The US starts its World Cup Qualifying campaign this Thursday with a visit to El Salvador, so I figured this was as good of a time to do an update on the USMNT and its player pool as any. But first, here is our schedule for the first World Cup Qualifying window.
Thursday September 2 – at El Salvador – 10 pm ET – CBSSN, NBC Universo, Paramount Plus
Sunday September 5 – vs. Canada – 8 pm ET - FS1, TUDN
Wednesday September 8 – at Honduras – 10 pm ET – Paramount Plus, NBC Universo
Gregg Berhalter has called in a group of 26 players for this 3-game window and almost all of the US’ biggest stars are healthy and on the roster. The roster has already been discussed in another thread ( https://michigan.forums.rivals.com/threads/ot-jim_s-and-gda…thoughts-on-usmnt-roster.332744/ ) but here are a few bullet-points on the US roster for the first three World Cup Qualifiers:
- 6 CBs and only 5 midfielders on the roster makes me suspect that the US is going to use a 3-man backline in at least one of the games
- It seems like Berhalter prioritized form/health and familiarity with the program in his picks. Konrad de la Fuenta was the only guy included who didn’t play in the Gold Cup or Nations League. A number of guys who could probably play but haven’t played as much in the last few weeks for their clubs (due to health or due to breaking into a new club or not playing because they might be transferred) weren’t included – namely Matt Hoppe, Sam Vines, Reggie Cannon, Gianluca Busio, and Daryl Dike. Chris Richards, Julian Green, and Luca de la Torre are 3 guys who probably could help this team on paper but none of the 3 played for the US this summer and I’m guessing that was a factor in them not getting called into this window.
- The biggest news is that we are more or less cap-tying Ricardo Pepi who is a hot dual national prospect that a lot of people thought was leaning towards Mexico. He's the youngest player in MLS history to score a hat-trick if I'm not mistaken. With the 2 goals he scored today, he’s up to 11 goals in 21 games in MLS this year as an 18-year-old which is an extremely impressive goal-scoring rate for a guy his age… or really for anyone.
- In this cycle, US has rarely had all of its best players available at the same time when we’ve had a game – something that’s not really uncommon in international soccer. The team is currently without Tim Weah, Gyasi Zardes, and Paul Arriola (and Yunush Musah, Matt Hoppe, and others also might’ve been called in if they were at 100% health), but having Pulisic, Adams, Dest, Reyna, McKennie, Brooks, Robinson, and Sargent all healthy at the same time is pretty exciting and frankly we’ve never seen all of those guys on the field for the US at the same time before.
- Tim Weah was called in but will now miss out due to a thigh injury (2-4 weeks). The US doesn’t necessarily have to replace him on the roster, but if they do, it could mean calling up another winger like Matt Hoppe or Cade Cowell or it could mean bringing in another 8 like Caden Clark, Luca de la Torre, or Julian Green since Cristian Roldan could play on the wing (also Berhalter might’ve been planning to use Reyna, Aaronson, or Pulisic as an 8 but those guys are also wingers).
- Here’s the roster: https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2021/08/usmnt-september-2022-concacaf-world-cup-qualifying-roster
Anway, here is an update on the USMNT and US player pool:
So a ton has happened since the last US soccer update I did back in May. In case anyone wasn’t paying attention, the US beat Mexico 3-2 in the Nations League Final back in June (after beating Honduras 1-0 in the semifinal on a late goal). The US-Mexico Nations League Final was honestly one of the most exciting and entertaining soccer games I’ve ever seen… you’d need about a 40-minute highlight tape to do that game justice but if you somehow missed it, I strongly recommend checking out the highlights. It was truly an all-time classic and one of the best US soccer moments of the modern era.
For the Gold Cup, which started in July, Gregg Berhalter called in a C or D team, but the US still managed to make the final after two thrilling wins in the knockout rounds against Jamaica and Qatar, 1-0 each on a late goal each time. Those teams might not move the needle for the casual fan, but both of those sides were clearly a lot stronger this summer than some of the traditional CONCACAF powers like Costa Rica, Honduras, and Panama. It’s worth noting that Jamaica currently has its best generation of players in a couple of decades (helped in part by the infusion of some English/Jamaican dual national talent) and Qatar won the Asian Nations Cup over some pretty tough teams like Japan, Australia, and South Korea back in 2019 with all of those teams at full strength.
In the final, the US faced Mexico’s A-team (albeit down a couple of injured starters and a couple of 2nd stringers that were playing in the Olympics) and managed to pull out an absolutely thrilling 1-0 win on a late goal at the very end of the second extra time. That game was another instant classic and another all-time great US soccer moment. The US had actually only beaten Mexico in a Final once ever before this summer and in the span of two months we did it twice – each time with an extremely young and inexperienced team and each time in absolutely thrilling fashion.
There is definitely a segment of US fans that get excited for the World Cup, Euro Cup, Champions League, etc, but not the Gold Cup… but I’m actually in the minority that gets more excited for the Gold Cup than for any competition outside of our region… for some of the same reasons that I enjoy Big Ten and high school basketball a lot more than the NBA even though the level of play is inferior. On a sidenote, I thought it was cool that Schalke recognized Matt Hoppe for his Gold Cup title before their game today:
Unfortunately, it’s something that not every US fan takes seriously, but for people from other countries – winning the title of any confederation is a big deal.
Anyway, in the aftermath of two amazing wins over Mexico, the US vaulted from #22 in the FIFA World Rankings to #10 – which is significant because two months ago we were a probable #3 seed if we qualify for the 2022 World Cup, hoping to play our way into a #2 seed (teams ranked #8-15 in the world if they all qualify), whereas now we’re a solid #2 seed with an outside shot at moving up to the #1 line (spots 1-7 in the rankings assuming all the best teams qualify).
There are some other trends, that I’ve also mentioned in some threads recently, that are also really encouraging for US soccer.
Encouraging trends:
- Youngest top 10 team by far
- 5th in the world in u20 minutes in top 5 leagues last season (behind England, France, Germany, and Spain, so we were ahead of Italy, Brazil, Argentina, Holland, etc)
- Tied for 7th in the world in u23 players worth at least $15 million (tied with Portugal, ahead of Germany, Argentina, Belgium, etc... top 7 were France, England, Spain, Brazil, Holland, Italy, USA/Portugal)
It’s worth remembering that MLS’ first club academy initiative started in 2007 so a lot of these trends are just the result of MLS academies expanding, improving, and growing in number. If anything, the amount of youth talent that this country is producing is only going to keep increasing.
