For those that forgot, the United States was drawn into the "Group of Death" with Germany, Ghana, and Portugal. As I said in that post, Building The 23 for the USMNT is similar to what I do with Building The 53 for the Green Bay Packers, Building The 25 for the Milwaukee Brewers, and Building The 15 for the Milwaukee Bucks. I gave my first and second looks at the 23
players I thought USMNT manager Jurgen Klinsmann would take to the 2014
World Cup in Brazil. Yesterday, Klinsman named his provisional 30-man roster that will have to be trimmed to 23 by June 2nd.
Traditionally the breakdown of The 23 is 3 goalkeepers, 8 defenders, 8
midfielders, and 4 strikers. Besides goalkeeper, some of the players
drawn into defense or up front could also slide into the midfielder so
those are not hard and fast numbers. Here are my updated thoughts about the players Klinsmann should select for The 23.
Goalkeepers on 30-man & 23-man (3): Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, and Nick Rimando.
Starter: Tim Howard
Analysis: Absent an injury to one of the three goalkeepers, the USMNT is all set at goalkeeper.
Defenders on 30-man (11): DaMarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, John
Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Timmy Chandler, Brad
Evans, Omar Gonzalez, Clarence Goodson, Fabian Johnson, Michael Parkhurst, and DeAndre Yedlin
Defenders on 23-man (8): DaMarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Timmy Chandler, Brad Evans, Omar Gonzalez, and Fabian Johnson
Dropped (1): Clarence Goodson
Added (1): Timmy Chandler
Starters: DaMarcus Beasley (LB), Matt Besler (CB), Geoff Cameron (CB), and Fabian Johnson (RB)
Analysis: The USMNT has a ton of quality options across the back four. I am not as worried about the outside backs because those spots seem borderline interchangeable but I am starting to worry about the two central defender spots because continuity is key. Thus Klinsman needs to settle on a healthy pairing soon to give them time to build the chemistry necessary to man what could be the the two most important positions on the pitch for the USMNT at the 2014 World Cup.
Midfielders on 30-man (10): Kyle Beckerman, Alejandro Bedoya, Michael
Bradley, Joe Corona, Brad Davis, Mix
Diskerud, Maurice Edu, Julian Green, Jermaine Jones, and Graham Zusi
Midfielders on 23-man (8): Kyle Beckerman, Alejandro Bedoya, Michael Bradley, Brad Davis, Mix Diskerud, Julian Green, Jermaine Jones, and Graham Zusi
Dropped (1): Landon Donovan* (previously treated as midfielder but now treated as forward
Added (1): Alejandro Bedoya
Starters: Brad Davis (LM), Kyle Beckerman (CM), Michael Bradley (CM), and Graham Zusi (RW)
Analysis: I started Beckerman over Jones despite Klinsman's affinity for Jones because that gives Klinsman the option to field two proper wingers. Zusi deserves to start on the right side, which left the winger spot open. I decided to give Davis the spot but the left winger spot is probably the least settled in the starting eleven so look for Klinsman to try a number of players in that spot, including possibly moving Beasley up from left back, Klinsman can find a suitable replacement for Beasley at left back.
Forwards on 30-man (6): Jozy Altidore, Terrence Boyd, Clint
Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Aron
Johannsson, and Chris Wondolowski
Forwards on 23-man (4): Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, and Aaron Johnannson
Dropped (1): Chris Wondolowski
Added (1): Landon Donovan* (previously treated as midfielder)
Starters: Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey
Analysis: Eddie Johnson's goal against Mexico last September was the goal that secured the USMNT's spot in the 2014 World Cup. For the third World Cup in a row the player that scored the goal to clinch the USMNT's spot in the World Cup (Steve Ralston against Mexico in September of 2005 and Conor Casey at Honduras in October of 2009) will not be on The 23 at the World Cup for the United States. With Johnson no longer in the running for a spot on The 23 that leaves six guys fighting for four spots. Interestingly Donovan is characterized as a forward instead of a midfielder. The fourth striker
spot likely comes down to Donovan and Wondolowski given that Altidore, Dempsey, and Johannson look like locks. Since Donovan is the most successful player in USMNT history, I would give him the spot ahead of Wondolowski but it only matters what Klinsman and his assistants think come early June.
