga’s expense–but man, i did not expect that lineup. no brooks, cameron, or dempsey? i thought for a second you were just trying to phase out the old guys, but you still have jones and howard in there, and then brooks isn’t one of the old guys by any stretch of imagination.

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  3. I really have come to like Birnbaum. Has taken his opportunities so far. Would like to see him play back against the wall vs. high caliber competition.

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  4. This article made me curious, so I did a little research. In the 24 games since the beginning of 2015, Klinsmann has started 12 different CB combinations using 9 different players:

    Brooks – Alvarado: 5
    Brooks – Gonzalez: 3
    Besler – Cameron: 3
    Besler – Jones: 3
    Brooks – Orozco: 2
    Gonzalez – Alvarado: 2
    Ream – Gonzalez: 1
    Cameron – Orozco: 1
    Orozco – Alvarado: 1
    Besler – Orozco: 1
    Gonzalez – Orozco: 1
    Cameron – Birnbaum: 1

    The same combination has started two games in a row 5 times (Jones-Besler; Orozco-Brooks; Alvarado-Brooks; Gonzalez-Brooks; and Cameron-Besler)

    That seems like a lot of different combinations. Granted, I didn’t look to see what previous USMNT managers have done or whether other national team managers have started a similar number of combinations over the same period of time.

    Maybe, as the article points out, this is because “no defender has stepped up to rightfully assume that top spot.” I would argue, however, that no defender has really been given a sufficient opportunity to step up and assume the top spot. Moreover, it seems to me that no centerback tandem has been given the opportunity to form a partnership. Brooks-Alvardo has come the closest with just over 20% of the starts.

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    • Remember, some of those picks/combinations are due to availability and, secondarily, form at the time. I think Klinsmann would call in Brooks and play him just about every game if he could.

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    • IMO, if healthy, the starting CB tandem this summer needs to be Brooks & Cameron. They are the 2 CBs playing against the highest level of competition and they complement each other well.
      Besler has great experience and is a logical choice to be on this squad. To me the 4th CB comes down to Birnbaum or Miazga….I’d choose Birnbaum as I feel he’s more ready right now to contribute. I just wouldn’t trust Miazga right now due to his lack of games. I expect Matt will be loaned out next season, so hopefully he’ll get the reps he needs.

      At this point there is no reason for Orozco to be a part of the team any more. He’s proven he doesn’t have the ability to compete at this level, and even at the club level he’s struggling for minutes.

      While I like Alvarado, he’s not ready yet to compete. He needs to resolve his club situation where he is playing week in and week out. If that requires a transfer or a loan to a different club…so be it. He has the ability, but he needs more in game experience.

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  5. this is easy… Brooks, Miazga, Cameron, and Besler/whomever else can beat Besler for a spot at CB (almost certainly not Oroszco or Gonzales). Then for fullbacks, Yedlin and Chandler are probably locks… Castillo and Ream will probably fight it out for LB. You only bring one LB b/c you have FJ… you have to bring two on the other side B/C Yedlin can play MF. IMHO, anyone else shows up on the final roster and it will be a major upset…

    NEXT…

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  6. Brooks & Cameron would be the ideal pairing.

    Of note, I thought Steve Birnbaum impressed with a calmness and poise in his last cap. However, please keep Gonzalez off the pitch. I don’t care how he’s looked in Mexico or what he offers on set-pieces because the guy is good for a huge error every single match and slow against aggressive/skillful attackers on the international level.

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    • Generally I agree with you, but in the game against Germany in the WC he saved the defense with great last ditch defending two or three times. I think his problem is a lack of concentration toward the end of games. I remember a CONCACAF CL game a couple of years ago when the Galaxy lost a lead in a knock out stage game because OG kind of fell asleep in the last 10 minutes. He had been fine up till then. and that’s not the only time. So, I think the ability is there, it’s the mental aspect.

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      • I think his problem is a lack of concentration toward the end of games.

        That’s probably not far off from the truth. It does seem to be later in matches it would most often happen. Even so, being focused or in-tune with the match at this level is of greater importance than just club level. For me, Gonzalez remains lacking against the increased competition for a full 90 minutes.

  7. Is John Brooks healthy? only 5 national team CB’s in this group; Brooks, Cameron, Besler, Birnbaum, Miagza.

    others; Alvarado, Evans, Orozco, etc… not even close. don’t even bother calling them in for the Puerto Rico game.

    If JAB is not available that should make picking 4 easy.

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  8. Center Back right now is a fairly clear….Cameron, Brooks, Besler, are locks as long as they are healthy. The 4th (or 5th) CB(s) will be determined on who the outside backs are. Yedlin & Castillo are likely locks based on the players called up. Then there are Lichaj & Chandler who can be played on both sides, but are better as RBs. Ream who is a decent LB, but lacks the speed most would prefer to see in an outside back. Alvarado who’s been seeing time at RB for Club America recently (though due to injury).
    If the coaches go with a combination of 2 of these 4 players….Lichaj, Chandler, Ream, & Alvarado then I would expect to see JK go with Birnbaum as the 4th CB. If JK goes with only 1 of the 4 than I could see the coaches taking Birnbaum & Miazga.
    As long as we don’t see Orozco & Evans on the final roster I’m fine with any combination.

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  9. Very tough call. Like the article says, Cameron, Brooks, and Besler are locks. I would take the young player who shows the best in camp. I hope it is Miazga, but if he isn’t ready or up to the right level then Birnbaum would probably be my next choice. I haven’t been terribly impressed with Alvarado at this point.