A ton has also happened within the US player pool in recent weeks. Honestly, there’s no way I could mention all of it but here are some highlights/updates:
- Gio Reyna became the youngest player in the history of the Bundesliga to reach 50 appearances. He has also scored two goals in Dortmund’s 3 games this season:
- Christian Pulisic was an opening day starter Chelsea in the EPL against Crystal Palace and scored a goal in Chelsea’s 3-0 win. He has missed the last two Chelsea EPL games due to Covid, but he is vaccinated, asymptomatic, and will be back in action for the US during the upcoming qualifying window. In fact he’s already arrived in Nashville where the US is starting its training camp.
- Konrad de la Fuente has been a revelation for Marseille in France’s Ligue 1 (after his move from Barcelona this summer). He’s started all three of Marseille’s games in Ligue 1, registering 2 assists, and being named to the Ligue 1 team of the week once.
- 18-year-old right back Joe Scally burst onto the scene for Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga. A very encouraging pre-season saw him work his way up to second string on the depth chart – which was a surprise – and then injuries thrust him into the lineup for Monchengladbach’s opener against Bayern Munich (one of the couple best teams in the entire world). Scally had a very encouraging performance and has started 3 games out of 3 in the Bundesliga.
- A couple of guys who aren’t currently in the picture for the US had pretty good weekends abroad. Alan Soñora scored two absolute golazos for first place Independiente in the Argentinian league and Haji Wright scored a hat-trick (including two penalties) in the Super Lig in Turkey. Soñora is 24 and Haji Wright is 23 so it’s conceivable that these guys could get in the picture for the US. Wright has represented the US at the youth level; I’m not sure if Soñora has.
- 17-year-old Quinn Sullivan is in his first year seeing playing time for the Philadelphia Union. He’s started 2 games in 15 appearances and already scored a bicycle kick and a long range 90th minute winner. Also, his 12-year-old brother Cavan was mentioned – although not by name – in a recent article as a Philadelphia Union prospect who has already had inquiries from Real Madrid. Paxten Aaronson – younger brother of Brenden – is an 18-year-old who scored a golazo on his first start for Philadelphia a week or two ago. Both of these guys are a long way away from getting consideration for the US senior team but both guys would’ve gotten a lot more attention if this were even a year or two ago (before Caden Clark and Cade Cowell did something similar). Check out their goals… they’re awesome. Here’s the bicycle kick but you should look for the rest on youtube:
- Guys like Weston McKennie (Juventus), Sergiño Dest (Barcelona), John Brooks (Wolfburg), Tyler Adams (Red Bull Leipzig), and Tim Weah (Lille) have been playing about as much for their clubs as they were at the end of last season. But Weah picked up a thigh injury in training this week and is out for 2-4 weeks, which will cause him to miss the US’ first 3 qualifiers.
- Brenden Aaronson (Red Bull Salzburg in Austria) and Jordan Siebatcheu Pefok (Young Boys in Switzerland) have both been on the scoresheet in the first couple of weeks of the season in Europe. Pefok already has a goal in the league, in the cup, and in the Champions League play-in round. Aaronson has scored 2 goals and registered an assist in the Champions League play-in round and has an assist in the league.
- Some notable transfers have taken place:
- Josh Sargent transferred from Werder Bremen to Norwich City and has come off the bench in their EPL games so far. He also had two goals and an assist in their Carabou Cup win the other day.
- Gianluca Busio and Tanner Tessman transferred from MLS to Venezia in Serie A. Tessman has made two sub appearances (once in the league and once in the cup). Busio made his first Serie A start this weekend and reports were encouraging. I believe he led the team in touches and forward passes in the first half of that game while he was playing as a 6. Played as an 8 in the second half.
- Konrad de la Fuente went from Barcelona to Marseille as mentioned above.
- Owen Otasowie left Wolverhampton in the EPL for Club Brugge in Belgium. He got some EPL playing time for Wolves last year and should have a better chance at seeing the field consistently in Belgium.
- Matt Miazga who played last season for Anderlecht is now with Alaves in La Liga and started for them in the league a couple of days after joining the team.
- Sam Vines left Colorado Rapids for Royal Antwerp in the Belgian First Division and got his first league start for them a few days ago.
There have been some US players mentioned in transfer rumors although the window closes August 31 so any of these that happen would have to literally happen on the last day:
Weston McKennie to Tottenham (EPL), Chris Richards to Hoffenheim (Bundesliga), Antonee Robinson to a handful of EPL clubs including Manchester City, Matt Hoppe to Everton (EPL), PSV (Dutch Eredivisie) and Ajax (Dutch Eredivisie), Shaq Moore to Betis (La Liga), Nico Gioacchini to Reims (French Ligue 1), Daryl Dike to West Brom (EFL),and Erik Palmer-Brown to Troyes (French Ligue 1). Any guy who’s traveling to the US (McKennie, Robinson) is probably off the table at this point but in theory guys like Hoppe, Gioacchini, EPB, Richards, etc, could still be in play.
Just to put the above information in perspective, here’s how I see Berhalter’s depth chart at the moment, including a few notes on some of the guys… especially if they weren’t discussed above:
Center Forward / 9
1. Josh Sargent – Norwich City – EPL
2. Gyazi Zardes – Columbus Crew – MLS
Out for the next few weeks with a hamstring injury, so he won’t play for the US in this window. People won’t like this opinion, but Zardes showed during the Gold Cup that he’s neck and neck with Sargent to be the US’ starting #9 at this moment. If we had a big game tomorrow and everyone in our pool were healthy, I’d give Zardes the nod. He’s not flashy, he doesn’t play in Europe, and he’s not a young guy with tons of potential, but in a US shirt he’s been our most effective forward this year. If you’re not sure, think about how effective Sargent was against Mexico – playing with a team full of stars – and compare that to how effective Zardes was even though he was playing with B or C-team level players. His defense is great, his movement is great, and his holdup play has been better than Sargent’s. In a small sample size, his finishing in 2021 has been better, too. If Dike had played against Mexico and done exactly what Zardes did, everyone would be saying that the US has found its starting #9.
