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Who Should the USMNT start vs. Bolivia?

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Just one game stands between the U.S. Men’s National Team and the Copa America, giving Jurgen Klinsmann one final chance to piece his team together ahead of this summer’s tournament.

Following Wednesday’s late win over Ecuador, the USMNT faces off with another CONMEBOL side, Bolivia. While La Verde are far from the quality of Wednesday’s opponent, Bolivia does provide the USMNT with South American opposition as the days dwindle before the Copa America kicks off.

After a strong showing from several substitutes, Klinsmann could be tempted to include the likes of Darlington Nagbe and Christian Pulisic among the starting XI. Add in the potential return of Geoff Cameron, and the USMNT lineup could easily feature several changes from the one that took down Ecuador.

Here’s a look at one possible USMNT lineup for Saturday’s match:

USMNT XI vs. Bolivia

Some thoughts:

Given the six-day break between Bolivia and the tournament opener against Colombia, Klinsmann should have no qualms with using a strong starting lineup, even for a limited time. Saturday presents one final chance to put the pieces together and, following a massive performance by the substitutes against Ecuador, Klinsmann should mix several deserving players in against Bolivia.

So far, Brad Guzan is the only player to officially claim his place in the lineup, and the Aston Villa goalkeeper looked strong enough against Ecuador to justify the starting gig. In front of him, both DeAndre Yedlin and John Brooks picked up their performances on Wednesday, while Fabian Johnson returned to the fold after battling an injury. Add in the previously injured Geoff Cameron, and Klinsmann could have his first-choice backline ready to go for the first time this year.

If the decision is made to rest Cameron due to his injury issues, Steve Birnbaum should be an option to step in and hold down the fort. Birnbaum did well enough against Ecuador, despite some shaky moments, while Matt Besler could join the fray for Brooks as Klinsmann looks to separate left and right-footed centerbacks.

The midfield picture became a bit clearer on Wednesday, as Michael Bradley all but announced to the world that he should be a No. 6. The Toronto FC midfielder was immense in the second half, pulling the strings from a deeper role while helping the U.S. maintain a much higher rate of possession in the second stanza.

Darlington Nagbe should be penciled in alongside him after a Man of the Match performance on Wednesday night. The Portland Timbers midfielder provides the technique and composure on the ball to help the U.S. make the leap from bunker unit to possession team. Going forward, Nagbe should certainly be in contention to start against Colombia, especially with another strong performance on Saturday.

With Bradley lying deeper, Jermaine Jones is also given free reign to attack, something he has done well with as a member of the Colorado Rapids. A loose Jones is the best Jones, and unleashing the veteran midfielder to roam will create havoc for even the most organized of teams. Alejandro Bedoya also deserves another run out after justifying a spot with a decent performance on Wednesday night.

That leaves room for two more, and the spots should go to a pair of younger players still looking to stake their claim in the starting XI. Bobby Wood notched the assist on Nagbe’s winner to continue his run as the USMNT’s most in-form player. Although he did create with several passes in the first half. Clint Dempsey just wasn’t as active as Wood was on Saturday night, making a run-out with the first team a deserved one for the Hamburg forward.

Finally, there’s Christian Pulisic, who shined once again in another cameo appearance. The Borussia Dortmund prospect looked entirely comfortable, and showed both attacking and defensive instincts in abundance on Wednesday. His strip and dribble past several Ecuador defenders served as a highlight, and it is time to see what the 17-year-old could do with increased minutes.

With the players selected, the USMNT has some options in terms of formation. The U.S. could opt for a traditional 4-3-3 with Bradley remaining deep or even more of a 4-2-3-1 with Bedoya, Nagbe and Pulisic making up the advanced midfield group. In addition, Pulisic could tuck inside as more of a second striker, opening the door for Nagbe and either Bedoya or Jones to assume roles as shuttlers in more of a diamond formation. Against Bolivia, the U.S. should be on the front foot through the majority of the game, giving the team a chance to maintain possession and find some attacking flow ahead of the Copa America.

