Current Roster Analysis
Given we are relatively fresh off the Gold Cup, that will be the roster I will be judging the USMNT from. With 2022 World Cup Qualifiers just around the corner, USMNT roster evaluation will be crucial to determine the best squad going forward. With that said, let’s open with optimism first and dive into the positives of the current 23 man roster.
GOALKEEPERS (3): Sean Johnson (NYC FC), Tyler Miller (LAFC), and Zack Steffen (Columbus Crew SC).
DEFENDERS (8): Reggie Cannon (FC Dallas), Omar Gonzalez (Toronto FC), Nick Lima (San Jose Earthquakes), Aaron Long (NY Red Bulls), Daniel Lovitz (Montreal Impact), Tim Ream (Fulham), and Walker Zimmerman (LAFC).
MIDFIELDERS (6): Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Duane Holmes (Derby County), Weston McKennie (Schalke), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC), and Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew).
FORWARDS (6): Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC), Paul Arriola (D.C. United), Tyler Boyd (Vitoria Guimares), Jonathan Lewis (Colorado Rapids), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders), and Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew).
Note – Cristian Roldan replaced Duane Holmes due to injury.
Strengths
Pulisic
Just his existence on a roster is a strength of the team. Greg Berhalter (the USMNT manager for those that don’t know) may have played him slightly off position, but the lad is still our most-skilled player. The best thing out of Hershey since chocolate for my sanity, the Chelsea player gives me life for this national team. He’s a beacon of hope guiding the lost souls of American soccer away from the MLS, and for that, I thank him.
Center Backs
The defense was surprisingly good throughout the tournament. Now, it could be the fact that they were playing CONCACAF teams, but pessimism is what destroys USMNT fans. Miazga and Long were effective and powerful on the back-line. At right-back, Reggie Cannon was fantastic the last two matches, even forcing Mexico to switch their wingers in an attempt to open the pitch. Unfortunately, it worked and the USMNT lost. But, hey, who’s crying about it?
Jozy Altidore
Altidore looked like a decent piece in Greg Berhalter’s system. He held up play well and delivered some of the best passing combinations in the final third. Though, him being our best striker is also a weakness.
Weston McKennie
Weston McKennie had moments that had me daydreaming of a world where Michael Bradley never touched a pitch in the USMNT kit and world peace was accomplished. I was much happier about the Bradley revelation, but that dream was snatched from me the moment Weston didn’t track back on defense against Mexico to allow the only goal of the game. There were sad scenes in my house that night.
Not Full Power
This is a silver lining rather than a strength. The USMNT roster wasn’t at full strength. An injured John Brooks, Deandre Yedlin, and Tyler Adams left the roster in a weaker state. It was weak enough that I still feel semi-confident about the immediate future. Tyler Adams could easily be argued as their best midfielder, and John Brooks is their best center-back by far.
Weaknesses
Left Back
They need a permanent left-back. Neither Rima or Leam seem to be long-term choices that provide a ton of utility. Both are serviceable, but against a world-class right-wing, they may not be able to cut it. There are U20 players with a bright future, and those players should be engaged in the senior squad ASAP.
USSF failed to qualify for the last World Cup due to a stagnant mindset, and everything should be put on the table and talent should be prioritized. Now, my use of the word “engagement” doesn’t mean capping them. I mean a simple line of communication that centers around the young players’ talent. The US doesn’t have a bad record of losing dual nationals, but we should make these players feel involved in the progression of the USMNT to make sure that continues.
Striker Depth
While Jozy Altidore provided good minutes in the Gold Cup, he was unfit to play a full 90. This meant they had to deal with GYASI ZARDES AT STRIKER. I hope the panic in my mind is evident from how I typed that, but it really can’t be overstated. Zardes is a great worker, and in a system that only has their striker be a target man, he could succeed. However, Greg requires hold up play from the 9, which he doesn’t provide. That means with a number 1 striker that can’t play a full match consistently, and a number 2 that doesn’t fit the system, they need a number 3. I have someone in mind, if you follow the USMNT then you know who it is, but I’ll save that for later.
Central Defensive Midfielder
An actual consistent number 6 (aka central defensive midfielder) is required for the USMNT to take the next step internationally. Tyler Adams may have been that solution, but his unfortunate injury means they had to play players like Michael Bradley and Weston McKennie in a more defensive role. Both of them have problems tracking back when the other team is on the attack.
Pulisic At The 10?
In five years this could very well be a tweet by @OldTakesExposed, but Christian Pulisic isn’t the answer at the number 10 spot. Marked with the role of being the offensive distributor (the point guard if you will), the number 10 is critical in the world of soccer. Normally noted as a central attacking mid (CAM), there are exceptions of wingers (Lionel Messi) playing that role within their respective club. Now, I believe in Christian Pulisic more than myself, honestly, but I’d much rather have the lad out wide burning defensive backs than the fulcrum of our attack.
Wingers
Another winger would be absolutely splendid. Having Arriola as your second-best winger is a sign of the weakness at the position.
There will be a second part to this article breaking down a selection of the best youth players and their current club status. Stay tuned for that post.
Follow me @CJPerSources (Twitter) and @cj_persources (Instagram).