3. Jordan Siebatcheu Pefok – Swiss League
4. Daryl Dike – Orlando City – MLS
Had an inconsistent Gold Cup and then missed Orlando City’s next few games (presumably nursing his shoulder injury). Still a guy I expect to be in the picture for the US this fall.
5. Ricardo Pepi – FC Dallas – MLS
Guys listed at other positions that could factor in: Matt Hoppe, Tim Weah, Nico Gioacchini, Cade Cowell
Guys further down the depth chart: Sebastian Soto (Portugal), Haji Wright (Turkey), Jesus Ferreira (MLS), Jeremy Ebobisse (MLS)
Winger
1. Christian Pulisic – Chelsea – EPL
2. Gio Reyna – Borussia Dortmund – German Bundesliga
3. Brenden Aaronson – Red Bull Salzburg – Austrian Bundesliga
4. Tim Weah – Lille – French Ligue 1
5. Matt Hoppe – Schalke 04 – German 2 Bundesliga
A stomach illness kept Hoppe out of training for Schalke for some time and this weekend was the first time he’s even made the bench for them since the Gold Cup, which is presumably the reason he wasn’t called in for this window. Before that, he had an incredible Gold Cup and showed that he’s absolutely one of the US’ best 15 or 20 overall players and should be neck and neck with Aaronson and Weah on the depth chart. Plenty of people are also interested in seeing him play as a 9 for the US. That might be his best position, and, in the Gold Cup, he looked like a bigger difference maker than any of our current center forwards. I just love almost everything about his game and if the World Cup were now, I’d want him on the team.
6. Paul Arriola – DC United – MLS
Once he got healthy, he showed in the Gold Cup semifinal and final that he brings a lot to the table, at least against CONCACAF competition. People were upset about his shot off the post and another left footed shot you wouldn’t expect him to bury, but his overall play was great. Currently out with a hamstring injury or else he probably would’ve been on this roster.
7. Konrad de la Fuente – Marseille – French Ligue 1
8. Nico Gioacchini – Caen – French Ligue 2
Pretty far down the depth chart but he’s another guy who showed during the Gold Cup that you could absolutely count on him to give a quality performance if we needed him during qualifying. He was the US’ most dangerous player at times.
9. Cade Cowell – San Jose Earthquakes – MLS
Called in to train with the US during the Gold Cup as a replacement for Paul Arriola, but he wasn’t added to the roster because Arriola recovered from his hamstring injury.
Guys listed at other positions that could factor in: Cristian Roldan (MLS), Luca de la Torre (Holland), Caden Clark (MLS)
Guys further down the depth chart: Tyler Boyd (Turkey), Chris Mueller (Scotland), Jordan Morris (MLS) – was probably in the US’ first 23 when he got injured in February… now the depth chart he has to work his way back up is absolutely brutal, Jonathan Lewis (MLS)
Center Mid / 8
1. Weston McKennie – Juventus – Italian Serie A
2. Sebastian Lletget – Los Angeles Galaxy – MLS
Had a quiet Gold Cup. No bad performances, but for a guy that Berhalter starts with our A-team, you’d have wanted him to be a standout for the C-team.
3. Cristian Roldan – Seattle Sounders – MLS
Had a nice Gold Cup and showed that he could be counted on in qualifying. Amazingly enough, he’s undefeated this year when he sees the field for the US, the Seattle Sounders, or the MLS All-Stars. Edit: as I go to press ‘post,’ I’m seeing that the Sounders lost tonight with Roldan in the lineup.
4. Yunus Musah – Valencia – Spanish La Liga
Probably the US’ most talented 8 other than (and possibly including) McKennie. Played last year on the wing for Valencia but this year he began the pre-season starting for them at center mid which seems to be his natural position. Unfortunately, he suffered an ankle injury in a preseason game that held him out for a few weeks. The good news is that he returned to training last week and played for Valencia as an 85th minute sub today. In an ideal world for the US, he’ll play his way into a starting CM spot for Valencia this season. Definitely hoping he plays for the US in October so we can finally cap-tie him. I think he would’ve been on the roster for this window if it weren’t for the injury.
5. Eryk Williamson – Portland Timbers – MLS
Had some good moments in the Gold Cup and got picked to start the final. Still needs to gain some consistency, but he brings more offensive talent to the table than some of our other 8s – especially in terms of ball progression and goalscoring. Edit: Sounds like he suffered a non-contact injury in the Timbers’ game tonight. Hoping its not serious but that doesn’t sound great.
6. Julian Green – Greuther Furth – German Bundesliga
Starting every game in the Bundesliga for newly promoted Greuther Furth, although they’ve only managed one point from 3 games and have been outscored 9-2. Sounds like Berhalter wanted him for the Gold Cup but decided to play nice when the club wasn’t dying to release him. Gotta think that hurt his chances at being called in for this window, but he’s on Berhalter’s radar. Had a great season in the 2 Bundesliga last season… reputation is an 8 with an eye for goal.
7. Luca de la Torre – Heracles – Dutch Eredivise
Looked good for the US in March and has started every game in Holland, but turning down a Gold Cup call-up to focus on his club and then having other guys play well in the spot that could’ve been his probably hurt his chances at being called in for this window.
8. Caden Clark – New York Red Bulls – MLS
Was going to be called up for the Gold Cup but missed out because he had an appendectomy. Heading to Leipzig in January and will probably get some opportunities with the US at some point in this cycle. I mentioned in the last update that he has a penchant for scoring ridiculous goals.
Guys listed at other positions that could factor in: Kellyn Acosta, Gianluca Busio
Guys further down the depth chart: Tanner Tessman (Italy) – another USMNT lottery ticket in Europe… hopefully he develops into a quality player in Serie A, Richie Ledezma (Dutch Eredivisie) – like Jordan Morris, he was probably in the US’ first 23 when he got injured last January but now he faces a brutal depth chart. Young guy with plenty of potential if he can get healthy and get back in the team with PSV.
