Your #USMNT Starting XI for #USAvURU! 🇺🇸⚽️🇺🇾— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) September 10, 2019
Watch at 8pm ET on @FS1, @Univision and @TUDNUSA.
LINEUP NOTES >> https://t.co/ZWJgIqrJzs pic.twitter.com/cuCYs20kkw
- Greg Seltzer
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Your USMNT Line-Up v Uruguay
Certainly not everything I wanted to see, and a couple of things that are irksome, but at least the St. Louis boy gets to start in his hometown. So that's cool.
- Greg Seltzer
- Greg Seltzer
What I'd Like To See
Of course, I'd rather see a few other names in tonight's USMNT selection (e.g., Hollingsworth, Hyndman and even Green or Gall, among those fully fit, not otherwise occupied or begging out of a call-up... damn you, Nagbe!!).
But here we are, and as such, we may as well learn some things about some players before the real matches start up again next month.
Let's start in goal. I'm not entirely convinced Gonzalez has a real future in the frame, but as we already know what Guzan offers, there's no harm in finding out where the FC Dallas youngster stands at this level. Same goes for Lovitz. Lima can shift over to left back around the hour to demonstrate how he handles that side (more learning), making room for another Dest shift. It's time to give Robinson a start and for Long to rally from a bad outing.
In the midfield, let's see if Roldan can actually operate as a dedicated defensive midfielder. It's not the best experiment ever designed, but honestly, what other great choice do we have? There's no proper gate-keeper on hand (so annoying). That we we can see how Yueill direct trafiics and how Pomykal moves the team into the final third.
The attack line kinda speaks for itself, but I really want both Boyd and Morris to take the governers off, throw caution to the wind and run at every defender they see.
Oh, and for heavens sake, can we see some game management by the management? This "against all sense" stuff is for the birds.
- Greg Seltzer
But here we are, and as such, we may as well learn some things about some players before the real matches start up again next month.
Let's start in goal. I'm not entirely convinced Gonzalez has a real future in the frame, but as we already know what Guzan offers, there's no harm in finding out where the FC Dallas youngster stands at this level. Same goes for Lovitz. Lima can shift over to left back around the hour to demonstrate how he handles that side (more learning), making room for another Dest shift. It's time to give Robinson a start and for Long to rally from a bad outing.
In the midfield, let's see if Roldan can actually operate as a dedicated defensive midfielder. It's not the best experiment ever designed, but honestly, what other great choice do we have? There's no proper gate-keeper on hand (so annoying). That we we can see how Yueill direct trafiics and how Pomykal moves the team into the final third.
The attack line kinda speaks for itself, but I really want both Boyd and Morris to take the governers off, throw caution to the wind and run at every defender they see.
Oh, and for heavens sake, can we see some game management by the management? This "against all sense" stuff is for the birds.
- Greg Seltzer
Friday, September 6, 2019
Your USMNT Line-Up v Mexico
I'm sure parts of tonight's USMNT XI will delight and parts will frustrate. Personally, I get what the boss is doing with most of these choices - one would assume he'll give Josh Sargent the start in St. Louis and five players will depart camp after the game so they'll need to be seen first. Except, erm... John Anthony Brooks? I'm very curious to know why he's the field player exception among that group (EDIT: Apparently Brooks was slated to start, but picked up a knock). And frankly, why we even bothered pulling Johnson away from NYCFC to sit on the bench.
Obviously, we're either going to see Mr. Pulisic on the wing or Gregg Berhalter is going with an unusual formation. I hope it's the former, even if I think it's premature to move our best playmaker out of the quarterbck role. And the other problem is we are essentially using two midfield spots for what should be one job: Morales will defend (theoretically, though I'm not convinced he'll faithfully sit in front of the gate all night) and Trapp will distribute. That naturally puts added onus on McKennie to make sure the front three aren't starved for the ball.
So yeah, I can't gripe all that much about the line-up (yet, that is), but I'm still annoyed by the make-up of the selection. We'll see how it goes, and after it goes how it goes you'll get my player ratings over at MLSS.
- Greg Seltzer
Obviously, we're either going to see Mr. Pulisic on the wing or Gregg Berhalter is going with an unusual formation. I hope it's the former, even if I think it's premature to move our best playmaker out of the quarterbck role. And the other problem is we are essentially using two midfield spots for what should be one job: Morales will defend (theoretically, though I'm not convinced he'll faithfully sit in front of the gate all night) and Trapp will distribute. That naturally puts added onus on McKennie to make sure the front three aren't starved for the ball.
So yeah, I can't gripe all that much about the line-up (yet, that is), but I'm still annoyed by the make-up of the selection. We'll see how it goes, and after it goes how it goes you'll get my player ratings over at MLSS.
The time is 𝙉𝙊𝙒.— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) September 6, 2019
The #USMNT Starting XI to face 🇲🇽 in the 70th edition of #USAvMEX presented by @ATT.
Lineup Notes: https://t.co/1gu0uD28tZ pic.twitter.com/5m6W9ZhEtp
- Greg Seltzer
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Wasting Space
It's been quite a while since a USMNT roster reveal steamed my beans. That is, it had been until today's squad announcement. Look, I get that Gregg Berhalter feels like he's calling in the most deserving 20-something (fit) players in the pool and adding in a handful of young'uns to gain seasoning. And I'm totally good with the second part. And many of those burgeoning talent picks were great. And I don't even mind the large group.
It's just that we obviously have some very different ideas about who should be at or near the top of certain position charts. Frankly, I think he's squandered a good 4-5 roster spots on guys that, by my view, probably don't have an extended future with the team while somehow managing to not bring along a single dedicated midfield hard man to protect all the traffic directors.