With one final test before the Copa America, Klinsmann should give his A-Team a run out, even if it’s brief. The USMNT has one more match to get it right and, while Bolivia may not be the toughest opponent, the South American nation provides Klinsmann with a chance to put the pieces together before Colombia next week.

Comments

  1. Pulisic————Wood————Bedoya
    ———-Nagbe————Jones———–
    ——————–Bradley———————
    Fabian—–Besler—–Geoff——–Yedlin
    ———————Guzan———————

    In a game like this, I’d give Pulisic and Nagbe a full 90. I still trust Besler more than Brooks, but I highly doubt JK (and many of you) feels the same way. I also think we might be at the point in his career where Dempsey could be way more effective coming off the bench.

    For Subs, I’d bring on Dempsey for Wood, Zardes for Bedoya (bring Pulisic to the RW after the sub), and Kitchen for whichever CM needs it (I’ve been over Beckerman for a while now.)

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  2. For me the big question going into this tournament is…
    Is Castillo a backup or starter? if he starts then Johnson will be our LM the position he plays for club. That means Zardes goes to the bench, which I like. MB should be the 6, meaning Nagbe should start. Wood is playing with so much confidence, he needs to start. I think Dempsey is relying more on his antics of pretending to get foul than actually playing the way he used to. I would start Pulisic with Wood, that gives us a dynamic duo of brute speed with quickness and trickery.

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  3. JK will want to keep the same shape 3-3-4. It will be a tale of the first 60 minutes – then the last 30 (No changes if the score is close).
    First 60 (3-3-4)
    Pul——–Demp——-Wood
    Nagbe——–JJ
    Bradley
    FJ–Brooks—Cameron–Yedlin
    Last 30 (1-4-1-4)
    Wood
    FJ—Nagbe—Bedoya–Zardes
    Beckerman
    Castillo–Besler–Birnbaum–Cameron
    JK will be curious to test out this last line up.
    Go USA. 2-1 Score

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  4. He should start the group that won the game, not his designated starters. Will he do that? I doubt it. JK will never admit he was wrong and to make a big change would be doing just that. At a minimum, Nagbe and Pulisic have earned a start.

    Imagine how good we would be if he had brought in Nugyen too and started Nagbe and Lee? We might actually create chances with their shills

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  5. I’d like to see Birnbaum continue to get minutes. He got stronger as the game went on (shaky first 5-10 minutes) and he’s our best player in the air. He could be another Geoff Cameron in the making.

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  6. Rest Dempsey, Jones and Bradley…..

    ———————C. Pulisic———————B. Wood———————-

    ————————————D. Nagbe————————————–

    F. Johnson———————————————————–A. Bedoya

    ———————————G. Cameron————————————–

    E. Castillo———-J. Brooks———–S. Birnbaum ————-D. Yedlin

    ———————————-B. Guzan—————————————–

    Maybe even Johnson and Yedlin….no need to go hard on a friendly…

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  7. I love that projected lineup, Howard over Guzan and we have a winning team… I dont care what anyone says, our team fairs much better when Howard is in goal… he gives the defense a sense of security…

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  8. Pretty much spot on for what we should see. Fj is almost assuredly our LB for the Copa, so our starting back four needs to get time together. I just wish we could see castillo (ideally a better option but no options), and move Fj to RW. Then move Bedoya to RCM.

    GK: Guzan
    LB: Castillo
    CB: Brooks
    cB: Cameron
    RB: Yedlin
    CDM: Bradley
    RCM: Bedoya
    LCM: Nagbe
    RW: FJ
    LW: Pulisic
    ST: Wood

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  9. I really like the line-up posted in this article…which is why I fully expect Klinsmann to throw out something like
    Zardes — Dempsey — Zusi
    Jones — Beckerman — Bradley
    Johnson — Brooks — Cameron — Yedlin

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  10. I agree with 10/11. I would not start Bedoya, I would start Dempsey. Most of all though, Bradley must slide back to the #6 role, Beckerman must not start. And Fabian must play LB. Anyone else there is a gaping hole, we can score with without him in attack.