Defensive Mid / 6
1. Tyler Adams – Red Bull Leipzig – German Bundesliga
2. Kellyn Acosta – Colorado Rapids – MLS
He showed during the Gold Cup that he’s the US third best center mid after McKennie and Adams. Could (and maybe should) start at the 8 when Adams starts at the 6, and I also think we’ll see him as one of the two starting midfielders if the US plays a back three in this window. He brings a lot of positional flexibility to the table because he frequently fills in for the US at outside back, although I’d never expect him to start there. In addition to being a great midfield destroyer who covers a ton of ground, he’s ridiculously underrated in terms of progressive passing with both feet, ball progression with the dribble, and service on set pieces. Watch what a monster he was against Mexico in the Gold Cup Final and remember he did this in a game where the US C-team was supposed to be overrun by Mexico’s A-team whose midfielders start for PSV, Ajax, and Atletico Madrid.
3. Gianluca Busio – Venezia – Italian Serie A
Had some very good moments in the Gold Cup in some difficult games, which was pretty remarkable for a guy his age. Sounds like his first Serie A start went well this weekend. I think his passing his best attribute. Needs to get better in tight spots and stronger physically, but even over the course of the Gold Cup he started to show some good signs in those areas. I’m a lot more excited at his potential than I was going into that tournament… and I was pretty excited then, too.
4. Jackson Yueill – San Jose Earthquakes – MLS
Role diminished as the Gold Cup went on but I wouldn’t be shocked if he played the 6 in some qualifiers if needed.
Guys listed at other positions that could factor in: James Sands, Eryk Williamson
Guys further down the depth chart: Johnny Cardoso (Brazil) – definitely on Berhalter’s radar – he mentioned that he would have called him in for the Gold Cup but didn’t want him and have him lose playing time for his club, Leon Flach (MLS), Owen Otasowie (Belgium)
Right Back
1. Sergiño Dest – Barcelona – Spanish La Liga
2. DeAndre Yedlin – Galatasaray – Turkish Super Lig
3. Shaq Moore – Tenerife – Spanish 2nd division
Had a great Gold Cup, somewhat unexpectedly, and showed that he’s probably interchangeable with Yedlin and Cannon.
4. Reggie Cannon – Boavista – Portugal Primeira Liga
Lost his starting spot in the Gold Cup to Shaq Moore because of injury and then couldn’t get it back from him. Hasn’t gotten playing time for Boavista since the Gold Cup, probably because he’s on the verge of a transfer? Still interchangeable with Yedlin and Moore and might be Berhalter’s top pick of the three when they’re all healthy and playing.
5. Julian Araujo – Los Angeles Galaxy – MLS
Turned down a Gold Cup invite because he wasn’t ready to be cap-tied, or else that presumably would’ve been him out there instead of Shaq Moore. Has had a great season in MLS according to observers and could potentially catch or surpass Cannon, Moore, and Yedlin as he continues to develop… maybe even this cycle. Kinda seems like his heart is with the US, but Mexico has a much less-crowded depth chart at right back, and I’m sure he has a strong connection with each country.
6. Joe Scally – Borussia Monchengladbach – German Bundesliga
7. Bryan Reynolds – Roma – Italian Serie A
Unused sub in recent Roma games but got some playing time in Serie A last year. Nice to have a guy his age on a team that big and not need to worry about whether or not he pans out. He’s looked promising when he’s played for the US.
Guys listed at other positions that could factor in: Tyler Adams, Kellyn Acosta, Weston McKennie
Guys further down the depth chart: Aaron Herrera (MLS), Kyle Duncan (MLS)
Left Back
1. Antonee Robinson – Fulham – EFL Championship (English 2nd division)
Probably the best primary LB the US has ever had at the club level. Had a good season last year in the EPL. Scored in the Carabou Cup last week and also was EFL team of the week if I’m remembering right. Wouldn’t have minded seeing him moving to an EPL side in this window.
2. Sam Vines – Royal Antwerp – Belgian 1st Division
Had a great Gold Cup and showed that you can count on him defensively if needed in a qualifier. Pretty much cemented himself as the #2 LB in my eyes, but I think Berhalter wants to let him get settled in at his new club.
3. George Bello – Atlanta United – MLS
Backed up Vines for most of the Gold Cup but showed in the final that he can do the job against CONCACAF competition – even when that competition is Tecatito Corona. Probably the #3 option at LB, but he’s a reliable option which allows Vines to stay in Europe with his new club this window.
Guys listed at other positions that could factor in: Sergiño Dest, Joe Scally, Kellyn Acosta
Guys further down the depth chart: Kevin Paredes (MLS) – I’ve mostly seen him in highlights but his game reminds me a lot of Antonee Robinson… Berhalter mentioned him before the Gold Cup as a guy that he’d love to call up in the future because he likes his game, Jonathan Gomez (USL) – Mexican-American dual national with lots of potential and hype
Center Back
1. John Brooks – Wolfsburg – German Bundesliga
2. Miles Robinson – Atlanta United – MLS
Gregg Berhalter and I both thought that he should’ve been named Player of the Tournament for the Gold Cup. The dude absolutely balled out. Goals don’t matter much for a CB, but he scored twice including the tournament winner (okay, I guess that one mattered a ton). More importantly, for the future at least, he was fantastic in every other facet of the game. His passing was more outstanding than I expected, even with his off foot. He showed the ability to break lines with the dribble when necessary and then find a teammate’s feet. His defense was even better than his offense – he put out fires all over the field and he usually shut down whoever he was marking. His speed and dribbling ability make him the perfect compliment for Brooks (a contain-first CB who hits a great diagonal ball, but not a guy who’s great at using his speed to cover for others or break lines with the dribble when needed).
3. Mark McKenzie – Genk – Belgian 1st Division
Pretty shaky Nations League Final but obviously a young guy who should keep improving.
4. Walker Zimmerman – Nashville – MLS
Looked great in the Gold Cup before he got hurt. Great target on set-pieces. Good distributor out of the back. Would be comfortable with him starting for us against any team in any situation.
5. James Sands – NYCFC – MLS
Showed in the Gold Cup that he’s a quality option and that he can play in a back 4. I think Berhalter likes the idea of having Sands at the center of a back 3, but then having him play as a defensive mid when the US is in possession (a strategy used during the Gold Cup before Zimmerman’s injury forced the US to switch to a back 4). I think we might see that during this window. Totally comfortable with him starting for the US in qualifying when needed.