I'm not trying to be an ingrate. I love the additions of Dest (yes, he's now officially threatening the top three on my right back Clipboard), Pomykal, Robinson and Yueill.
Those hoping for a first cap are marked with an astersisk...
G - Jesse Gonzalez* (FC Dallas), Brad Guzan (Atlanta United), Sean Johnson (New York City FC), Zack Steffen (Fortuna Düsseldorf)
D - John Anthony Brooks (Wolfsburg), Reggie Cannon (FC Dallas), Sergiño Dest* (Ajax), Nick Lima (San Jose Earthquakes), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls), Daniel Lovitz (Montreal Impact), Tim Ream (Fulham), Miles Robinson* (Atlanta United), Walker Zimmerman (LAFC)
M - Sebastian Lletget (LA Galaxy), Weston McKennie (Schalke), Alfredo Morales (Fortuna Düsseldorf), Paxton Pomykal* (FC Dallas), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew), Jackson Yueill* (San Jose Earthquakes)
F - Corey Baird (Real Salt Lake), Tyler Boyd (Beşiktaş), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Josh Sargent (Werder Bremen), Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew)
- Greg Seltzer
It's just that we obviously have some very different ideas about who should be at or near the top of certain position charts. Frankly, I think he's squandered a good 4-5 roster spots on guys that, by my view, probably don't have an extended future with the team while somehow managing to not bring along a single dedicated midfield hard man to protect all the traffic directors.
I'm not trying to be an ingrate. I love the additions of Dest (yes, he's now officially threatening the top three on my right back Clipboard), Pomykal, Robinson and Yueill.
Those hoping for a first cap are marked with an astersisk...
G - Jesse Gonzalez* (FC Dallas), Brad Guzan (Atlanta United), Sean Johnson (New York City FC), Zack Steffen (Fortuna Düsseldorf)
D - John Anthony Brooks (Wolfsburg), Reggie Cannon (FC Dallas), Sergiño Dest* (Ajax), Nick Lima (San Jose Earthquakes), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls), Daniel Lovitz (Montreal Impact), Tim Ream (Fulham), Miles Robinson* (Atlanta United), Walker Zimmerman (LAFC)
M - Sebastian Lletget (LA Galaxy), Weston McKennie (Schalke), Alfredo Morales (Fortuna Düsseldorf), Paxton Pomykal* (FC Dallas), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew), Jackson Yueill* (San Jose Earthquakes)
F - Corey Baird (Real Salt Lake), Tyler Boyd (Beşiktaş), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Josh Sargent (Werder Bremen), Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew)
- Greg Seltzer
A few young things...
As always, pardon my interruption. Between work (such as yesterday's fun primer on the US-Mexico rivalry) and a couple of surprise visitors in town, I have been swamped. There are two posts started a week ago that I've not had free time to finish. It's embarassing, but finite time is what it is.
I will finally get to completing those items later today, but first let's catch up on some of the happenings around a few of our prized and promising young players.
First, in case you missed it over the weekend, there was Josh Sargent's doozy of a winner for Werder Bremen.
Then, yesterday came the big, thrilling surprise that 16-year-old Gio Reyna had made Borussia Dortmund's Champions League group stage roster. Wow, right?
Not to be outdone, fellow US youth international Alex Mendez somehow found his way on the Ajax Champions League roster (also before ever dressing for the first team).
Meanwhile, Ajax teammate and current USMNT call-up Sergino Dest revealed that the Netherlands have indeed started courting him for their national team set-up. Does this increase the pressure on Gregg Berhalter to get the right back into our next camp and field him in a Nations League game for the purpose of cap-tying? Why, yes, I'd say it does.
Add in guys like Tyler Adams, Christian Pulisic, Miles Robinson and Zack Steffen (not to mention Uly Llanez striking for braces in each of his first three Wolfsburg Under-19's outings), and gosh it's very easy these days to get excited about the future of the USMNT.
- Greg Seltzer
I will finally get to completing those items later today, but first let's catch up on some of the happenings around a few of our prized and promising young players.
First, in case you missed it over the weekend, there was Josh Sargent's doozy of a winner for Werder Bremen.
Josh Sargent's goal for Werder Bremen. CLASS. (@FOXSoccer) pic.twitter.com/lL7Wd35jrb— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) September 1, 2019
Then, yesterday came the big, thrilling surprise that 16-year-old Gio Reyna had made Borussia Dortmund's Champions League group stage roster. Wow, right?
📝 Borussia Dortmund's official squad list for the @ChampionsLeague group stage. #BVB @BVB #UCL pic.twitter.com/SuLdaSbaCb— Ralf Hildenbrand (@ralfhil) September 4, 2019
Not to be outdone, fellow US youth international Alex Mendez somehow found his way on the Ajax Champions League roster (also before ever dressing for the first team).
Meanwhile, Ajax teammate and current USMNT call-up Sergino Dest revealed that the Netherlands have indeed started courting him for their national team set-up. Does this increase the pressure on Gregg Berhalter to get the right back into our next camp and field him in a Nations League game for the purpose of cap-tying? Why, yes, I'd say it does.
Add in guys like Tyler Adams, Christian Pulisic, Miles Robinson and Zack Steffen (not to mention Uly Llanez striking for braces in each of his first three Wolfsburg Under-19's outings), and gosh it's very easy these days to get excited about the future of the USMNT.
- Greg Seltzer
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Simply the Dest
I'll get to today's USMNT roster reveal shortly, but first let's tip our caps to Ajax right back Sergiño Dest, who only earned Man of the Match honors for his Champions League debut. Hopefully, some kind soul puts together an every-touch reel for us soon enough. I'd actually like to see it, as I was working and unable to really pay attention to the game.
