US Men's National Team Discussion

[Bertie Wooster]

Jealous!

Agree with your points regarding the pitches, but it is still frustrating. I am still trying to wrap my head around 2 of GB's decisions:

1. Fullbacks: Dest looked bad, like really bad, but this should not be shocking as he has never looked comfortable on the left. The only thing that is shocking is GB doing it over and over again to get guys like Cannon and Yedlin on the pitch. This would be like putting Shaw on the Right just so you could get Williams on the left. It makes no sense whatsoever. It needs to stop now, but I am worried GB is going to think "Dest looked bad, time for him to go to the bench". Insane.

2. Reyna on the wing and Aaronson in the middle: El Salvador could not have done a better job of nullifying the strengths of these 2 guys than GB did. Reyna's strength is getting on the ball and pulling strings. Aaronson's strength is making runs from wide into the middle. So of course it makes complete sense to put Reyna on the wing and Aaaronson in the middle. Also insane.

McKennie looked quite poor and the lack of any midfield cohesion also sunk us as. I heard on a podcast that Juve have been less than impressed with the way he reported back so maybe that is trickling over??

Final thought (for now): Adams is just so good. He was everywhere cleaning up messes and his passing was decent to good. I more than ever want him at Utd. He is exactly what the team needs.

Yeah, the FB choice doesn't make sense to me.

I'd say it's more like playing AWB on the left and Dalot on the right and leaving Shaw on the bench - as it's not just Dest v Yedlin for me. USA have a good LB in my view in Antonee Robinson who was on the bench while a RB, whichever they went with, was played out of position in his role.

How is Robinson rated in US? I haven't seen him internationally but he's impressed me in the championship, and PL, with Wigan and Fulham.

 

[bosskeano]

Jealous!

Agree with your points regarding the pitches, but it is still frustrating. I am still trying to wrap my head around 2 of GB's decisions:

1. Fullbacks: Dest looked bad, like really bad, but this should not be shocking as he has never looked comfortable on the left. The only thing that is shocking is GB doing it over and over again to get guys like Cannon and Yedlin on the pitch. This would be like putting Shaw on the Right just so you could get Williams on the left. It makes no sense whatsoever. It needs to stop now, but I am worried GB is going to think "Dest looked bad, time for him to go to the bench". Insane.

2. Reyna on the wing and Aaronson in the middle: El Salvador could not have done a better job of nullifying the strengths of these 2 guys than GB did. Reyna's strength is getting on the ball and pulling strings. Aaronson's strength is making runs from wide into the middle. So of course it makes complete sense to put Reyna on the wing and Aaaronson in the middle. Also insane.

McKennie looked quite poor and the lack of any midfield cohesion also sunk us as. I heard on a podcast that Juve have been less than impressed with the way he reported back so maybe that is trickling over??

Final thought (for now): Adams is just so good. He was everywhere cleaning up messes and his passing was decent to good. I more than ever want him at Utd. He is exactly what the team needs.

Yeah it's a great weekend to go the match in Nashville and it's my sons 21st birthday so we're going to have a bit of a celebration after the match.

Dest has to play on the right. If he plays for Barca and is playing on the right that is where he should be playing for the national team. Problem is, we have had a left back issue with this team since Beasley retired. I think that Robinson will solve that issue now that he's playing for the states and it'll allow Dest to move back to the right.

Agreed on point 2 as well. Reyna should play where he's comfortable and that's thru the middle like he does for Dortmund and Aaronson plays out wide for Salzsburg so play him out wide where he's comfortable. Don't over complicate things or over think things which coaches tend to do. They are both at good clubs and playing in the champions league so play them where they play for their clubs. McKennie doesn't look quite fit to me and i think he's trying to hard to be the main man and not just playing to his own strengths. Adams is just a pure baller. Technical. Athletic. Great Engine and Smart.

 

[MrMarcello]

Watching the pregame show and I am loving it. 3 of my all time favorite players (Gooch, Deuce, and Edu), plus one of the biggest “what if’s” in US soccer in Charlie Davis.

Edu... guy was always on the outside looking in as Klinsmann and Arena were obsessed with a duo from Beckerman/Bradley/Jones, yet Edu was more rounded than all three. He was the perfect six but often left out.