6. Tim Ream – Fulham – EFL Championship (English 2nd division)
A starter and solid player in the EFL Championship so, even though lots of US fans don’t rate him, he should be fine against CONCACAF competition if you don’t put him in a bad match-up like Diego Lainez or Alberth Elis. I think Berhalter likes his leadership and the positional versatility he brings to the table. He’s gotten more run than Richards and Miazga but if the US had a must win game against Mexico tomorrow, I suspect one of those guys would get the start before Ream would.
7. Chris Richards – Bayern Munich – German Bundesliga
Had a great second half of the Bundesliga season once he joined Hoffenheim on loan and showed that he’s athletic and also technically gifted for a CB. It sounded like he would’ve played for the US in the Nations League if he’d been healthy. I’ve got him 7th on Berhalter’s CB depth chart because he wasn’t picked for this camp and didn’t play for the US this summer, but he’s one of the US’ 3 best CBs “on paper” and could rocket up the depth chart once he starts getting playing time again at the club level. That’s tough, though, for Bayern Munich so I’d love to see him loaned out or sold this window, even though things don’t seem to be trending in that direction. I think he’ll play for the US in October.
8. Matt Miazga – Alaves – Spanish La Liga
4th choice out of 4 CBs in the Nations League and not called in for this roster… but he’s starting in La Liga. I bet he’ll be involved in qualifying at some point.
Guys listed at other positions that could factor in: Owen Otasowie
Guys further down the depth chart: Cameron Carter-Vickers (EPL), Erick Palmer-Brown (EPL), Justin Che (MLS) – promising loan spell for Bayern Munich 2 last semester and he’s started 7 games in MLS… probably a guy to keep an eye on for the future but he trained with the US back in June, Aaron Long (MLS) – probably #2 on the CB depth chart when he got injured in May but now he faces a brutal climb up the depth chart if he’s going to get opportunities for the USMNT.
Goalkeeper
1. Matt Turner – New England Revolution – MLS
Statistically speaking, he’s the best shot-stopper in MLS history by a mile. He also came up absolutely huge in the Gold Cup. I think he’s earned the #1 spot for now.
2. Zack Steffen – Manchester City – EPL
Two (or more??) notable mistakes for the US and Manchester City in relatively limited playing time this year. I’d love to see him at a club where he would be a consistent starter.
3. Ethan Horvath – Nottingham Forest – EFL Championship (English 2nd Division)
Came up absolutely huge in the Nations League Final… honestly one of the US’ all-time great goalkeeping performances. If you also count his huge saves in the friendly against Switzerland and the shutout of Costa Rica, he’s had quite a year for the US. I’m kind of surprised that he’s battling for playing time at Nottingham Forest although observers have said he’s played well when he’s gotten to start.
Guys further down the depth chart: Brad Guzan (MLS), Bill Hamid (MLS), Sean Johnson (MLS)
Thursday September 2 – at El Salvador – 10 pm ET – CBSSN, NBC Universo, Paramount Plus
Sunday September 5 – vs. Canada – 8 pm ET - FS1, TUDN
Wednesday September 8 – at Honduras – 10 pm ET – Paramount Plus, NBC Universo
Gregg Berhalter has called in a group of 26 players for this 3-game window and almost all of the US’ biggest stars are healthy and on the roster. The roster has already been discussed in another thread ( https://michigan.forums.rivals.com/threads/ot-jim_s-and-gda…thoughts-on-usmnt-roster.332744/ ) but here are a few bullet-points on the US roster for the first three World Cup Qualifiers:
- 6 CBs and only 5 midfielders on the roster makes me suspect that the US is going to use a 3-man backline in at least one of the games
- It seems like Berhalter prioritized form/health and familiarity with the program in his picks. Konrad de la Fuenta was the only guy included who didn’t play in the Gold Cup or Nations League. A number of guys who could probably play but haven’t played as much in the last few weeks for their clubs (due to health or due to breaking into a new club or not playing because they might be transferred) weren’t included – namely Matt Hoppe, Sam Vines, Reggie Cannon, Gianluca Busio, and Daryl Dike. Chris Richards, Julian Green, and Luca de la Torre are 3 guys who probably could help this team on paper but none of the 3 played for the US this summer and I’m guessing that was a factor in them not getting called into this window.
- The biggest news is that we are more or less cap-tying Ricardo Pepi who is a hot dual national prospect that a lot of people thought was leaning towards Mexico. He's the youngest player in MLS history to score a hat-trick if I'm not mistaken. With the 2 goals he scored today, he’s up to 11 goals in 21 games in MLS this year as an 18-year-old which is an extremely impressive goal-scoring rate for a guy his age… or really for anyone.
- In this cycle, US has rarely had all of its best players available at the same time when we’ve had a game – something that’s not really uncommon in international soccer. The team is currently without Tim Weah, Gyasi Zardes, and Paul Arriola (and Yunush Musah, Matt Hoppe, and others also might’ve been called in if they were at 100% health), but having Pulisic, Adams, Dest, Reyna, McKennie, Brooks, Robinson, and Sargent all healthy at the same time is pretty exciting and frankly we’ve never seen all of those guys on the field for the US at the same time before.
- Tim Weah was called in but will now miss out due to a thigh injury (2-4 weeks). The US doesn’t necessarily have to replace him on the roster, but if they do, it could mean calling up another winger like Matt Hoppe or Cade Cowell or it could mean bringing in another 8 like Caden Clark, Luca de la Torre, or Julian Green since Cristian Roldan could play on the wing (also Berhalter might’ve been planning to use Reyna, Aaronson, or Pulisic as an 8 but those guys are also wingers).
- Here’s the roster: https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2021/08/usmnt-september-2022-concacaf-world-cup-qualifying-roster
Anway, here is an update on the USMNT and US player pool:
So a ton has happened since the last US soccer update I did back in May. In case anyone wasn’t paying attention, the US beat Mexico 3-2 in the Nations League Final back in June (after beating Honduras 1-0 in the semifinal on a late goal). The US-Mexico Nations League Final was honestly one of the most exciting and entertaining soccer games I’ve ever seen… you’d need about a 40-minute highlight tape to do that game justice but if you somehow missed it, I strongly recommend checking out the highlights. It was truly an all-time classic and one of the best US soccer moments of the modern era.