And this was no small occasion. Ajax were scoreless in their playoff round tie against APOEL Nicosia heading into tonight's home leg.Then the fresh US call-up did stuff like this and the Dutch giants were on their way to the group phase...
- Greg Seltzer
And this was no small occasion. Ajax were scoreless in their playoff round tie against APOEL Nicosia heading into tonight's home leg.Then the fresh US call-up did stuff like this and the Dutch giants were on their way to the group phase...
Incredibly sharp play from Sergino Dest to help create Ajax’s second goal.— MLS Buzz (@MLS_Buzz) August 28, 2019
(He’s the one throwing the ball in) #USMNT pic.twitter.com/kPY7QEMTFL
- Greg Seltzer
Thursday, August 22, 2019
In case you missed it...
The Bundesliga has been kind enough to post a Zack Steffen highlight reel from his Man of the Matchday performace in Fortuna Düsseldorf's opening day win over Werder Bremen. I do see a particularly flabby rebound in that bushel of saves, but all in all, quite a good debut showing.
- Greg Seltzer
- Greg Seltzer
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
Finally (again)!!
It was a long and winding road, but Major League Soccer has finally landed in my hometown. First, St. Louis gets a long-awaited Stanley Cup, and now this. Obviously, I'm busting.
If you hurry, you can still catch the live announcement presentation...
- Greg Seltzer
If you hurry, you can still catch the live announcement presentation...
- Greg Seltzer
Sunday, August 18, 2019
(ding dong!) x 5
Don't look now, but Julian Green has rung the bell late in consecutive games at the dawn of a new Greuther Fürth season. He buried Sunday's 74th minute winner with a terrific header (weird as that may sound).
The other night in England, teen striker Charlie Kelman opened his Southend account with a smart second half brace in their 2-1 come-from-behind EFL Cup win over Stevenage.
Finally, Eric McWoods can't stop scoring over at Trans Narva. Unfortately, his weekend double could do nothing to help stave off a 6-4 defeat at Tammeka. Dig that nifty second. I'm getting curious about what he could do in a more tactical league. Dude is strong as can be and finds a lot of different ways to score.
- Greg Seltzer
Julian Green started and scores for Greuther Fürth in the 74'— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) August 18, 2019
1-0 with 10 minutes left to play.
(h/t @jonsoltz)pic.twitter.com/SnD2EWaa70
The other night in England, teen striker Charlie Kelman opened his Southend account with a smart second half brace in their 2-1 come-from-behind EFL Cup win over Stevenage.
Finally, Eric McWoods can't stop scoring over at Trans Narva. Unfortately, his weekend double could do nothing to help stave off a 6-4 defeat at Tammeka. Dig that nifty second. I'm getting curious about what he could do in a more tactical league. Dude is strong as can be and finds a lot of different ways to score.
- Greg Seltzer
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
It's Frisky Business In The A
In case you were unable to catch (or didn't bother with) tonight's Campeones Cup bout between Atlanta United and Club América, you missed one helluva game directly followed by this...
If I may, a few thoughts in the aftermath of a breathless, physical throwdown:
- Greg Seltzer
Another trophy raise in the ATL 🏆😏 pic.twitter.com/eHIkuY9Mwy— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) August 15, 2019
If I may, a few thoughts in the aftermath of a breathless, physical throwdown:
- My man of the match? There were several standouts for the victors, but I gotta give it, hands down, to Darlington Nagbe. Ably deputized by Jeff Larentowicz and Emerson Hyndman, dude repeatedly worked the Five Stripes out of trouble, repeatedly worked them into the final third, repeatedly hoovered up second balls in central park and repeatedly had Las Águilas chasing dribble shadows. I seriously hope Gregg Berhalter was paying attention. Quoth Elvis Costello, let him dangle.
- I'm guessing we have seen the last of the steam-piston Josef Martinez PK attempt, which he's now missed twice in a row. He definitely learned his lesson, striking the trophy decider from the spot by keeping his feet on the ground.
- Okay, so hometown boy/stand-in keeper Alec Kann served up a softie on the visitors' second, but he also made massive stops on deflected drives early in each half. If either of those get past him, we may have had another ending to this game.
- It's long overdue, but geez, mega-props to Carlos Bocanegra and his staff for shrewdly making sneaky good pick-up after sneaky good pick-up for this Atlanta roster. It's like a soccer zombie crew, because he's raising all sorts of players from the dead. Hyndman, Meram, Pereira and Pogba all made important plays tonight, the kind you need to win silver against scary opponents.
- I was thinking it literally seconds before St. Louis homey Taylor Twellman said it on the espn2 broadcast: the Campeones Cup just... got... real. Now that an MLS team has captured it, against a Liga MX giant, in a hell-bent back-and-forth slugfest, this annual match jumped a few levels of important. If you skipped it this time, don't make that mistake next year.
- Greg Seltzer
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Honor Roll (CORRECTED)
Not so long ago, I posted the updated list of all top level American title winners in both Europe and Mexico. The other day, I detected a couple of errors, so I'm here to correct them.
When I recently discovered Trans Narva strike ace Eric McWoods, I noticed that he actually helped the club win its first Estonian Cup in 18 years back in May - so he's been added to the list. Switching to the Mexico group, I had the right number of accrued crowns for José Francisco Torres, but had a faulty inventory count of which championships he'd won. That has also now been rectified.