 

[WI_Red]

Yeah, the FB choice doesn't make sense to me.

I'd say it's more like playing AWB on the left and Dalot on the right and leaving Shaw on the bench - as it's not just Dest v Yedlin for me. USA have a good LB in my view in Antonee Robinson who was on the bench while a RB, whichever they went with, was played out of position in his role.

How is Robinson rated in US? I haven't seen him internationally but he's impressed me in the championship, and PL, with Wigan and Fulham.

I quite like Robinson, but the opinion over here is mixed for a few reasons:

1. He is still remembered, unfairly in my opinion, for a really poor performance early on (it might have been his full debut). Of course that performance was him being isolated on Neymar, so...yeah.
2. GB's early tactics had one FB staying home and one attacking. With Dest or Cannon on the right it fell on Robinson to stay home (and babysit the oil tanker that is Ream) and that is just not his strength.
3. The lack of any consistency in the roster means, when he has played, he has to figure out how to play with a different winger each time. One game its overlapping Pulisic who like to come inside. The next game it's coming inside because Arriola wants to stay on the touchline. And so on.

He looked pretty good when he came on last night, so I am really hoping he starts on the left against Canada. As @mazhar13 and I were discussing earlier, GB might return to the back 3 well against Canada (like he did this summer), which would suit Robinson, and hopefully Dest, well as WB's.

 

[WI_Red]

Edu... guy was always on the outside looking in as Klinsmann and Arena were obsessed with a duo from Beckerman/Bradley/Jones, yet Edu was more rounded than all three. He was the perfect six but often left out.

Absolutely. Really liked Ricardo Clark as well, but he also had a hard time getting games. Just checked and Mo had 46 caps and Clark 34.

For contrast Beckerman had 58, Jones 69, Bradley 150, Bedoya 66 (!!!!). So yeah.

 

[MrMarcello]

Dest has to play on the right. If he plays for Barca and is playing on the right that is where he should be playing for the national team. Problem is, we have had a left back issue with this team since Beasley retired. I think that Robinson will solve that issue now that he's playing for the states and it'll allow Dest to move back to the right.

Beasley was gash at LB, often out of position and had little strength thus was easy to push around. The better and natural LB at the time, Heath Pearce, was often overlooked for who knows why. Both Chandler and Johnson performed better when given the chance.

 

[MrMarcello]

Absolutely. Really liked Ricardo Clark as well, but he also had a hard time getting games. Just checked and Mo had 46 caps and Clark 34.

For contrast Beckerman had 58, Jones 69, Bradley 150, Bedoya 66 (!!!!). So yeah.

Bedoya usually played on the wing or in a midfield three when Klinsmann attempted to use, so gotta give him a pass there. Bradley as a six was a horrendous joke. He wasn't a six at club level that I know of, seem to recall he was used as an eight most often (think he played a more attacking role in his early European days). And his inability to retain possession when pressed, and his inability to make key passes from deep should have saw him 1) moved to an eight role, or 2) dropped.

 

[Bertie Wooster]

I quite like Robinson, but the opinion over here is mixed for a few reasons:

1. He is still remembered, unfairly in my opinion, for a really poor performance early on (it might have been his full debut). Of course that performance was him being isolated on Neymar, so...yeah.
2. GB's early tactics had one FB staying home and one attacking. With Dest or Cannon on the right it fell on Robinson to stay home (and babysit the oil tanker that is Ream) and that is just not his strength.
3. The lack of any consistency in the roster means, when he has played, he has to figure out how to play with a different winger each time. One game its overlapping Pulisic who like to come inside. The next game it's coming inside because Arriola wants to stay on the touchline. And so on.

He looked pretty good when he came on last night, so I am really hoping he starts on the left against Canada. As @mazhar13 and I were discussing earlier, GB might return to the back 3 well against Canada (like he did this summer), which would suit Robinson, and hopefully Dest, well as WB's.

Thanks for all that info.

It sounds like a number of factors have led to him surprisingly failing to nail down the left back spot so far despite a lack of strong alternatives. Hopefully he'll get a run in the team and get to prove himself as he definitely looks good enough to be first choice LB - especially given the other options available.