For the Gold Cup, which started in July, Gregg Berhalter called in a C or D team, but the US still managed to make the final after two thrilling wins in the knockout rounds against Jamaica and Qatar, 1-0 each on a late goal each time. Those teams might not move the needle for the casual fan, but both of those sides were clearly a lot stronger this summer than some of the traditional CONCACAF powers like Costa Rica, Honduras, and Panama. It’s worth noting that Jamaica currently has its best generation of players in a couple of decades (helped in part by the infusion of some English/Jamaican dual national talent) and Qatar won the Asian Nations Cup over some pretty tough teams like Japan, Australia, and South Korea back in 2019 with all of those teams at full strength.
In the final, the US faced Mexico’s A-team (albeit down a couple of injured starters and a couple of 2nd stringers that were playing in the Olympics) and managed to pull out an absolutely thrilling 1-0 win on a late goal at the very end of the second extra time. That game was another instant classic and another all-time great US soccer moment. The US had actually only beaten Mexico in a Final once ever before this summer and in the span of two months we did it twice – each time with an extremely young and inexperienced team and each time in absolutely thrilling fashion.
There is definitely a segment of US fans that get excited for the World Cup, Euro Cup, Champions League, etc, but not the Gold Cup… but I’m actually in the minority that gets more excited for the Gold Cup than for any competition outside of our region… for some of the same reasons that I enjoy Big Ten and high school basketball a lot more than the NBA even though the level of play is inferior. On a sidenote, I thought it was cool that Schalke recognized Matt Hoppe for his Gold Cup title before their game today:
Unfortunately, it’s something that not every US fan takes seriously, but for people from other countries – winning the title of any confederation is a big deal.
Anyway, in the aftermath of two amazing wins over Mexico, the US vaulted from #22 in the FIFA World Rankings to #10 – which is significant because two months ago we were a probable #3 seed if we qualify for the 2022 World Cup, hoping to play our way into a #2 seed (teams ranked #8-15 in the world if they all qualify), whereas now we’re a solid #2 seed with an outside shot at moving up to the #1 line (spots 1-7 in the rankings assuming all the best teams qualify).
There are some other trends, that I’ve also mentioned in some threads recently, that are also really encouraging for US soccer.
Encouraging trends:
- Youngest top 10 team by far
- 5th in the world in u20 minutes in top 5 leagues last season (behind England, France, Germany, and Spain, so we were ahead of Italy, Brazil, Argentina, Holland, etc)
- Tied for 7th in the world in u23 players worth at least $15 million (tied with Portugal, ahead of Germany, Argentina, Belgium, etc... top 7 were France, England, Spain, Brazil, Holland, Italy, USA/Portugal)
It’s worth remembering that MLS’ first club academy initiative started in 2007 so a lot of these trends are just the result of MLS academies expanding, improving, and growing in number. If anything, the amount of youth talent that this country is producing is only going to keep increasing.
A ton has also happened within the US player pool in recent weeks. Honestly, there’s no way I could mention all of it but here are some highlights/updates:
- Gio Reyna became the youngest player in the history of the Bundesliga to reach 50 appearances. He has also scored two goals in Dortmund’s 3 games this season:
- Christian Pulisic was an opening day starter Chelsea in the EPL against Crystal Palace and scored a goal in Chelsea’s 3-0 win. He has missed the last two Chelsea EPL games due to Covid, but he is vaccinated, asymptomatic, and will be back in action for the US during the upcoming qualifying window. In fact he’s already arrived in Nashville where the US is starting its training camp.
- Konrad de la Fuente has been a revelation for Marseille in France’s Ligue 1 (after his move from Barcelona this summer). He’s started all three of Marseille’s games in Ligue 1, registering 2 assists, and being named to the Ligue 1 team of the week once.
- 18-year-old right back Joe Scally burst onto the scene for Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga. A very encouraging pre-season saw him work his way up to second string on the depth chart – which was a surprise – and then injuries thrust him into the lineup for Monchengladbach’s opener against Bayern Munich (one of the couple best teams in the entire world). Scally had a very encouraging performance and has started 3 games out of 3 in the Bundesliga.
- A couple of guys who aren’t currently in the picture for the US had pretty good weekends abroad. Alan Soñora scored two absolute golazos for first place Independiente in the Argentinian league and Haji Wright scored a hat-trick (including two penalties) in the Super Lig in Turkey. Soñora is 24 and Haji Wright is 23 so it’s conceivable that these guys could get in the picture for the US. Wright has represented the US at the youth level; I’m not sure if Soñora has.
- 17-year-old Quinn Sullivan is in his first year seeing playing time for the Philadelphia Union. He’s started 2 games in 15 appearances and already scored a bicycle kick and a long range 90th minute winner. Also, his 12-year-old brother Cavan was mentioned – although not by name – in a recent article as a Philadelphia Union prospect who has already had inquiries from Real Madrid. Paxten Aaronson – younger brother of Brenden – is an 18-year-old who scored a golazo on his first start for Philadelphia a week or two ago. Both of these guys are a long way away from getting consideration for the US senior team but both guys would’ve gotten a lot more attention if this were even a year or two ago (before Caden Clark and Cade Cowell did something similar). Check out their goals… they’re awesome. Here’s the bicycle kick but you should look for the rest on youtube:
- Guys like Weston McKennie (Juventus), Sergiño Dest (Barcelona), John Brooks (Wolfburg), Tyler Adams (Red Bull Leipzig), and Tim Weah (Lille) have been playing about as much for their clubs as they were at the end of last season. But Weah picked up a thigh injury in training this week and is out for 2-4 weeks, which will cause him to miss the US’ first 3 qualifiers.
- Brenden Aaronson (Red Bull Salzburg in Austria) and Jordan Siebatcheu Pefok (Young Boys in Switzerland) have both been on the scoresheet in the first couple of weeks of the season in Europe. Pefok already has a goal in the league, in the cup, and in the Champions League play-in round. Aaronson has scored 2 goals and registered an assist in the Champions League play-in round and has an assist in the league.