    I think in an ideal world, Miazga will grow to take over the RCB and Cameron can move up to DM and take over for Beckerman. Unfortunately, I don’t think Miazga is there yet for Copa and I’m not sure he will get there for WC2018 either. Most likely Cameron at RCB for the full cycle with Beckerman holding down DM until a worthy challenger can take it from him.

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    • The problem is only 16 of the 40 players will be available for camp before the final roster is due.

      Available before May 20: Brooks, Cameron, Chandler, Lichaj, Miazga, Ream, Yedlin, Orozco (Castillo, Alvarado, Gonzalez there teams currently would be predicted to advance to the semis of Liga Mx that week) So we certainly should get competition from Lichaj, Chandler, Ream and Orozco, but the rest will have to be decided from club form.

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  10. Tiago Silva? Dunga hasn’t been calling him up for a long while. Granted, Silva probably should be starting for Brasil and someone of his talent would certainly be starting for the US. But the article is misleading by mentioning him as “vital” and “the first name on the team sheet” when he’s not even on the roster.

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    • I chuckled at that too. Originally, I thought “oh they’re saving him for the Olympics”, but given Dunga’s dislike of him, I think that spot is going to David Luiz.

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    • I thought the whole article was over done, over dramatic or whatever, as if this is a big crisis. We have a lot of options and a number of players of near to equal ability. Unless you play Miazga, all the others have also played together pretty often. This actually good so that we won’t be decimated if there are injuries and can even afford to rest players if necessary. Yedlin on the right, Cameron at right CB, Brooks next to him and then the only issue, a continuing issue, is LB.

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      • Whoops, I mentioned who I think should start, left off who the reserves should be. I would include Besler for sure and maybe Gonzalez since he and Besler played together so much in 2014 and Omar has been playing well in Mexico, so he has a lot of experience with the Latin style. the nice thing with Cameron is you can also bring in another CB if you want more depth there and have
        Cameron take a spot as a backup to another position like DM or RB.

      • I would start Brooks (who I think is a given) and Miazga because they are the future, the future is now, no one else is materially better, and its our time to get them international tournament experience together before 2018. Add Yedlin and that’s 3/4 of the backline for 2018 who can start now. I feel the same way about the rest of the side. Get Pulisic and Morris serious meaningful minutes together now. As for Cameron, I want him starting in the “Jones” spot in the midfield above anywhere else.

  11. I don’t get why we can’t play one LCB as a RCB. If Besler and Brooks are the two best, then play them together. The real question is Cameron. He is one of our best field players who is expected to play a big role in WC 2018. I think he should replace Beckerman. Given the depth at defense, and Cameron’s experience and strength, he is the best option at holding mid and he could provide cover for more attack minded fullbacks. On the other hand, if someone like Perry Kitchen steps up, then do you drop Cameron back to CB? Would that mess up continuity?

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    • There’s absolutely no reason you can’t have two right-footed or two left-footed center backs. I’d never heard of anything like that until JK showed up. I do think Cameron’s best position is CB but he could certainly slot into midfield too.

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      • i don’t think it’s so important that it should exclude players who don’t fit, but klinsmann certainly didn’t invent the argument for a lefty lb and righty rb–not sure who did, but it’s been around for some time.

      • There is no rule you have to have one of each but it boils down to the player’s capabilities, if they don’t play their weak side then they are not going to be as effective.

      • Agreed. Cameron is valuable at CB and DM. But considering the USMNT’s lack of possession, I would experiment with Ream at DM and move Cameron to CB.

    • I think a left center back, should be left footed, and a right center back should be right footed. If you watched Cameron play left center back for stoke last week against Sunderland, you saw a player who gave up a PK because the attacker went to Cameron’s weaker left foot.

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      • It’s really a matter of personnel, but I generally agree that each CB should lineup according to their stronger foot.

        It helps possession as well, having players that can comfortably make the necessary passes to their respective flanks with their stronger foot.

      • yeah, i agree with oldmanriverwalk: it’s ideal to have that happen, but you wouldn’t want to make it a primary “skill” for each of the positions. it seems that klinsmann has made lcb and rcb into two exclusive depth charts, which is pretty extreme to me.

      • “you saw a player who gave up a PK because the attacker went to Cameron’s weaker left foot.”

        i really don’t think it has to do with strictly defensive duties (covering, tackling, etc.) at all. if it were that simple, attackers would just go after a defender’s weak side every time. i mean, even if cam is at rcb, he’ll still have a lot of attacks go at his left side; it’s not like forwards can’t just cut inside.

        pretty sure the argument is solely that, when clearing or passing the ball, the stronger foot is toward the sideline.

      • Nate, I think you should think more about what you are saying. If Cameron is playing right back and an attacker goes to Cameron’s weaker foot, Geoff has support in the form of the right center half. When he is playing in the middle on the right side, he has the support of his partner, should the attacker go at geoffs weaker foot. he doesn’t have this built in support when he is on the left side.

      • This really is silly. If right-footed players can play left-back, where it’s more valuable to be on your strong side, they can certainly play “left” center back. And to the point above, if Cameron is LCB and an attacker moves left, isn’t there cover from the left-back? The two best CBs should play regardless of footedness. Who that is is obviously a matter of debate but we needn’t be so rigid and require one right-footer and one left-footer.

      • two cbs are rarely just a couple steps away from each other and are often marking other players, so it would be horrible management to just assume that the other cb will be able to support any time an attacker goes toward the defender’s weaker foot.

      • Dikranovich, I’m afraid that with the argument you have, accusing other people of not thinking about what they are saying is not really a fruitful direction for you to go.

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