The USMNT play three exhibition games as they prepare for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The USMNT's first match is against Azerbaijan at San
Francisco's Candlestick Park on May 27nd followed by a match against Turkey at Red Bull Arena in
Harrison, N.J. on June 1st and finally a match against Nigeria at EverBank Field in
Jacksonville, Fla. on June 7th. Klinsman must submit his final 23-man roster following the USMNT's match against Turkey, at the latest. Make sure to check back following that announcement by Klinsman for my initial thoughts on The 23.
Showing posts with label Building The 23 (2014). Show all posts
Showing posts with label Building The 23 (2014). Show all posts
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Building The 23 - USMNT 2.0 for 2014 World Cup
Yesterday the United States Men's National Team tied Mexico 2-2 in a friendly played at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The USMNT jumped out to a 2-0 lead as cheers of Dos a Cero Chants rang through the stadium. Unfortunately the USMNT sputtered in second half conceding two goals so it ended up being Dos a Dos.
Although the United States and Mexico are bitter CONCACAF rivals, ultimately the scoreline is meaningless given that it is only a friendly and thus simply a means to help prepare for the 2014 World Cup. This match could carry much more symbolic significance though. Landon Donovan and Julian Green both got subbed into the match in the second half at the same time. Donovan will likely go down as the most successful USMNT player of all-time while the 18-year old Green has limitless potential that could make him the next Donovan for the USMNT. The USMNT are lucky to have Green in the fold given that he had the choice to play for Germany or the United States and choose the United States. Since Green plays for Bayern Munich's youth team it was a bit of a surprise that he choose the United States since Green choose the United States, he has a much better chance to go to the 2014 World Cup. If Green choose Germany he would have no chance of going to the 2014 World Cup and an outside chance of appearing for Germany in the 2016 European Championship.
I gave my first look at the 23 players I thought USMNT manager Jurgen Klinsmann would take to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil the day after the United States was drawn into the "Group of Death" with Germany, Ghana, and Portugal. As I said in that post, Building The 23 for the USMNT is similar to what I do with Building The 53 for the Green Bay Packers, Building The 25 for the Milwaukee Brewers, and Building The 15 for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Just to reiterate, the breakdown of The 23 is usually 3 goalkeepers, 8 defenders, 8 midfielders, and 4 strikers. Besides goalkeeper, some of the players drawn into defense or up front could also slide into the midfielder so those are not hard and fast numbers. Here are my updated thoughts about the players Klinsmann should select for The 23.
Goalkeepers (3): Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, and Nick Rimando.
Starter: Tim Howard
Analysis: This is the most solid spot on the entire squad. Guzan would start for at least half of the countries in the World Cup but absent injury will have to serve as Howard's understudy.
Defenders (8): DaMarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Brad Evans, Omar Gonzalez, Clarence Goodson, and Fabian Johnson
Dropped (1): Steve Cherundolo
Added (1): Fabian Johnson* (treated as midfielder last time)
Starters: DaMarcus Beasley (LB), Matt Besler (CB), Geoff Cameron (CB), Fabian Johnson (RB)
Analysis: Unfortunately Cherundolo is just not fit enough to play in the 2014 World Cup, which opens up the right back spot for the first time in essentially a decade. Besler was a revelation a year ago but his star has faded slightly but the lack of depth at central defender for the United States, I still see Besler as a virtual lock for the starting lineup. That leaves seven guys fighting for three spots. I honestly could see almost any of those seven starting across the back for the USMNT, so it will be interesting to see what there can separate themselves from the group.
Midfielders (8): Kyle Beckerman, Michael Bradley, Brad Davis, Mix Diskerud, Landon Donovan, Julian Green, Jermaine Jones, and Graham Zusi
Dropped (2): Fabian Johnson* (treated as a midfielder last time but moved to defender this time) and Brek Shea
Added (2): Brad Davis and Julian Green
Starters: Kyle Beckerman (DM), Michael Bradley (CM), Jermaine Jones (CM), Graham Zusi (LW/RW)
Analysis: The USMNT is in a unique spot because Beckerman and Jones look to be redundant central midfielders that can allow Bradley to push forward. Given Klinsman's affinity for Jones, I could see him playing all three as central midfielders since he likes to see his outside defenders push forward. That leaves Zusi as the only true winger unless the other midfielders that I currently have on the bench can separate from the pack.