7 – DaMarcus Beasley (2 Eredivisie, 2 SPL, 1 KNVB Cup, 1 Scottish Cup, 1 Scottish League Cup)
5 - Maurice Edu (3 SPL, 2 Scottish League Cup)
3 – Thomas Dooley (1 Bundesliga, 1 German Cup, 1 UEFA Cup), John O’Brien (2 Eredivisie, 1 KNVB Cup), Sacha Kljestan (3 Belgian League), Oguchi Onyewu (2 Belgian League, 1 KNVB Cup), Michael Parkhurst (1 Superliga, 2 Ekstra Bladet Cup), Ethan Horvath (1 Belgian League, 1 Eliteserien, 1 NM Cup), Josh Gatt (2 Eliteserien, 1 NM Cup), Chris Konopka (1 League of Ireland, 2 FAI Cup)
2 – Tim Howard (1 FA Cup, 1 English League Cup), Brad Friedel (1 English League Cup, 1 Turkish Cup), Claudio Reyna (1 SPL, 1 Scottish Cup), Timothy Weah (SPL, Scottish Cup), Brian Span (1 Veikkausliiga, 1 Suomen Cup), César Romero (1 Armenian PL, 1 Armenian Cup)
1 - Jovan Kirovski (Champions League), John Harkes (English League Cup), Kasey Keller (English League Cup), Timothy Chandler (DfB-Pokal), Julian Green (DfB-Pokal), Jermaine Jones (DfB-Pokal), Christian Pulisic (DfB-Pokal), Jozy Altidore (KNVB Cup), Aron Jóhannsson (KNVB Cup), Matt Miazga (KNVB Cup), Danny Califf (Superliga), Bill Hamid (Superliga), Ramiro Corrales (Eliteserien), Robbie Russell (Eliteserien), Troy Perkins (NM Cup), Brian West (NM Cup), Bryan Gerzicich (Ligat Ha’al), Leo Krupnick (Ligat Ha’al), Aaron Schoenfeld (Ligat Ha'al), Dion Acoff, (Pepsideild), Heath Pearce (Svenska Cupen), Kyrian Nwabueze (Armenian Cup), Nate Weiss (Latvian Cup), Eric McWoods (Estonian Cup)
5 - José Francisco Torres (3 Liga MX, 1 Copa MX, 1 Champions League)
4 - Ventura Alvarado (1 Liga MX, 2 Champions League, 1 Copa MX)
3 - Edgar Castillo (2 Liga MX, 1 Copa MX)
2 - Omar Gonzalez (1 Liga MX, 1 Champions League), Joe Corona (2 Liga MX), William Yarbrough (2 Liga MX), Jonathan Bornstein (1 Liga MX, 1 Copa MX), Herculez Gomez (1 Liga MX, 1 Copa MX), Jorge Villafaña (1 Liga MX, 1 Copa MX)
1 - Gregory Garza (Liga MX) Dominic Kinnear (Liga MX), Michael Orozco (Copa MX)
- Greg Seltzer
When I recently discovered Trans Narva strike ace Eric McWoods, I noticed that he actually helped the club win its first Estonian Cup in 18 years back in May - so he's been added to the list. Switching to the Mexico group, I had the right number of accrued crowns for José Francisco Torres, but had a faulty inventory count of which championships he'd won. That has also now been rectified.
7 – DaMarcus Beasley (2 Eredivisie, 2 SPL, 1 KNVB Cup, 1 Scottish Cup, 1 Scottish League Cup)
5 - Maurice Edu (3 SPL, 2 Scottish League Cup)
3 – Thomas Dooley (1 Bundesliga, 1 German Cup, 1 UEFA Cup), John O’Brien (2 Eredivisie, 1 KNVB Cup), Sacha Kljestan (3 Belgian League), Oguchi Onyewu (2 Belgian League, 1 KNVB Cup), Michael Parkhurst (1 Superliga, 2 Ekstra Bladet Cup), Ethan Horvath (1 Belgian League, 1 Eliteserien, 1 NM Cup), Josh Gatt (2 Eliteserien, 1 NM Cup), Chris Konopka (1 League of Ireland, 2 FAI Cup)
2 – Tim Howard (1 FA Cup, 1 English League Cup), Brad Friedel (1 English League Cup, 1 Turkish Cup), Claudio Reyna (1 SPL, 1 Scottish Cup), Timothy Weah (SPL, Scottish Cup), Brian Span (1 Veikkausliiga, 1 Suomen Cup), César Romero (1 Armenian PL, 1 Armenian Cup)
1 - Jovan Kirovski (Champions League), John Harkes (English League Cup), Kasey Keller (English League Cup), Timothy Chandler (DfB-Pokal), Julian Green (DfB-Pokal), Jermaine Jones (DfB-Pokal), Christian Pulisic (DfB-Pokal), Jozy Altidore (KNVB Cup), Aron Jóhannsson (KNVB Cup), Matt Miazga (KNVB Cup), Danny Califf (Superliga), Bill Hamid (Superliga), Ramiro Corrales (Eliteserien), Robbie Russell (Eliteserien), Troy Perkins (NM Cup), Brian West (NM Cup), Bryan Gerzicich (Ligat Ha’al), Leo Krupnick (Ligat Ha’al), Aaron Schoenfeld (Ligat Ha'al), Dion Acoff, (Pepsideild), Heath Pearce (Svenska Cupen), Kyrian Nwabueze (Armenian Cup), Nate Weiss (Latvian Cup), Eric McWoods (Estonian Cup)
5 - José Francisco Torres (3 Liga MX, 1 Copa MX, 1 Champions League)
4 - Ventura Alvarado (1 Liga MX, 2 Champions League, 1 Copa MX)
3 - Edgar Castillo (2 Liga MX, 1 Copa MX)
2 - Omar Gonzalez (1 Liga MX, 1 Champions League), Joe Corona (2 Liga MX), William Yarbrough (2 Liga MX), Jonathan Bornstein (1 Liga MX, 1 Copa MX), Herculez Gomez (1 Liga MX, 1 Copa MX), Jorge Villafaña (1 Liga MX, 1 Copa MX)
1 - Gregory Garza (Liga MX) Dominic Kinnear (Liga MX), Michael Orozco (Copa MX)
- Greg Seltzer
Monday, August 12, 2019
The Key Master
My week-long radio silence (it was quite crazy around here) ends by tackling the second of our two great station debates. We already dealt with the issue of which position best suits Tyler Adams, and now the #10 chart settles another big argument (I wish).