- Some notable transfers have taken place:
- Josh Sargent transferred from Werder Bremen to Norwich City and has come off the bench in their EPL games so far. He also had two goals and an assist in their Carabou Cup win the other day.
- Gianluca Busio and Tanner Tessman transferred from MLS to Venezia in Serie A. Tessman has made two sub appearances (once in the league and once in the cup). Busio made his first Serie A start this weekend and reports were encouraging. I believe he led the team in touches and forward passes in the first half of that game while he was playing as a 6. Played as an 8 in the second half.
- Konrad de la Fuente went from Barcelona to Marseille as mentioned above.
- Owen Otasowie left Wolverhampton in the EPL for Club Brugge in Belgium. He got some EPL playing time for Wolves last year and should have a better chance at seeing the field consistently in Belgium.
- Matt Miazga who played last season for Anderlecht is now with Alaves in La Liga and started for them in the league a couple of days after joining the team.
- Sam Vines left Colorado Rapids for Royal Antwerp in the Belgian First Division and got his first league start for them a few days ago.
There have been some US players mentioned in transfer rumors although the window closes August 31 so any of these that happen would have to literally happen on the last day:
Weston McKennie to Tottenham (EPL), Chris Richards to Hoffenheim (Bundesliga), Antonee Robinson to a handful of EPL clubs including Manchester City, Matt Hoppe to Everton (EPL), PSV (Dutch Eredivisie) and Ajax (Dutch Eredivisie), Shaq Moore to Betis (La Liga), Nico Gioacchini to Reims (French Ligue 1), Daryl Dike to West Brom (EFL),and Erik Palmer-Brown to Troyes (French Ligue 1). Any guy who’s traveling to the US (McKennie, Robinson) is probably off the table at this point but in theory guys like Hoppe, Gioacchini, EPB, Richards, etc, could still be in play.
Just to put the above information in perspective, here’s how I see Berhalter’s depth chart at the moment, including a few notes on some of the guys… especially if they weren’t discussed above:
Center Forward / 9
1. Josh Sargent – Norwich City – EPL
2. Gyazi Zardes – Columbus Crew – MLS
Out for the next few weeks with a hamstring injury, so he won’t play for the US in this window. People won’t like this opinion, but Zardes showed during the Gold Cup that he’s neck and neck with Sargent to be the US’ starting #9 at this moment. If we had a big game tomorrow and everyone in our pool were healthy, I’d give Zardes the nod. He’s not flashy, he doesn’t play in Europe, and he’s not a young guy with tons of potential, but in a US shirt he’s been our most effective forward this year. If you’re not sure, think about how effective Sargent was against Mexico – playing with a team full of stars – and compare that to how effective Zardes was even though he was playing with B or C-team level players. His defense is great, his movement is great, and his holdup play has been better than Sargent’s. In a small sample size, his finishing in 2021 has been better, too. If Dike had played against Mexico and done exactly what Zardes did, everyone would be saying that the US has found its starting #9.
3. Jordan Siebatcheu Pefok – Swiss League
4. Daryl Dike – Orlando City – MLS
Had an inconsistent Gold Cup and then missed Orlando City’s next few games (presumably nursing his shoulder injury). Still a guy I expect to be in the picture for the US this fall.
5. Ricardo Pepi – FC Dallas – MLS
Guys listed at other positions that could factor in: Matt Hoppe, Tim Weah, Nico Gioacchini, Cade Cowell
Guys further down the depth chart: Sebastian Soto (Portugal), Haji Wright (Turkey), Jesus Ferreira (MLS), Jeremy Ebobisse (MLS)
Winger
1. Christian Pulisic – Chelsea – EPL
2. Gio Reyna – Borussia Dortmund – German Bundesliga
3. Brenden Aaronson – Red Bull Salzburg – Austrian Bundesliga
4. Tim Weah – Lille – French Ligue 1
5. Matt Hoppe – Schalke 04 – German 2 Bundesliga
A stomach illness kept Hoppe out of training for Schalke for some time and this weekend was the first time he’s even made the bench for them since the Gold Cup, which is presumably the reason he wasn’t called in for this window. Before that, he had an incredible Gold Cup and showed that he’s absolutely one of the US’ best 15 or 20 overall players and should be neck and neck with Aaronson and Weah on the depth chart. Plenty of people are also interested in seeing him play as a 9 for the US. That might be his best position, and, in the Gold Cup, he looked like a bigger difference maker than any of our current center forwards. I just love almost everything about his game and if the World Cup were now, I’d want him on the team.
6. Paul Arriola – DC United – MLS
Once he got healthy, he showed in the Gold Cup semifinal and final that he brings a lot to the table, at least against CONCACAF competition. People were upset about his shot off the post and another left footed shot you wouldn’t expect him to bury, but his overall play was great. Currently out with a hamstring injury or else he probably would’ve been on this roster.
7. Konrad de la Fuente – Marseille – French Ligue 1
8. Nico Gioacchini – Caen – French Ligue 2
Pretty far down the depth chart but he’s another guy who showed during the Gold Cup that you could absolutely count on him to give a quality performance if we needed him during qualifying. He was the US’ most dangerous player at times.
9. Cade Cowell – San Jose Earthquakes – MLS
Called in to train with the US during the Gold Cup as a replacement for Paul Arriola, but he wasn’t added to the roster because Arriola recovered from his hamstring injury.
Guys listed at other positions that could factor in: Cristian Roldan (MLS), Luca de la Torre (Holland), Caden Clark (MLS)
Guys further down the depth chart: Tyler Boyd (Turkey), Chris Mueller (Scotland), Jordan Morris (MLS) – was probably in the US’ first 23 when he got injured in February… now the depth chart he has to work his way back up is absolutely brutal, Jonathan Lewis (MLS)
Center Mid / 8
1. Weston McKennie – Juventus – Italian Serie A
2. Sebastian Lletget – Los Angeles Galaxy – MLS
Had a quiet Gold Cup. No bad performances, but for a guy that Berhalter starts with our A-team, you’d have wanted him to be a standout for the C-team.