    I would like to see a 4-2-3-1 like:

    ———Dempsey——Wood———–

    –Pulisic———Jones———Nagbe–

    ——————Bradley——————-

    -Johnson–Brooks–Cameron-Yedlin-

    ———————Guzan——————

    However, I get the feeling that Zardes or Bedoya will get the nod over Pulisic. If Cameron needs further rest, Birnbaum can play, it’s still obvious Cameron is the best CB we have.

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  11. i like it. hope Cameron is good to go, but if he is not then I am confident in Burbaum.

    Dempsey plays CF in a 4-3-3 in Seattle these days right? i am cool with him a second half sub or starter these days. as much as I want the XI in this game to be the same vs. Colombia why not give Pulisic the start!

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    • Not really at least in their last few matches. Morris has moved to the center with Dempsey underneath him and Gomez and Kovar outside of him. I haven’t seen them play in probably a month, but that’s what sites with line up diagrams show. Earlier he was a LAM, but I am not sure he can play either of those spots in the 4-3-3 at the international level with the defensive responsibilities.

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    • I think most people agree with you. You don’t really notice Birnbaum much during the match and when you do, he’s reliable in his positioning, has the necessary recovery speed and comfortable on the ball & distribution, too.

      Antithesis of Omar Gonzalez.

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  12. i’m not ready to drop Dempsey uet. i think i would move Bedoya to RCM, Nagbe over to LCM, slide Wood over to where Bedoya currently is, insert Dempsey, and sit Jones.

    but i would be totally fine with the lineup above as well.

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    • Dempsey is good and was great at making lemonade with a bunch of lemons in the attack when the US had limited possession. Often Dempsey would be the lone guy who could attack multiple defenders. His knack for attacking on the counter is outstanding. However, recently his tendancies to hold onto the ball to long and misses the higher percentage quick pass and kind of selfish with his intent. Used to be of all offensive players he played the hardest and willed himself into dangerous positions but that is changing. Wood and Pulisic play hard, tough, and physically stronger and faster then Dempsey with out the dramatics. Although I would never count Dempsey out with his ability to get shots off!

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  13. Bolivia is a relatively weak team who usually only plays well at altitude at home. I think people are looking at this game all wrong. It should be used to keep players fresh and give a chance to those who haven’t played much. The most important aspect of this game for me is to avoid injuries. There will be enough time on the training ground after this to get ready for Colombia. No need to push things for this game, so the personnel, positions, and formations aren’t very important.

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    • There are six days before the first Copa match, plenty of time to recover. The Copa starters will start this game, especially the back four to gain some cohesion. I wouldn’t be surprised to see many subbed out at half or 60th minute, but no way are they going more than a week without playing together.

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      • IMO, If Cameron is healthy, then you put him in place of Birnbaum and play the rest of the back line for the first half, then sub out Yedlin and Johnson since they will have done the most running. Cameron and Brooks have played enough at their positions and probably practiced together enough that they shouldn’t need much more time together than this game to get ready. Just my opinion. Klinsmann seems to care about winning more than I would for this game and may play them all together for the whole game. We will see.

  14. Seems like the perfect opportunity to start Castillo at LB and see how he does. FabJo is arguably our best offensive threat. He’s just come off a season where he’s played very well in both the Bundesliga and the CL. His offensive contributions are limited from LB. Plus, he’s not exactly a lock down defender and is prone to losing his marks (see the Ghana goal).

    I know Castillo has had some shaky/poor performances at LB for the Nats, but he’s just come off a season of starting at LB for one of the best teams in Liga MX. Plus, I thought he looked pretty good against Guatemala (obviously a different level of competition).

    In my opinion, FabJo’s offensive contributions from the left wing outweigh Castillo’s deficiencies at LB.

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    • No confidence in Castillo defending. He lacks a physical presence against international level of play. Plus, his positioning on defense is awkward and takes too many chances

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  15. I think that opening match is crucial if they want to advance and I could also see us avoiding this line-up on the pitch in an effort to avoid giving Colombia game tape of our projected starting XI before next week.