Christian Pulisic
Emerson Hyndman
Duane Holmes
In the frame: Djordje Mihailovic
Break in case of emergency: Mikkel Diskerud
Future watch: Brenden Aaronson
While there will almost certainly come a time when a young central playmaker will emerge so Pulisic can be used out on the wing, keeping him out of central park traffic to unleash his full attacking potential, that time has not yet arrived. He's still needed to organize the offense, even if he tends to fan out wide a lot (we'll account for that with the wing selections, trust me).
Quite predictably, Hyndman has fit in well with Atlanta United. Even if he's not an outright final ball artist or forceful late run type, he can direct traffic forward well enough. Frankly, I nearly included Diskerud in the top three, if only as a suitable creator off the bench, but his use will be limited by having too far to travel while his club is in season.
Albeit conditionally, that leave Mihailovic to take that slot, even if he still needs to be much more efficient and forceful in the final third. Of all the young up-and-comers with sights on this role, Aaronson stands closest to frame. One simply must be impressed with any 18-year-old that can earn 19 of 26 starts in such a stacked, experienced midfield stable for East leaders Philly.
A year or two from now, this chart will likely look a whole lot different. For now, it is what it is, and no amount of bemoaning the idea of Pulisic in "the middle" should change that. This is where he's needed, at least temporarily.
EDIT: I was under the impression that Holmes would be out for a little while, but apparently he returned to full training on Friday and shold be available before long. As such, he slides into that third spot, a choice I'm more comfortable with right now than having Mihailovic there. Holmes mixes grit with his creative game, and is more quickly decisive than the Fire youngster.
- Greg Seltzer
Christian Pulisic
Emerson Hyndman
Duane Holmes
In the frame: Djordje Mihailovic
Break in case of emergency: Mikkel Diskerud
Future watch: Brenden Aaronson
While there will almost certainly come a time when a young central playmaker will emerge so Pulisic can be used out on the wing, keeping him out of central park traffic to unleash his full attacking potential, that time has not yet arrived. He's still needed to organize the offense, even if he tends to fan out wide a lot (we'll account for that with the wing selections, trust me).
Quite predictably, Hyndman has fit in well with Atlanta United. Even if he's not an outright final ball artist or forceful late run type, he can direct traffic forward well enough. Frankly, I nearly included Diskerud in the top three, if only as a suitable creator off the bench, but his use will be limited by having too far to travel while his club is in season.
Albeit conditionally, that leave Mihailovic to take that slot, even if he still needs to be much more efficient and forceful in the final third. Of all the young up-and-comers with sights on this role, Aaronson stands closest to frame. One simply must be impressed with any 18-year-old that can earn 19 of 26 starts in such a stacked, experienced midfield stable for East leaders Philly.
A year or two from now, this chart will likely look a whole lot different. For now, it is what it is, and no amount of bemoaning the idea of Pulisic in "the middle" should change that. This is where he's needed, at least temporarily.
EDIT: I was under the impression that Holmes would be out for a little while, but apparently he returned to full training on Friday and shold be available before long. As such, he slides into that third spot, a choice I'm more comfortable with right now than having Mihailovic there. Holmes mixes grit with his creative game, and is more quickly decisive than the Fire youngster.
- Greg Seltzer
Saturday, August 3, 2019
A Full Deck of Crazy 8's
So now we've reached what is probably the deepest chart on the Clipboard by a fair margin: the box-to-box midfielders.
Weston McKennie
Darlington Nagbe
Paxton Pomykal
Getting close: Jackson Yueill
Situational use only: Cristian Roldan
Future watch: Christian Cappis, Keaton Parks, Gedion Zelalam
If not for the age disparity/eye to the future, McKennie and Nagbe are likely options 1A and 1B for me. The former obviously has the higher ceiling we need to reach for, while the latter is for now easily the more consistent traffic director. McKennie should keep improving and will hopefully round out his game to be more responsible defensively. Frankly, I'm not sure why Nagbe has been all but ignored since the T&T shipwreck back in 2017 (he was far from the worst offender that gruesome night). He's quite possibly the best crowd handler/build passer in MLS.
That brings us to Pomykal, which despite him being uncapped, brings us to three guys I'd be quite comfortable starting in a competitive match. He arguably brings the most offensive upside of this entire bunch and has been a revelation off the ball. His first call is overdue. Yueill has been nearly as impressive; he's a very similar player on the ball, but with a little less central park bite. It's also high time we see him in red, white & blue.
Roldan is basically a "close out the game" bench option at this point. His club form has never really crystallized in a USMNT shirt, but jeez he's still only 24. The three young guys are all highly intriguing. You may not be well aware of Cappis (or aware at all, even) - if so, check this out. He plays quick, smart and with both feet, and can already compete physically among men as a 19-year-old. Parks definitely has the athleticism and the technical skills, and I'm confident the game savvy will follow. Zelalam is smooth as silk on the ball, but needs to bring more impact in both sides of midfield play. That said, he has been one of the brighter spots in a fairly dim summer for Sporting KC.
This group is so packed, there was simply no room for other decent candidates such as Acosta (who I've not counted out, but seems to be slightly regressing in Colorado), Morales (his passing game simply doesn't cut it for me) and an again-resurgent Diskerud (who actually could be a solid creative option off the bench, but is up against a list of guys way younger at this point). This position will be a dogfight supreme for years to come.