Forwards (4): Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Aaron Johnannson, and Chris Wondolowski
Dropped (1): Eddie Johnson
Added (1): Chris Wondolowski
Starters: Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey
Analysis: It will be interesting to watch the competition for the fourth striker spot given that Altidore, Dempsey, and Johannson look like locks. Over the last two years Wondolowski has scored some important goals for the United States, which is why I added Wondolowski instead of Johnson.
Klinsman will announce his provisional 30-man squad in mid-May. Those 30 players will participate in a two week training session that includes a couple exhibition matches before Klinsman must winnow his roster down to The 23 by June 2nd. Make sure to check back in mid-May for my thoughts on Klinsman's provisional 30-man squad.
Although the United States and Mexico are bitter CONCACAF rivals, ultimately the scoreline is meaningless given that it is only a friendly and thus simply a means to help prepare for the 2014 World Cup. This match could carry much more symbolic significance though. Landon Donovan and Julian Green both got subbed into the match in the second half at the same time. Donovan will likely go down as the most successful USMNT player of all-time while the 18-year old Green has limitless potential that could make him the next Donovan for the USMNT. The USMNT are lucky to have Green in the fold given that he had the choice to play for Germany or the United States and choose the United States. Since Green plays for Bayern Munich's youth team it was a bit of a surprise that he choose the United States since Green choose the United States, he has a much better chance to go to the 2014 World Cup. If Green choose Germany he would have no chance of going to the 2014 World Cup and an outside chance of appearing for Germany in the 2016 European Championship.
I gave my first look at the 23 players I thought USMNT manager Jurgen Klinsmann would take to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil the day after the United States was drawn into the "Group of Death" with Germany, Ghana, and Portugal. As I said in that post, Building The 23 for the USMNT is similar to what I do with Building The 53 for the Green Bay Packers, Building The 25 for the Milwaukee Brewers, and Building The 15 for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Just to reiterate, the breakdown of The 23 is usually 3 goalkeepers, 8 defenders, 8 midfielders, and 4 strikers. Besides goalkeeper, some of the players drawn into defense or up front could also slide into the midfielder so those are not hard and fast numbers. Here are my updated thoughts about the players Klinsmann should select for The 23.
Goalkeepers (3): Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, and Nick Rimando.
Starter: Tim Howard
Analysis: This is the most solid spot on the entire squad. Guzan would start for at least half of the countries in the World Cup but absent injury will have to serve as Howard's understudy.
Defenders (8): DaMarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Brad Evans, Omar Gonzalez, Clarence Goodson, and Fabian Johnson
Dropped (1): Steve Cherundolo
Added (1): Fabian Johnson* (treated as midfielder last time)
Starters: DaMarcus Beasley (LB), Matt Besler (CB), Geoff Cameron (CB), Fabian Johnson (RB)
Analysis: Unfortunately Cherundolo is just not fit enough to play in the 2014 World Cup, which opens up the right back spot for the first time in essentially a decade. Besler was a revelation a year ago but his star has faded slightly but the lack of depth at central defender for the United States, I still see Besler as a virtual lock for the starting lineup. That leaves seven guys fighting for three spots. I honestly could see almost any of those seven starting across the back for the USMNT, so it will be interesting to see what there can separate themselves from the group.
Midfielders (8): Kyle Beckerman, Michael Bradley, Brad Davis, Mix Diskerud, Landon Donovan, Julian Green, Jermaine Jones, and Graham Zusi
Dropped (2): Fabian Johnson* (treated as a midfielder last time but moved to defender this time) and Brek Shea
Added (2): Brad Davis and Julian Green
Starters: Kyle Beckerman (DM), Michael Bradley (CM), Jermaine Jones (CM), Graham Zusi (LW/RW)
Analysis: The USMNT is in a unique spot because Beckerman and Jones look to be redundant central midfielders that can allow Bradley to push forward. Given Klinsman's affinity for Jones, I could see him playing all three as central midfielders since he likes to see his outside defenders push forward. That leaves Zusi as the only true winger unless the other midfielders that I currently have on the bench can separate from the pack.