 

[bosskeano]

Absolutely. Really liked Ricardo Clark as well, but he also had a hard time getting games. Just checked and Mo had 46 caps and Clark 34.

For contrast Beckerman had 58, Jones 69, Bradley 150, Bedoya 66 (!!!!). So yeah.

Bedoya being capped 66 times is about as baffling as Zardes still getting caps for the USMNT as he's utter shit

Never really was a fan of Edu, Clark or Tim Chandler. Thought they were honestly there to just make up numbers as they were all shit on the ball.

 

[Bertie Wooster]

I never really got Bedoya as a player.

As a person who also follows Rangers, I was underwhelmed when they signed him and wasn't surprised he did little there.

I always like it when they sign a US player - and enjoyed seeing the likes of Reyna, Bocanegra, and Edu play for them. Beasley was only OK there. But Bedoya, unsurprisingly, was poor.

Never really saw what he offered the US as a winger / attack minded midfielder.

 

[WI_Red]

Bedoya being capped 66 times is about as baffling as Zardes still getting caps for the USMNT as he's utter shit

Never really was a fan of Edu, Clark or Tim Chandler. Thought they were honestly there to just make up numbers as they were all shit on the ball.

Edu was to my recollection quite decent on the ball, especially after his time with Rangers (@Bertie Wooster - am I remembering this right? Also, didn't he play CB sometimes?). It was difficult to see as at the time it was "give the ball to Bradley" ball. Clark wasn't great on the ball, but he was an excellent midfield destroyer. Great engine and really intelligent, just not great technically. Chandler seemed to never give a shit about the national team, which is not all that surprising.

 

[Bertie Wooster]

Edu was to my recollection quite decent on the ball, especially after his time with Rangers (@Bertie Wooster - am I remembering this right? Also, didn't he play CB sometimes?). It was difficult to see as at the time it was "give the ball to Bradley" ball. Clark wasn't great on the ball, but he was an excellent midfield destroyer. Great engine and really intelligent, just not great technically. Chandler seemed to never give a shit about the national team, which is not all that surprising.

Yeah, I definitely remember that he played at CB at times for Rangers.

Obviously he was mostly an energetic, ball winning midfielder - and was really good at that - and mostly played there for Rangers and impressed. But as they often play against teams they completely dominate at domestic level and maybe don't always need a DM, then, yeah, I do seem to remember him dropping back to CB occasionally. Same as I remember Claudio Reyna playing at RB at times for them.

 

[RU Devil]

Good points concerning Dest & the misuse of Reyna/Aaronson. TBH, never been a big fan of Yedlin. Impressive speed but not good enough to force Dest to the left. His experience is useful, though, as he probably offers better defensive cover as Dest can seem naive at times. I assume GB prefers to attack on the left than the right therefore Dest gets shunted to that side. I'd rather start A Robinson as left back & Yedlin as RB, then sub in Dest for Yedlin.

Will be interested to see how Reyna is used when Pulisic is in the lineup.

 

[WI_Red]

Good points concerning Dest & the misuse of Reyna/Aaronson. TBH, never been a big fan of Yedlin. Impressive speed but not good enough to force Dest to the left. His experience is useful, though, as he probably offers better defensive cover as Dest can seem naive at times. I assume GB prefers to attack on the left than the right therefore Dest gets shunted to that side. I'd rather start A Robinson as left back & Yedlin as RB, then sub in Dest for Yedlin.

Will be interested to see how Reyna is used when Pulisic is in the lineup.

My Guess is he goes 3 at the back with Sands in the middle of the back 3 who will push up to help Adams in breaking up Canadas attacks. That is what he did really well in the GC vs. Canada. This keeps Reyna out wide on the right and Pulisic on the left I think.

 

[Ayoba]

I haven't read this thread in its entirety and I'm not sure my post will add anything to the discussion.

When I was growing up I felt the US was just making its breakthrough with more than decent players with the likes of Donovan, McBride, DaMarcus Beasley, Claudio Reyna, Mike Petka, Brad Friedel and others. That was some time ago, other than Pulisic I haven't heard about any new talent from the US/MLS recently.