- Greg Seltzer
Weston McKennie
Darlington Nagbe
Paxton Pomykal
Getting close: Jackson Yueill
Situational use only: Cristian Roldan
Future watch: Christian Cappis, Keaton Parks, Gedion Zelalam
If not for the age disparity/eye to the future, McKennie and Nagbe are likely options 1A and 1B for me. The former obviously has the higher ceiling we need to reach for, while the latter is for now easily the more consistent traffic director. McKennie should keep improving and will hopefully round out his game to be more responsible defensively. Frankly, I'm not sure why Nagbe has been all but ignored since the T&T shipwreck back in 2017 (he was far from the worst offender that gruesome night). He's quite possibly the best crowd handler/build passer in MLS.
That brings us to Pomykal, which despite him being uncapped, brings us to three guys I'd be quite comfortable starting in a competitive match. He arguably brings the most offensive upside of this entire bunch and has been a revelation off the ball. His first call is overdue. Yueill has been nearly as impressive; he's a very similar player on the ball, but with a little less central park bite. It's also high time we see him in red, white & blue.
Roldan is basically a "close out the game" bench option at this point. His club form has never really crystallized in a USMNT shirt, but jeez he's still only 24. The three young guys are all highly intriguing. You may not be well aware of Cappis (or aware at all, even) - if so, check this out. He plays quick, smart and with both feet, and can already compete physically among men as a 19-year-old. Parks definitely has the athleticism and the technical skills, and I'm confident the game savvy will follow. Zelalam is smooth as silk on the ball, but needs to bring more impact in both sides of midfield play. That said, he has been one of the brighter spots in a fairly dim summer for Sporting KC.
This group is so packed, there was simply no room for other decent candidates such as Acosta (who I've not counted out, but seems to be slightly regressing in Colorado), Morales (his passing game simply doesn't cut it for me) and an again-resurgent Diskerud (who actually could be a solid creative option off the bench, but is up against a list of guys way younger at this point). This position will be a dogfight supreme for years to come.
- Greg Seltzer
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
There's the wolf, and then there's the pack.
Let me be perfectly clear: although I have followed the standard three-man lead crew-plus-extras format for the defensive midfielder chart, this is a case of one player in ink and the rest feeding off scraps (otherwise known as the minutes available when the top dog isn't).
Tyler Adams
Michael Bradley
Russell Canouse
Situational use only: Wil Trapp
Worth a look: James Sands
Future watch: Edwin Cerrillo, Derrick Jones
So yeah, there's Adams and then there's everybody else. Gregg Berhalter and everyone who prefers the kid in the hybrid right back role like to talk about how the USMNT boss' system requires the Bradley/Trapp-esque distribution we all know very well, and the RB Leipzig ace doesn't really do that. The thing is, he doesn't need to. He just needs to play it forward safely to someone who can ship outlets to the flanks and such. The important (and so often missing) part of this job should be hacking off opposing attacks before they get to the defense. In that respect, Adams is head and shoulders and elbows and knees and ankles above everyone else at this time.
Now... Bradley can still be useful against certain opponents and/or with a more defensively consistent partner riding shotgun (in other words, not, for instance, McKennie). I'd still love to see Canouse get a shot. Trapp has his attributes, but like Mikey, requires defensive help. Although he has played a lot of center back for NYCFC, I'd say Sands projects at this level (and perhaps even soon) as a gate-keeper. Cerillo has been a bit of a revelation for FC Dallas, but for now remains a ways away from debut cap time. Same goes for Jones, who hopefully will finally get a chance to show all that he can do well (it says here that is plenty) when Nashville starts play next season. It's really not a crime that he has struggled to break into Philly's strong veteran midfield (even if I think he still should have received more PT by now).
All that matters little, however, as most every minute he's available should belong to Adams. He should be the present and the future at the #6, and it's kinda crazy to me that a considerable number of folks don't see it that way.
- Greg Seltzer
Tyler Adams
Michael Bradley
Russell Canouse
Situational use only: Wil Trapp
Worth a look: James Sands
Future watch: Edwin Cerrillo, Derrick Jones
So yeah, there's Adams and then there's everybody else. Gregg Berhalter and everyone who prefers the kid in the hybrid right back role like to talk about how the USMNT boss' system requires the Bradley/Trapp-esque distribution we all know very well, and the RB Leipzig ace doesn't really do that. The thing is, he doesn't need to. He just needs to play it forward safely to someone who can ship outlets to the flanks and such. The important (and so often missing) part of this job should be hacking off opposing attacks before they get to the defense. In that respect, Adams is head and shoulders and elbows and knees and ankles above everyone else at this time.
Now... Bradley can still be useful against certain opponents and/or with a more defensively consistent partner riding shotgun (in other words, not, for instance, McKennie). I'd still love to see Canouse get a shot. Trapp has his attributes, but like Mikey, requires defensive help. Although he has played a lot of center back for NYCFC, I'd say Sands projects at this level (and perhaps even soon) as a gate-keeper. Cerillo has been a bit of a revelation for FC Dallas, but for now remains a ways away from debut cap time. Same goes for Jones, who hopefully will finally get a chance to show all that he can do well (it says here that is plenty) when Nashville starts play next season. It's really not a crime that he has struggled to break into Philly's strong veteran midfield (even if I think he still should have received more PT by now).
All that matters little, however, as most every minute he's available should belong to Adams. He should be the present and the future at the #6, and it's kinda crazy to me that a considerable number of folks don't see it that way.
- Greg Seltzer
Tenacious LB: Pick of Dest-iny
I'm nearly ready to put up the #6 Clipboard, but let's talk Serginio Dest right quick. The US Under-20 right back made his Ajax debut on the opposite flank in their Johan Cruijff Schaal win over PSV Eindhoven this weekend. Before anyone gets ideas about him taking that starting role, umm, don't. Unless regular left back Nico Tagliafico (who had just returned from his post-Copa América breather) is suddenly sold, that is.