Forwards (4): Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Aaron Johnannson, and Chris Wondolowski
Dropped (1): Eddie Johnson
Added (1): Chris Wondolowski
Starters: Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey
Analysis: It will be interesting to watch the competition for the fourth striker spot given that Altidore, Dempsey, and Johannson look like locks. Over the last two years Wondolowski has scored some important goals for the United States, which is why I added Wondolowski instead of Johnson.
Klinsman will announce his provisional 30-man squad in mid-May. Those 30 players will participate in a two week training session that includes a couple exhibition matches before Klinsman must winnow his roster down to The 23 by June 2nd. Make sure to check back in mid-May for my thoughts on Klinsman's provisional 30-man squad.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Building The 23 - USMNT 1.0 for 2014 World Cup
The United States Men's National Team manager Jurgen Klinsmann can take 23 players to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Yesterday I covered the United States being drawn into the toughest group in the 2014 World Cup with Germany, Ghana, and Portugal. Much like I do with Building The 53 for the Green Bay Packers, Building The 25 for the Milwaukee Brewers, and Building The 15 for the Milwaukee Bucks...I am about to do the same for the United States with Building The 23. Without further adu, let's turn our attention to speculating on the 23 guys Klinsmann should take to Brazil.
Traditionally the breakdown of The 23 is 3 goalkeepers, 8 defenders, 8 midfielders, and 4 strikers. Besides goalkeeper, some of the players drawn into defense or up front could also slide into the midfielder so those are not hard and fast numbers. Here are my initial thoughts about the players Klinsmann should select for The 23.
Goalkeeper (3): Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, and Nick Rimando.
Starter: Tim Howard
Analysis: Luckily Klinsmann has the benefit of having two legitimate starting goalkeepers in Howard and Guzan. I think it is highly unlikely to happen but I wonder what Guzan would have to do to unseat Howard.
Defenders (8): DaMarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Steve Cherundolo, Brad Evans, Clarence Goodson, and Omar Gonzalez.
Starters: DaMarcus Beasley (LB), Matt Besler (CB), Omar Gonzalez (CB), Steve Cherundolo (RB)
Analysis: After Cherundolo held down the starting right back spot for essentially the last decade, injuries have hampered his form in 2013. Given there are six more months until the 2014 World Cup, I see Cherundolo doing everything humanly possible to be in form by the start of the 2014 World Cup.
Midfield (8): Kyle Beckerman, Michael Bradley, Mix Diskerud, Landon Donovan, Fabian Johnson, Jermaine Jones, Brek Shea, and Graham Zusi.
Starters: Landon Donovan (LW), Michael Bradley (CM), Jermaine Jones (CM), Graham Zusi (RW)
Analysis: Absent injuries, Bradley and Donovan are locks to start in Brazil. That leaves two spots: one in central midfield and one at outside midfielder. Unfortunately, I see those two spots changing a dozen times in the next six months.
Striker (4): Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Aron Johnannson, and Eddie Johnson.
Starters: Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey
Analysis: There was never any question about Altidore's physical abilities but going into 2013 he still had not found a way to turn that promise into actual production scoring goals for the national team. Given that Jozy Altidore has been in rare form scoring almost every time our for the national team, he deserves to be in the starting XL in Brazil. If Klinsmann deploys Dempsey and Donovan in the midfielder, I could actually see Johnson getting a start up front next to Altidore.
Shifting gears from the futbol to football. Make sure to check back on Monday for my thoughts on the Green Bay Packers make-or-break game at home against the Atlanta Falcons sans starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the sixth straight game. Without Rodgers the Packers have gone 0-4-1 so even though the Falcons are one of the worst teams in the NFL this season. Let's not forget that they went to the NFC Championship Game last season so a win is far from guaranteed for the Packers. If the Packers win, their slim playoff hopes stay alive. If the Packers lose, all the coverage of them in this space will shift towards building for 2014.