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    • Its already out there minus Jones for Zusi. I thought this might be the case for Ecuador, but it seems the staff has gone with continuity over secrecy.

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      • Thank you JR. I skimmed the Castillo article before rushing here to comment.

        I still think the switch should be made once Castillo’s in camp, but it makes it more difficult without Castillo getting some burn in a warm-up game.

  16. ~Pulisic~~~~~~~~Wood~~~~~~~~Dempsey~

    ~~~~~~~Nagbe~~~~~~~Bedoya~~~~~~~~~

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Bradley~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    ~~~FJ~~~~~~JB~~~~~~~GC~~~~~~~DY~~

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Guzan~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Subs: Jones for Bedoya, Zardes or Zusi depending on score for Dempsey (or Wood and put Dempsey up top), If defending a lead put on Kitchen or Beckerman for Nagbe and move the middle triangle to have Jones (or Bedoya if still on) to top of triangle with bradley and sub behind.
    Wondo for Wood (or Dempsey) up top because maybe he picks up a small injury and all your dreams come true and we can bring on Morris to the roster. Last sub is a centerback (take your pick)

    Notes: Dempsey works back into midfield a little deeper with Bedoya and Yedlin making runs off him. I think he would be more effective letting wood be a workhorse up top pressuring balls and winning possession in an advanced possession.

    Bedoya is comfortable playing both CAM and as an outside mid so he can move in and out in this position during the attack, and can advance high up the field when Dempsey drops in to get touches.

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    • Note: I would switch Dempsey and Pulisic but i really like having Pulisic and Johnson on the same side, and Yedlin would have lots of room to overlap Dempsey with him dropping deep to get as many touches as possible.

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  17. Slide Nagbe to the left, isn’t that where he played on Wednesday with Jones on the right? The FJ, Nagbe, Pulisic triangle worked pretty well. Also, I just have a gut feeling we won’t get both Nagbe and Pulisic in the starting line up.

    Castillo replacing Changler, but Edgar didn’t play last night for Monterrey anyone know why?

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  18. 2 thumbs up for me! I know it’s semantics, but I would deploy Nagbe on the left to build off of the Pulisic/Nagbe/Fabjo trio that showed so well in the last game. Though, I think having Jones on the right is a bit of a detriment for Yedlin, as Jones is pretty quick to jump down Yedlin’s throat. I know Yedlin still needs some polish, but Jone’s seems overly harsh on him on the field.

    I think if Nagbe doesn’t start, it stems from JK’s thoughts on his defensive effort, which I just don’t get. He’s certainly no destroyer, but I believe he more plays within himself and doesn’t over pursue. I’ve watched him a fair bit, and I have confidence that he can get stuck in when he needs to. He doesn’t run forever like Zusi, but he is capable, and his on-the-ball intelligence is just so important for this team to evolve.

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    • nah, i don’t think it’s semantics at all. in fact, i think — if fabian and yedlin are our fullbacks — it’s probably more important to have jones on the right than it is to have nagbe on the left, as he’s got the legs and “bite” to help out the less-experienced defender.

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    • Nagbe’s passing map the other night was exclusively on the left side. Is that his tendency? No, Nagbe was just fitting into JK system and game plan. Does the left fit him? Absolutely, when he has outlets such as FabJohnson, Pulisic, and Wood. Also, partnered with Bradley in the back for the build up and combo play. The left was the where the build up began from the back with Brooks, Bradley, Johnson, and Nagbe. Moving into the midfield and attacking third with Pulisic, Wood, and Dempsey. The left had the ball with possession and attack but with Jones and Yedlin on the right the counter was covered.

      Does Nagbe stay just left looking towards the Colombia match? This is where the gameplan gets interesting and Nagbe can cause problems for Colombia. The speed and tenacity of Yedlin and Jones provide cover on the right with assuming Cameron is fit for right CB. The left can have some freedom and Nagbe can take some chances going forward with speed on the right to angle back defending counters. However, USMNT still need to remain organized and compact to absorb Colombia in the offensive third of the field. Although with Bradley and Nagbe now provide a short outlet for relief from the backline. Both Bradley and Nagbe can flip the field with the dribble and pass. Especially, with quick short combos with each other and the US counter now has teeth.

