Five U.S. matches over the last month has generated significant movement on the U.S. depth chart – perhaps more shuffling than in any month-long stretch in Jurgen Klinsmann’s time in charge, which is now approaching two years.
Over the next few days we’ll continue to examine the U.S. depth chart, making our best educated guesses at how things stack up on Jurgen Klinsmann’s big board inside the manager’s Home Depot Center offices.
Next up: LEFT BACK
Left back has always been the riddle that can never quite be solved around the United States national team, the little mosquito that can never quite be squashed. That’s not just under Jurgen Klinsmann. That’s not just under Bob Bradley, either. It goes back to Bruce Arena’s.
Heck, even before that, Steve Sampson had to dig up David Regis as he scanned the lands for lefty who could defend adequately and still provide some offensive umph up the flank.
But it is a different puzzle to piece together these days, at least. Previously it couldn’t be solved because, to broaden the metaphor, all the pieces weren’t available. There just weren’t enough options able to do the deed at international level.
Now Klinsmann has options, at least, even if no one has quite put a choke hold on the position.
Fabian Johnson (pictured) is probably closest, even if he has played more out of the midfield lately. (See how things quickly get weird when we discuss this position?) DaMarcus Beasley was a stop-gap during the Snow Clasico in Denver -- and when it worked so well, Klinsmann was inclined to keep the party going. Hence, Johnson sprung up on the left side of the attack once he regained health.
Beasley’s absence last week vs. Honduras due to suspension reminded us that Johnson, now 25 years old and coming into the sweet spot of a professional career, can provide offense and supply the some damn solid defending.
It was Johnson’s assertive run (behind Graham Zusi devilish dummy) that set up last week’s game-winner versus the Hondurans. All in all, he was among the best in a U.S. shirt Tuesday at Rio Tinto Stadium.
(MORE: U.S. player ratings from U.S.-Honduras)
So based on that, and because he’s a better and more natural defender, we’ll put him just ahead of Beasley in the current ordering.
Timothy Chandler is a wild card, isn’t he? Yes, he’s hurt. Yes, there may be lingering trust issues over his wishy-washy-ness in 2011 and 2012. Yes, his better position is along the right, although the German-born defender certainly can and has performed on the left. And finally, yes, he was hurt and didn’t even make the latest round of qualifiers.
But the kid can play! He 23 years old and already lumped in with the better Bundesliga outside backs. So, he’s on the list.
Edgar Castillo? Klinsmann likes the kid, who never seems to quite get the job done defensively and only occasionally makes something happen with the ball in a U.S. shirt. But Klinsmann sees something, so there he is.
(FYI, you don’t understand how tiny that young man is under you stand next to him. He’s maybe 5-6 and cannot possibly top a buck 40.)
Don’t forget, Justin Morrow started the first U.S. match this year, the friendly down in Houston against Canada. He was OK; not great and not bad – but not so long ago he was in the mix, at least. (On the other hand, not being named to the Gold Cup provisional roster cannot be good news for the San Jose Earthquakes defender.)
Geoff Cameron appears on the list because, barring injury, he’ll be in Brazil. The man’s versatility is pure gold on a World Cup roster. Plus, he played left back occasionally for Stoke City, so it’s really not big stretch to see him in the position in a match that might call for a bunch of defending (Spain, Germany, Argentina, etc.).
I’ve got Carlos Bocanegra on the list, but there is a big asterisk attached. Two or three, in fact. There might need to be an injury here and there for the former U.S. captain to land in Brazil, for that’s when Bocanegra’s versatility kicks in; he could be useful as an emergency left of center back.
There is also a question of whether Bocanegra would accept a very limited role in Brazil? You cannot take a player who will rock the boat when he’s not selected, so Klinsmann would need certain assurances from the 34-year-old defender, and only Bocanegra could answer that one.
Finally, what does his club situation look like for the next 11 months? Because neither Spanish second division soccer nor Scottish third tier soccer will prep the man for a World Cup.
U.S. LEFT BACK ordering
- 1. Fabian Johnson
- 2. DaMarcus Beasley
- 3. Timothy Chandler
- 4. Edgar Castillo
- 5. Justin Morrow
- 6. Geoff Cameron
- 7. Carlos Bocanegra
- 8. Corey Ashe
In review:
Later today: Center backs