Traditionally the breakdown of The 23 is 3 goalkeepers, 8 defenders, 8 midfielders, and 4 strikers. Besides goalkeeper, some of the players drawn into defense or up front could also slide into the midfielder so those are not hard and fast numbers. Here are my initial thoughts about the players Klinsmann should select for The 23.
Goalkeeper (3): Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, and Nick Rimando.
Starter: Tim Howard
Analysis: Luckily Klinsmann has the benefit of having two legitimate starting goalkeepers in Howard and Guzan. I think it is highly unlikely to happen but I wonder what Guzan would have to do to unseat Howard.
Defenders (8): DaMarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Steve Cherundolo, Brad Evans, Clarence Goodson, and Omar Gonzalez.
Starters: DaMarcus Beasley (LB), Matt Besler (CB), Omar Gonzalez (CB), Steve Cherundolo (RB)
Analysis: After Cherundolo held down the starting right back spot for essentially the last decade, injuries have hampered his form in 2013. Given there are six more months until the 2014 World Cup, I see Cherundolo doing everything humanly possible to be in form by the start of the 2014 World Cup.
Midfield (8): Kyle Beckerman, Michael Bradley, Mix Diskerud, Landon Donovan, Fabian Johnson, Jermaine Jones, Brek Shea, and Graham Zusi.
Starters: Landon Donovan (LW), Michael Bradley (CM), Jermaine Jones (CM), Graham Zusi (RW)
Analysis: Absent injuries, Bradley and Donovan are locks to start in Brazil. That leaves two spots: one in central midfield and one at outside midfielder. Unfortunately, I see those two spots changing a dozen times in the next six months.
Striker (4): Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Aron Johnannson, and Eddie Johnson.
Starters: Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey
Analysis: There was never any question about Altidore's physical abilities but going into 2013 he still had not found a way to turn that promise into actual production scoring goals for the national team. Given that Jozy Altidore has been in rare form scoring almost every time our for the national team, he deserves to be in the starting XL in Brazil. If Klinsmann deploys Dempsey and Donovan in the midfielder, I could actually see Johnson getting a start up front next to Altidore.
Shifting gears from the futbol to football. Make sure to check back on Monday for my thoughts on the Green Bay Packers make-or-break game at home against the Atlanta Falcons sans starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the sixth straight game. Without Rodgers the Packers have gone 0-4-1 so even though the Falcons are one of the worst teams in the NFL this season. Let's not forget that they went to the NFC Championship Game last season so a win is far from guaranteed for the Packers. If the Packers win, their slim playoff hopes stay alive. If the Packers lose, all the coverage of them in this space will shift towards building for 2014.
Howard
F. Johnson (Parkhurst, 46)
Goodson
Gonzalez
Beasley
Jones
Beckerman
Bedoya (Zusi, 84)
Dempsey (c)
Donovan-1
E. Johnson (Diskerud, 76) - See more at: http://www.ussoccer.com/teams/us-men/lineups/2013-lineups.aspx#sthash.OaFxfIMe.dpuf
F. Johnson (Parkhurst, 46)
Goodson
Gonzalez
Beasley
Jones
Beckerman
Bedoya (Zusi, 84)
Dempsey (c)
Donovan-1
E. Johnson (Diskerud, 76) - See more at: http://www.ussoccer.com/teams/us-men/lineups/2013-lineups.aspx#sthash.OaFxfIMe.dpuf
Howard
F. Johnson (Parkhurst, 46)
Goodson
Gonzalez
Beasley
Jones
Beckerman
Bedoya (Zusi, 84)
Dempsey (c)
Donovan-1
E. Johnson (Diskerud, 76) - See more at: http://www.ussoccer.com/teams/us-men/lineups/2013-lineups.aspx#sthash.OaFxfIMe.d
F. Johnson (Parkhurst, 46)
Goodson
Gonzalez
Beasley
Jones
Beckerman
Bedoya (Zusi, 84)
Dempsey (c)
Donovan-1
E. Johnson (Diskerud, 76) - See more at: http://www.ussoccer.com/teams/us-men/lineups/2013-lineups.aspx#sthash.OaFxfIMe.d
Altidore, Jozy
Altidore, Jozy
Altidore, Jozy
Altidore, Jozy
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