Photo by Bill Streicher/USA Today Sports
By RYAN TOLMICH
With just two friendlies between the U.S. Men’s National Team and an all-important clash with Mexico, Jurgen Klinsmann has some decisions to make when it comes to preparing his stable of forwards.
Heading into September’s clashes with Peru and Brazil, Klinsmann has a wealth of options at the forward position, with each presenting the head coach with a series of positives and negatives. Will Klinsmann opt to go with the experience of a Jozy Altidore ahead of a major moment in this World Cup cycle? Or will Klinsmann use September to blood new recruits, giving newer chances like Andrew Wooted a chance to sink their teeth into international competition?
Clint Dempsey appears unlikely to be an option for the friendlies, having missed recent matches with the Sounders due to a hamstring injury. Even if he recovers in time to face the Portland Timbers, you wonder whether Klinsmann would really risk his best attacking player on some friendlies.
Youngsters Jordan Morris and Rubio Rubin are intriguing options as well, but both are likely to be focusing on October’s Olympic qualifying.
Which forward or forwards do you believe should start for the U.S. in the pair of upcoming games? Here is a look at Klinsmann’s options ahead of the friendlies against Peru and Brazil:
JOZY ALTIDORE
Reports surfaced last week that Toronto FC has requested that Jozy Altidore be left off the roster for the first game of the upcoming set. They may get their wish, but it may be for entirely different reasons.
Since departing the Gold Cup early due to injury, Altidore’s struggles have continued into MLS play. Heading into this past weekend, Altidore had scored just one goal since his return from USMNT duty, a putrid return for a player of his caliber, although, bagging an 18-minute brace off the bench last week is a move in the right direction.
Since taking over as USMNT manager, Klinsmann has preached about Altidore’s need for confidence, and some time in the upcoming friendlies could be a chance for the German-born manager to help instill some belief in his struggling forward. That said, Klinsmann could choose to leave him in Toronto, and potentially light a fire under the struggling forward.
ARON JOHANNSSON
Having secured a move to a bigger club, Aron Johannsson appears to be destined for bigger and better things on both the club and international level.
Johannsson earned his first Bundesliga start for Werder Bremen last week, as the USMNT forward continues to adjust to the raise in play that comes with a move to a bigger and better league. In limited minutes at the Gold Cup, Johannsson was solid, but didn’t quite do enough to certifiably lock down a starting role going forward. Johannsson is sure to get a look in the upcoming friendlies and, with it, another chance to impress heading into October’s crucial matchup with Mexico.
CHRIS WONDOLOWSKI
Despite all of his naysayers, Chris Wondolowski is one of the few players in the USMNT pool that can score goals, and do so consistently.
Wondolowski is a player that divides opinion. On one hand, the San Jose Earthquakes forward is one that consistently finds ways to score. On the other, he’s a 32-year-old forward that has little to no chance of finding himself on the 2018 World Cup roster. One thing is certain: Wondo can score, something he has proven 12 times on the club level this season. With three goals in his last three games, Wondo may have done enough to earn another call in from Klinsmann, a manager who has consistently spoken of the faith he has in the forward’s abilities.
BOBBY WOOD
Following the confidence boost of his goals against Germany and the Netherlands, Bobby Wood is in fine form to start the 2. Budesliga season.
Now with Union Berlin, Wood has scored a goal and provided a pair of assists in the first four games of his club campaign, an impressive haul. Klinsmann has long been a believer of Wood and his ability to get into dangerous places. For the 22-year-old, it has just been about finding the finishing tough, something he appears to have done in recent months. As things stand, Wood is unlikely to be considered one of the best options in the pool, but with his recent play on the club level, he appears to be developing in the way that could insert him into the conversation a bit more.
ANDREW WOOTEN
Klinsmann has long been an advocate of calling in players that are doing well on the club level, and Andrew Wooten looks to be just the latest example of the fact.
Wooten’s impending call-up comes as the forward continues to destroy the 2. Bundesliga to the tune of five goals in just 350 minutes. Klinsmann has had his eye on the dual national for awhile now, and September’s friendlies finally appear to be the chance to give Wooten an opportunity. A newcomer on the international scene, it’s hard to see Wooten earning a chance against Mexico, but the games against Peru and Brazil are the perfect chances to throw Wooten into the fire and see what he’s made of.
GYASI ZARDES
Used predominantly as a winger and wide forward with the USMNT, and this season with the Galaxy, Zardes could merit a look at forward after impressing there in spots at the Gold Cup. The lack of wing options has led to his shift wide, but with some promising wide options emerging like Ethan Finlay and Sebastian Lletget, Klinsmann could be tempted to give Zardes a run up top.
CHARLIE DAVIES
The New England Revolution forward has enjoyed a good season in MLS, but has never received a look from Klinsmann before. Has he done enough to merit a look? Does Klinsmann see him as a liability given his past injuries, or will Klinsmann consider giving him an opportunity?
Which of these forwards would you like to see start in the upcoming friendlies? Cast your vote here (you can choose two of the forwards listed):
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Who did you select? Was there a forward who didn’t make the ballot that you think should be considered?
Share your thoughts below.
Who should start at forward for the USMNT’s upcoming friendlies?