No, for now, it's best just to enjoy a decent and winning first appearance for the Eredivisie champs. Dest definitely had a couple of nervy moments at the back, but showed excellent tactical understanding and a complete lack of fear when driving into attack.
A big shout-out to the USMNT Videos channel (you should subscribe, fo sho) for putting together this action reel of the kid's debut. Enjoy...
- Greg Seltzer
No, for now, it's best just to enjoy a decent and winning first appearance for the Eredivisie champs. Dest definitely had a couple of nervy moments at the back, but showed excellent tactical understanding and a complete lack of fear when driving into attack.
A big shout-out to the USMNT Videos channel (you should subscribe, fo sho) for putting together this action reel of the kid's debut. Enjoy...
- Greg Seltzer
Monday, July 29, 2019
Summer Goals
We'll get back to the Clipboard with the defensive midfield chart in a bit, but first let's talk about some offense provided by Americans overseas. On Sunday, Emmanuel Sabbi did some nifty work to bag Hobro's first equalizer in a 2-2 share with Randers FC.
Speaking of nifty work, my fellow St. Louisian Eric McWoods is having all sorts of fun in his debut season with Estonian top flight battlers Trans Narva. He scored four times in two games inside a week, but we'll focus on his entirely decisive hat trick in a 3-2 victory over JK Tulevik from last Sunday.
- Greg Seltzer
Speaking of nifty work, my fellow St. Louisian Eric McWoods is having all sorts of fun in his debut season with Estonian top flight battlers Trans Narva. He scored four times in two games inside a week, but we'll focus on his entirely decisive hat trick in a 3-2 victory over JK Tulevik from last Sunday.
- Greg Seltzer
Friday, July 26, 2019
The Problem Area (Still)
Yes, it has been routinely trying to solidify the USMNT left back spot, but the funny thing is we've actually had decent success with it when sticking with somebody in big tournaments (from Frankie Hejduk in 2002 to Jonathan Bornstein in 2010 to DaMarcus Beasley in 2014). I know I say this every year, but gosh maybe it's time to have a plan and suffer through some growing pains to get to a place where this position isn't such a sore spot.
Antonee Robinson
Aaron Herrera
Daniel Lovitz
Worth a shot: Ryan Hollingshead
Future watch: Chris Gloster
I'm fully aware that Robinson has experienced some sizable struggles in many of his seven caps - duncare. Let the kid grow already, he has the defensive footwork and crossing skills to develop into a solid pick here. I also think it's past time we have a gander at Herrera, a natural right-sider that has grown into arguably RSL's most consistent back liner. To my mind, he gets up and down better than Lovitz and is five years younger.
And yes, Lovitz should not be cast aside even if he as thus far been rather timid in US appearances. He's probably no more than a depth option, but depth options are nothing to sneeze at with US left backs. That brings us to Hollingshead. As with Herrera, he probably should have had a shot to show his wares already, at least in camp. For my money, he has been FC Dallas' second most integral performer this season. He battles in his end and he causes mayhem getting forward. He's not so young, but we aren't in a place to be super picky with left backs these days.
As for Gloster, I'd like to assume he will see plenty of action in the 2. Bundesliga this season. If he fares well, that much-discussed move to PSV may actually come off. And if that happens, the tactical tutoring could allow him to rocket up this list.
Long story short, things may not be quite so bad here as people tend to complain about. There are pieces to work with... we just have to actually work with them.
- Greg Seltzer
Antonee Robinson
Aaron Herrera
Daniel Lovitz
Worth a shot: Ryan Hollingshead
Future watch: Chris Gloster
I'm fully aware that Robinson has experienced some sizable struggles in many of his seven caps - duncare. Let the kid grow already, he has the defensive footwork and crossing skills to develop into a solid pick here. I also think it's past time we have a gander at Herrera, a natural right-sider that has grown into arguably RSL's most consistent back liner. To my mind, he gets up and down better than Lovitz and is five years younger.
And yes, Lovitz should not be cast aside even if he as thus far been rather timid in US appearances. He's probably no more than a depth option, but depth options are nothing to sneeze at with US left backs. That brings us to Hollingshead. As with Herrera, he probably should have had a shot to show his wares already, at least in camp. For my money, he has been FC Dallas' second most integral performer this season. He battles in his end and he causes mayhem getting forward. He's not so young, but we aren't in a place to be super picky with left backs these days.
As for Gloster, I'd like to assume he will see plenty of action in the 2. Bundesliga this season. If he fares well, that much-discussed move to PSV may actually come off. And if that happens, the tactical tutoring could allow him to rocket up this list.
Long story short, things may not be quite so bad here as people tend to complain about. There are pieces to work with... we just have to actually work with them.
- Greg Seltzer
Thursday, July 25, 2019
The Marshals' Office
Time to hit both center back spots, and there are quite a few variables in play here. First, we visit the right CB chart...
Walker Zimmerman/Matt Miazga
Cameron Carter-Vickers
In case of emergency*: Omar Gonzalez
Future watch: Miles Robinson, Chris Richards
Miazga and Zimmerman (who has improved a good deal with his distribution over the last year) are effectively tied for the top spot, which means this one's an all-out battle for now. The former is a little more mobile, but also maybe a little more prone to errors on the move. They're basically even in the air game department. Long story short, this duel is definitely one to watch in the coming months.
Carter-Vickers first needs to sort out his club situation (Spurs have supposedly put him up for sale) and then he needs to sort out his consistency. Gonzalez can still be useful, but only against certain opponents (he's one of those guys who is actually better against higher quality teams that carry play and pack the USMNT in, as opposed to the speedy CONCACAF sorts that hit on the break) and in certain situations when one or both of the top two aren't available for some reason. Robinson is closer than Richards because he plays tons of first team minutes, but probably doesn't have as high a ceiling as the Bayern Munich youngster.