      Here is the twist with the on the field lineup and alignment. On occasion flip Nagbe and Jones making Colombia adjust or force their wingers to defend. Make offensive players especially J.Rodriguez defend and have defensive responsibilities. I know it is a rarity where the US can actually try to dictate tempo, rather then just react and defend.

      I am speculating about the Colombia match with my comments but in the Bolivia match look for a few things. Hope Cameron and Brooks get a chance to play together. Both those guys really are were the attack starts because they can get on the ball, dribble and pass. Eliminating the bail out turnover long balls. Does Bolivia try running guys at Nagbe when he has the ball or cheating guys to the side of the field when he has the ball? Does the US’s right wide players stay wide and hang on the LB and Left CB’s shoulder? The right channel will have space and Bradely, Johnson, and Nagbe can make those passes.

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  19. I like the lineup, but I am all but sure that JK will leave Zardes in and keep Pulisic as a second half sub again. I think this will be Zardes’ last chance to show he should hold his spot (he shouldn’t by the way).

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  20. just a pedantic quibble: the proposed lineup probably wouldn’t be a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 for the most part, but closer to a 4-1-4-1.

    will be interesting to see how our (mostly) best XI looks without dempsey. i don’t really think bedoya is good enough to be a starter on the wing, but this is a good game to see him try.

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    • Actually I take that back. I’d like to see what this team can do without Bedoya or Zusi. I watched a Dortmund game where Pulisic was on the right and it was one of the most dangerous games I saw him play. Therefore:

      Wood——–Dempsey——–Pulisic

      ————Jones——–Nagbe——–

      —————–Bradley——————

      Johnson–Brooks–Cameron–Yedlin

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      • Pulisic should be able to shift from wing to wing depending on matchups, not unlike Fabian. But Dempsey as the CF does not seem like a good option to me at this point. Wood is preferred, or if not maybe even Zardes. If Dempsey in on the field it should be centrally in a 4-2-3-1.

      • I still think Dempsey is our best forward option for this tournament and I liked what I saw from Wood when he came on and played on the left. Wood also kinda disappeared once Dempsey came off and Wood moved centrally. Why not get both on the field? Zardes can stay on the bench as far as I’m concerned.

    • agreed. give chandler another chance at left back, just to see what happens. if he’s half-decent, it might be worth it to be able to move fabian forward.

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    • Chandler is out, and i actually like the idea of having Johnson and Pulisic on the same side tearing up defenses. Johnson just needs to be more involved with the attack.

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      • ah, missed that he was ruled out.

        and no, slowleftarm, chandler’s not terrible. he’s had terrible games, that’s for sure; but he’s had good games, too, and — as i said — if he’s “not-terrible” enough for us to move fabian up, i think it’d be worth it.

      • I think there are several options better than chandler. Not only is he average, I don’t get the sense he really cares about representing the US either. Those “good” games were more like he just didn’t mess up. Didn’t provide much, didn’t blow anything.

      • “Those “good” games were more like he just didn’t mess up. Didn’t provide much, didn’t blow anything.”

        well, exactly; that sounds like a good game for a defender, and that’s about as good as we can expect at the moment, unless you know of some new impressive prospect out there. we’re not comparing him to marcelo or lahm, we’re comparing him to the rest of our left back pool (minus fabian, of course).

      • I’m sorry, but this is a huge weakness in terms of the American mentality. Yes, a defender must be able to defend. But so much of what a good team good is that their defenders are capable in possession. Not just fast and able to put in crosses, but actually good at helping to break down the other team’s defense. Defenders need to be held to a much higher standard than we currently hold them to.

      • Chandler may have had his issues earlier on with his allegiances to the US but i think it was more down to the travel that is associated with coming from Germany to the States. When i look at the games he has started recently, which has been few by the way, all you need to do is look at the way he sings the National Anthem to know he is “all in” lol! I’m sure you can pull up a clip or two on you tube to catch him singing it, he gets into it for sure!

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