With several key players not called up for the U.S. national team’s friendlies away to the Netherlands and Germany in the next 10 days, it will be extremely interesting to see how Jurgen Klinsmann sets his side up.
[ RELATED: De Gea update ]
Facing two European powerhouses away from home isn’t easy with a fully-fit squad but the likes of Clint Dempsey, Jermaine Jones, Geoff Cameron and Jozy Altidore will all be missing for Klinsmann as he continue his preparations for the Gold Cup this summer.
Klinsmann will have to get creative and plenty of youngsters who only possess a handful of caps will be given a great chance to play against some of the world’s best.
[ RELATED: Costa “unhappy” at Chelsea ]
Here’s a look at a few potential starting lineups for the U.S. national team for both of the upcoming matches, as Klinsmann continues to blend youth with experience and would do even more of that if his other youngsters weren’t currently at the Toulon Tournament and the U-20 World Cup.
Let us know if you agree or disagree in the comments section below.
Possible USMNT lineups
Option 1 - First choice (4-2-3-1)
----- Guzan -----
--- Evans --- Brooks --- Orozco --- Shea ---
--- Williams --- Bradley ---
--- Johnson --- Diskerud --- Zardes ---
----- Johannsson -----
Option 2 - Youth movement (4-4-2, diamond)
----- Yarbrough -----
--- Yedlin --- Brooks --- Alvarado --- Shea ---
--- Morales ---
--- Bradley ----- Diskerud ---
--- Ibarra ---
----- Agudelo --- Wood -----
Option 3 - Mix and match (Narrow 4-3-3/4-5-1)
----- Guzan -----
--- Yedlin --- Brooks --- Orozco --- Shea ---
--- Beckerman ---
--- Bradley ----- Diskerud ---
----- Johnson ----- Johannsson ----- Zardes
Conclusion
Option 1 seems to be the full-strength choice for the USMNT out of this pool of 21 players and they could well start that way against Holland in the opening game. As for the second game against a German side who will be without Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer, Marco Reus and Toni Kroos, perhaps Klinsmann gives the kids a chance to shine against the reigning World Champions. He could really find out what they are made of.
The only constants throughout these three teams are Michael Bradley, who will captain the side, his midfield partner Mix Diskerud and left back Brek Shea. Bradley and Diskerud’s partnership is one that could really flourish during the Gold Cup this summer, especially as Jermaine Jones is now likely to be out through injury. Shea is ever-present at left back in these simulations because well, there aren’t many options other than Brad Evans or Timmy Chandler slotting in. Maybe Klinsmann tries a three-man defense? Probably not. The experimentation stage seems to be over as a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 with a diamond will be the most likely formations used during the Gold Cup this summer. Even without several regulars and promising youngsters currently off representing the youth teams, it will be extremely interesting to see how the USMNT lines up this Friday against Holland in Amsterdam and next Tuesday against Germany in Cologne.