Now it's just a jump to the left...
John Anthony Brooks
Aaron Long
Erik Palmer-Brown
Future watch: Auston Trusty
Like Yedlin, it's been a while since we've seen Brooks at his best for the Nats, but there's no denying his defensive abilities and I love his incisive passing game. In Gregg Berhalter's system, that is a huge plus. HUGE. Long, on the other hand, is the pool's ace at defending on the run. This, of course, means he's the opposite of Gonzo - his best days will likely come against teams that cede a large portion of the ball to the US and live on the counter.
Like Carter-Vickers, Palmer-Brown has to secure his immediate future. He'll go out on loan, for sure, but where? Rapid Vienna reportedly is after him, but that would be a ice-hard no from me. He can do a lot better. And if he does do a lot better, there's no reason that he can't build on the progress made down the Eredivisie stretch last season. Philly youngster Trusty has a lot of great qualities and I feel like he'll eventually put it all together, but that hasn't quite consistently happened yet.
There's also another precocious guy to consider... provided the USMNT can convince him to file a FIFA switch: new Ajax signing Kik Pierie could and likely would vault up the chart if that happens.
- Greg Seltzer
Walker Zimmerman/Matt Miazga
Cameron Carter-Vickers
In case of emergency*: Omar Gonzalez
Future watch: Miles Robinson, Chris Richards
Miazga and Zimmerman (who has improved a good deal with his distribution over the last year) are effectively tied for the top spot, which means this one's an all-out battle for now. The former is a little more mobile, but also maybe a little more prone to errors on the move. They're basically even in the air game department. Long story short, this duel is definitely one to watch in the coming months.
Carter-Vickers first needs to sort out his club situation (Spurs have supposedly put him up for sale) and then he needs to sort out his consistency. Gonzalez can still be useful, but only against certain opponents (he's one of those guys who is actually better against higher quality teams that carry play and pack the USMNT in, as opposed to the speedy CONCACAF sorts that hit on the break) and in certain situations when one or both of the top two aren't available for some reason. Robinson is closer than Richards because he plays tons of first team minutes, but probably doesn't have as high a ceiling as the Bayern Munich youngster.
Now it's just a jump to the left...
John Anthony Brooks
Aaron Long
Erik Palmer-Brown
Future watch: Auston Trusty
Like Yedlin, it's been a while since we've seen Brooks at his best for the Nats, but there's no denying his defensive abilities and I love his incisive passing game. In Gregg Berhalter's system, that is a huge plus. HUGE. Long, on the other hand, is the pool's ace at defending on the run. This, of course, means he's the opposite of Gonzo - his best days will likely come against teams that cede a large portion of the ball to the US and live on the counter.
Like Carter-Vickers, Palmer-Brown has to secure his immediate future. He'll go out on loan, for sure, but where? Rapid Vienna reportedly is after him, but that would be a ice-hard no from me. He can do a lot better. And if he does do a lot better, there's no reason that he can't build on the progress made down the Eredivisie stretch last season. Philly youngster Trusty has a lot of great qualities and I feel like he'll eventually put it all together, but that hasn't quite consistently happened yet.
There's also another precocious guy to consider... provided the USMNT can convince him to file a FIFA switch: new Ajax signing Kik Pierie could and likely would vault up the chart if that happens.
- Greg Seltzer
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
All Mix'ed Up
I'll have the Clipboard center back charts up in a bit, but first let's take a quick trip to South Korea, where All-Star Game line-up pick Mix Diskerud keyed a big weekend win by title chasers Ulsan Hyundai. He buried the equalizer on 65 minutes, and not too long after that provided a nifty assist on the winner.
- Greg Seltzer
Why does Ulsan Hyundai have a chance to win the K-League? Because of K-League All-Start Mix Diskerud. Big goal & slick assist in 2-1 win today over Gangwon. Ulsan is in 2nd, trails leaders Jeonbuk by 1 point but has played 1 fewer game. Mix highlights here pic.twitter.com/5nRR6Oh6BS— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) July 21, 2019
- Greg Seltzer
Thursday, July 18, 2019
What's right is right.
First of all, bonus points for anyone who noticed my "The Detour" reference. Now to business. I wrote that the Clipboard ranks would expand now that the Gold Cup is in the rear view mirror. But that does not apply to every depth chart. For right back, I'd make it a three-man dogfight for now.
DeAndre Yedlin
Reggie Cannon
Nick Lima
After his largely excellent title game showing against Mexico, I was tempted to give the top spot to Cannon. And it's true that we have not seen Yedlin's best in a USMNT shirt for a long while. However, I'll need to see a little more for the kid to supplant the young vet. Perhaps the new boss can help the Newcastle (but for how long?) defender regain top form. Lima is a solid choice to round out the lead trio.
There are a few others that can have a say eventually (Rosenberry? Moore? Araujo? Perhaps even Herrera?), but we'll just keep that crowd on watch for the time being.
- Greg Seltzer
DeAndre Yedlin
Reggie Cannon
Nick Lima
After his largely excellent title game showing against Mexico, I was tempted to give the top spot to Cannon. And it's true that we have not seen Yedlin's best in a USMNT shirt for a long while. However, I'll need to see a little more for the kid to supplant the young vet. Perhaps the new boss can help the Newcastle (but for how long?) defender regain top form. Lima is a solid choice to round out the lead trio.
There are a few others that can have a say eventually (Rosenberry? Moore? Araujo? Perhaps even Herrera?), but we'll just keep that crowd on watch for the time being.
- Greg Seltzer
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