Early Prediction for USA World Cup Starting XI

by Stephen Barston

 

 

Predicting the US lineup for the summer's competition

As the United States now looks ahead to the World Cup this summer, a lot of speculation will inevitably arise concerning the starting 11 that will take the pitch the first game in Brazil. To the right you can see my particular prediction for the lineup (in the 4-2-3-1 formation) that I think Jurgen Klinsmann will choose as his main squad when June rolls around; below you will find some explanation regarding my selections.

 

Goalie: Tim Howard (Everton)

·       This specific position will all come down to how Howard and his current backup, Brad Guzan of Aston Villa, perform this upcoming season in England. However, as I see it, Howard’s leadership and command over his area, combined with the relative inexperience of the center backs in front of him, is too crucial for Klinsmann to ignore. However, as mentioned before, if Guzan can continue his inspired run of form that has allowed him to flourish as a keeper over the course of the past year, things could most definitely change.

Fullbacks: Damarcus Beasley (LB, Puebla) and Michael Parkhurst (RB, FC Augsburg)

·       Beasley has had a rejuvenation of sorts as a left back for the Stars and Stripes, and although the earlier qualifying games against Costa Rica and Mexico had their ups and downs, the high-level of experience that he has, combined with his ability to work his way up the field and hold off attackers (despite his diminutive stature), means he is invaluable to his side.

·       Michael Parkhurst is most definitely my underdog selection. Playing at the Gold Cup this summer has given Parkhurst the confidence he needed after being a second thought for Klinsmann in previous competitions. Coming on for a seemingly lost Fabian Johnson against Mexico, he made solid overlapping runs and held down his area against the opposition's attack. The United States tends to run through right backs quickly, but he just might be able to stave off the likes of Johnson and Brad Evans to crack the starting lineup.

Center Backs: Matt Besler (Sporting KC) and Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy)

·       Besler, the 2013 All-Star and 2012 MLS Defender of the Year, has put in several solid performances for the USMNT, combining good defensive fundamentals with solid pace. He finds a way to limit mistakes and has a solid sense of awareness of his surroundings. He has come on to the stage with conviction and seems to be a shoe-in for the starting spot.

·       Gonzalez is another young American defender who has thrived in the MLS, scoring the only goal for the All-Stars against Roma over the summer. His height and strength make him an intimidating force for opposing teams, but—especially when he’s paired with Clarence Goodson, as we saw in the Mexico game—he tends to come up a little too far off of his line. If he can stray away from this and can develop a good sense of understanding and communication with Besler, the position that has concerned the fans the most over the past couple of years can be shored up.

Central Midfielders: Jermaine Jones (FC Schalke 04) and Michael Bradley (AS Roma)

·       Jermaine Jones is a quandary; it’s really as simple as that. He can disappoint fans in one game, turning the ball over on numerous possessions (i.e. versus Costa Rica), and then follow that up with a reassuring match, commanding his area and falling back appropriately (i.e. versus Mexico). His pace allows him to make up for these inevitable mistakes and his aggression does lead to a lot of yellow cards, but Jones’ knowledge of the holding midfielder position and his workhorse mentality ensure fans that his is one spot that they need not worry about.

·       Michael Bradley is, for the majority of fans, the most important American player at this moment. Il Generale, as the Roma fans affectionately call him, consistently makes sensible passes and is constantly the man setting up goals. While he may not always get on the scoresheet for an assist, Bradley sets up chances with his impeccable vision and can track back if necessary.

Wingers: Clint Dempsey (LM, Seattle Sounders) and Graham Zusi (RM, Sporting KC)

·       Dempsey’s recent move back to the MLS was an interesting one, to say the least, something I would have seen him doing 5 years down the road, but his impact on US soccer as a whole is undeniable. His work ethic and his ability to score (as was on display during the friendly vs. Germany) have made him a standard for the US when he’s not injured. Deuce may be 30, but he will be probably be a shoe-in for Klinsmann’s XI for the foreseeable future.

·       Zusi will have to beat out competitors like Alejandro Bedoya, and Fabian Johnson, and possibly even Brad Evans, but my reasoning for this selection is simple. Look at the friendly against Germany, and you will see Zusi make beautiful crosses to Jozy Altidore, run down the flank into space like the seasoned veteran he is, and play the right midfield position to near perfection. His performance against Panama and the heart-breaking goal he scored put his confidence and his demeanor on display, showing how necessary he is for Team USA's success.

Attackers: Landon Donovan (CAM, LA Galaxy) and Jozy Altidore (ST, Sunderland)

·       Landon Donovan—what really is there to say? The most influential player in the USMNT’s 100-year history reminded everyone of his potential during the impressive Gold Cup run, his first time back from his sabbatical. Scoring again against Mexico, pink eye and all, Donovan only solidified his case for starting attacking midfielder in Brazil, making good runs and seemingly always finding a way to put home balls played by his teammates. This is really a no brainer.

     Jozy Altidore, before the friendlies over the summer, was the most perplexing player employed by Jurgen Klinsmann; he would control every game for his club side AZ Alkmaar of the Dutch Eredivisie, putting up jaw-dropping numbers in the process, and then would go scoreless time and time again for the national team. One goal and one assist against Germany and a hat-trick against Bosnia and Herzegovina stopped this scoring funk in its tracks and simply confirmed the reasoning for fans’ high expectations. Altidore has pace, strength, and the ability to create opportunities for himself, and will probably edge out Eddie Johnson for the starting striker spot.