 

[WI_Red]

I haven't read this thread in its entirety and I'm not sure my post will add anything to the discussion.

When I was growing up I felt the US was just making its breakthrough with more than decent players with the likes of Donovan, McBride, DaMarcus Beasley, Claudio Reyna, Mike Petka, Brad Friedel and others. That was some time ago, other than Pulisic I haven't heard about any new talent from the US/MLS recently.

Welcome!

Actually it is widely thought that this generation is going to be the best we have ever had, not just in top talent but in depth. A couple of names to watch (all under 23):

1. Gio Reyna - Dortmund: Son of Claudio Reyna. Started ay NYC FC before moving to Dortmund. Starting for Dortmund at 18 and in my mind is going to eclipse Pulisic within he year as the US's top attacking talent.
2. Weston McKinnie - Juve: Started at FC Dallas and moved at 18 to Schalke before moving on last year to Juve. He's a really good no.8 who pops up in the box to score goals. Excellent in the air and on set pieces.
3. Tyler Adams - RB Leipzig: Started at NY Red Bull before moving on to RBL. My favorite US player and would be a perfect fit for United. Can/will become a world class CDM if he already isn't.
4. Serginho Dest - Barca: Born in the the Netherlands and trained at Ajax before moving to Barca. He is the starting RB there.
5. Chris Richards - Bayern Munich: On loan again this year at Hoffenheim. Started at FC Dallas before moving to BM. Modern center back with great athleticism and technical ability.
6. Yunus Mussah - Valencia: Played for Englands youth teams before committing this year to the US. Really good CM.
7. Brenden Aaronsson - RB Salzburg: Started at Philadelphia Union before moving to Austria. Winger/AM with an insane workrate and skill. Has come on leaps and bounds since moving. A goal in each CL qualifier so far for RBS.
8. Ricardo Pepi - FC Dallas: He could be the striking prospect to finally make it for the US. Only 18 he is likely going to break the American goal record in MLS this year. Fantastic finisher and great work rate. Raw but the tools are all there.

There are a bunch of others who are the next tier down or are a bit older:
- John Brooks - Wolfsburg - CB
- Josh Sargeant - Norwich City - CF
- Antonee Robinson - Fulham - LB
- Zach Steffen - Man City - GK
- Gianluca Bussio / Tanner Tessman - Venzia - CM's
- Bryan Reynolds - Roma - RB
- Kellyn Acosta - Colorado - CM
- Tim Weah - Lille - CF/Winger (Georges son)
- Matt Turner - New England - GK
- Ethan Horvath - Nottingham Forrest - GK
- Matthew Hoppe - Mallorca - CF
-etc., etc.


It is an exciting time, especially since the team is so young. The roster for this qualifying cycle has only one player over 30 and an average age of a shade under 24.

 

[Hansi Fick]

I thought Musah was an attacker?

 

[WI_Red]

I thought Musah was an attacker?

He plays on the wing for Valencia but has always played as an 8 for the US and Berhalter has been clear that is where he sees his future.

Edit: Was your Hoppe sense tingling? I added him for you

 

[Hansi Fick]

He plays on the wing for Valencia but has always played as an 8 for the US and Berhalter has been clear that is where he sees his future.

Edit: Was your Hoppe sense tingling? I added him for you

Right, thanks, that explains it. I only might have seen him for Valencia.

 

[MrMarcello]

A Mike Petke mention! I had hopes for him but never made the grade at the NT level.

 

[TwoSheds]

Just came in to say Dest is shit. He's not even particularly good at attacking but is one of the worst defenders I've ever seen. Sounds like you have half a dozen better right backs going by that summary from WIred above!

 

[WI_Red]

Just came in to say Dest is shit. He's not even particularly good at attacking but is one of the worst defenders I've ever seen. Sounds like you have half a dozen better right backs going by that summary from WIred above!

Not sure what is going on with Dest. On a podcast I listened to yesterday they were mentioning the Barca fans are also getting pissed at him for not defending. He was never a lock down defender, but he always put in effort for youth national teams and when he was called up to the senior teams.

For me the attacking portion is much easier to explain. Dude has never looked good on the left and I think he is pissed he keeps getting moved over there to make room for what he considers to be inferior players. You can see how uncomfortable he looks over there. He kept occupying the same spaces as Konrad in attack and in general seemed to have a hard time beating his man. When he has been on the right you don’t see that happening.

I hope Berhalter gives him a run at RB before we write him off. But yeah, he was absolutely dog shit on Thursday.

 

[WI_Red]

Seeing reports on Twitter that Gio is out for the rest of this window with a hamstring injury. Nothing yet from US soccer so hoping its not true. If he is out, and Pulisic is not ready to go, it might be a long night.

this also raises questions as to why the hell did Dumbass not call in a replacement for Weah?? If Reyna is out and Pulisic can’t go 90 the US is downto Aaronsson and Konrad as the only wingers for 2 games. Awesome.

 

[WI_Red]

And this now.

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[mazhar13]

I still the U.S. can get 3 points against us and, at worst, 1 point. Canada tend to struggle away from home against tougher opponents, and I can still see us losing here even if we supposedly have the better side on paper.

 

[FootballHQ]

Does Guzan still get called up or has he been retired with the quest for youth for 2026.

 

[WI_Red]

Does Guzan still get called up or has he been retired with the quest for youth for 2026.

They already called up Johnson to replace Steffen

 

[Vanrouge]

I still the U.S. can get 3 points against us and, at worst, 1 point. Canada tend to struggle away from home against tougher opponents, and I can still see us losing here even if we supposedly have the better side on paper.

I know it's a bit subjective, and the last thing I want to do is jinx them, but don't you think this current Canada team has a different feel about them? In the Honduras game, I had no doubt they'd tie it up after going down a goal, whereas in the past it felt like they could play for another week without scoring an equalizer. The US on their home turf is a different prospect, obviously, but I'm looking forward to this game. As long as we don't let them score within twenty seconds again!

 

[WI_Red]

Not feeling great at all.

Reyna is out and so is McKennie for violating team policy. Dude better get his head back on straight.
This was supposed to be the window where we finally got to see everyone together. Nope.

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[Zaphod2319]

How did we go from playing well in Nations League to this. It is just no pretty at all.

 

[WI_Red]

Damn. Seat was playing great (minus the brain fart against Davies). Amazing what happens when you play guys in their best position. We are badly missing Reyna and McKennie

 

[WI_Red]

Can United please please please sign Adams! What a player

 

[WI_Red]

How did we go from playing well in Nations League to this. It is just no pretty at all.

Not been impressed at all with Canada

 

[FerociousCorgis]

We look like shit. Amazing how pathetic this coach can make us look. 3 halves and zero goals still.

 

[Zaphod2319]

Not been impressed at all with Canada

That is what is saving us. It is mayhem during the final third. Does this team practice? It is a fire drill out there all game. I am not impressed with the team aspect, a bunch of individuals playing aside from Pulisic who is try to set people up.

 

[WI_Red]

That is what is saving us. It is mayhem during the final third. Does this team practice? It is a fire drill out there all game. I am not impressed with the team aspect, a bunch of individuals playing aside from Pulisic who is try to set people up.

we are desperately missing Reyna and/or McKennie to create from the center of midfield. Acosta is just so limited as an 8. GB not calling up a Weah replacement is a huge problem and e needs to be questioned on that.

 

[Berbaclass]

The US putting too much faith in painfully average players.

 

[WI_Red]

The US putting too much faith in painfully average players.

Who else can be in there right now? Mussah and Reyna are injured and McKennie should probably be sent home. Midfield was supposed to be the strength ad it is the weak spot.

 

[FerociousCorgis]

The US putting too much faith in painfully average players.

Nah we have plenty of quality players. We either leave them at home or play them out of position thanks to our genius leader

 

[WI_Red]

Nah we have plenty of quality players. We either leave them at home or play them out of position thanks to our genius leader

if after tonight he ever puts Dest back on the left he should be fired on the spot. Sure he had the one shot moment against Davies, but his attacking today was light years ahead of what he ever did from the left.