3. Cristian Roldan – Seattle Sounders – MLS
Had a nice Gold Cup and showed that he could be counted on in qualifying. Amazingly enough, he’s undefeated this year when he sees the field for the US, the Seattle Sounders, or the MLS All-Stars. Edit: as I go to press ‘post,’ I’m seeing that the Sounders lost tonight with Roldan in the lineup.
4. Yunus Musah – Valencia – Spanish La Liga
Probably the US’ most talented 8 other than (and possibly including) McKennie. Played last year on the wing for Valencia but this year he began the pre-season starting for them at center mid which seems to be his natural position. Unfortunately, he suffered an ankle injury in a preseason game that held him out for a few weeks. The good news is that he returned to training last week and played for Valencia as an 85th minute sub today. In an ideal world for the US, he’ll play his way into a starting CM spot for Valencia this season. Definitely hoping he plays for the US in October so we can finally cap-tie him. I think he would’ve been on the roster for this window if it weren’t for the injury.
5. Eryk Williamson – Portland Timbers – MLS
Had some good moments in the Gold Cup and got picked to start the final. Still needs to gain some consistency, but he brings more offensive talent to the table than some of our other 8s – especially in terms of ball progression and goalscoring. Edit: Sounds like he suffered a non-contact injury in the Timbers’ game tonight. Hoping its not serious but that doesn’t sound great.
6. Julian Green – Greuther Furth – German Bundesliga
Starting every game in the Bundesliga for newly promoted Greuther Furth, although they’ve only managed one point from 3 games and have been outscored 9-2. Sounds like Berhalter wanted him for the Gold Cup but decided to play nice when the club wasn’t dying to release him. Gotta think that hurt his chances at being called in for this window, but he’s on Berhalter’s radar. Had a great season in the 2 Bundesliga last season… reputation is an 8 with an eye for goal.
7. Luca de la Torre – Heracles – Dutch Eredivise
Looked good for the US in March and has started every game in Holland, but turning down a Gold Cup call-up to focus on his club and then having other guys play well in the spot that could’ve been his probably hurt his chances at being called in for this window.
8. Caden Clark – New York Red Bulls – MLS
Was going to be called up for the Gold Cup but missed out because he had an appendectomy. Heading to Leipzig in January and will probably get some opportunities with the US at some point in this cycle. I mentioned in the last update that he has a penchant for scoring ridiculous goals.
Guys listed at other positions that could factor in: Kellyn Acosta, Gianluca Busio
Guys further down the depth chart: Tanner Tessman (Italy) – another USMNT lottery ticket in Europe… hopefully he develops into a quality player in Serie A, Richie Ledezma (Dutch Eredivisie) – like Jordan Morris, he was probably in the US’ first 23 when he got injured last January but now he faces a brutal depth chart. Young guy with plenty of potential if he can get healthy and get back in the team with PSV.
Defensive Mid / 6
1. Tyler Adams – Red Bull Leipzig – German Bundesliga
2. Kellyn Acosta – Colorado Rapids – MLS
He showed during the Gold Cup that he’s the US third best center mid after McKennie and Adams. Could (and maybe should) start at the 8 when Adams starts at the 6, and I also think we’ll see him as one of the two starting midfielders if the US plays a back three in this window. He brings a lot of positional flexibility to the table because he frequently fills in for the US at outside back, although I’d never expect him to start there. In addition to being a great midfield destroyer who covers a ton of ground, he’s ridiculously underrated in terms of progressive passing with both feet, ball progression with the dribble, and service on set pieces. Watch what a monster he was against Mexico in the Gold Cup Final and remember he did this in a game where the US C-team was supposed to be overrun by Mexico’s A-team whose midfielders start for PSV, Ajax, and Atletico Madrid.
3. Gianluca Busio – Venezia – Italian Serie A
Had some very good moments in the Gold Cup in some difficult games, which was pretty remarkable for a guy his age. Sounds like his first Serie A start went well this weekend. I think his passing his best attribute. Needs to get better in tight spots and stronger physically, but even over the course of the Gold Cup he started to show some good signs in those areas. I’m a lot more excited at his potential than I was going into that tournament… and I was pretty excited then, too.
4. Jackson Yueill – San Jose Earthquakes – MLS
Role diminished as the Gold Cup went on but I wouldn’t be shocked if he played the 6 in some qualifiers if needed.
Guys listed at other positions that could factor in: James Sands, Eryk Williamson
Guys further down the depth chart: Johnny Cardoso (Brazil) – definitely on Berhalter’s radar – he mentioned that he would have called him in for the Gold Cup but didn’t want him and have him lose playing time for his club, Leon Flach (MLS), Owen Otasowie (Belgium)
Right Back
1. Sergiño Dest – Barcelona – Spanish La Liga
2. DeAndre Yedlin – Galatasaray – Turkish Super Lig
3. Shaq Moore – Tenerife – Spanish 2nd division
Had a great Gold Cup, somewhat unexpectedly, and showed that he’s probably interchangeable with Yedlin and Cannon.
4. Reggie Cannon – Boavista – Portugal Primeira Liga
Lost his starting spot in the Gold Cup to Shaq Moore because of injury and then couldn’t get it back from him. Hasn’t gotten playing time for Boavista since the Gold Cup, probably because he’s on the verge of a transfer? Still interchangeable with Yedlin and Moore and might be Berhalter’s top pick of the three when they’re all healthy and playing.
5. Julian Araujo – Los Angeles Galaxy – MLS
Turned down a Gold Cup invite because he wasn’t ready to be cap-tied, or else that presumably would’ve been him out there instead of Shaq Moore. Has had a great season in MLS according to observers and could potentially catch or surpass Cannon, Moore, and Yedlin as he continues to develop… maybe even this cycle. Kinda seems like his heart is with the US, but Mexico has a much less-crowded depth chart at right back, and I’m sure he has a strong connection with each country.
6. Joe Scally – Borussia Monchengladbach – German Bundesliga
7. Bryan Reynolds – Roma – Italian Serie A
Unused sub in recent Roma games but got some playing time in Serie A last year. Nice to have a guy his age on a team that big and not need to worry about whether or not he pans out. He’s looked promising when he’s played for the US.
Guys listed at other positions that could factor in: Tyler Adams, Kellyn Acosta, Weston McKennie
Guys further down the depth chart: Aaron Herrera (MLS), Kyle Duncan (MLS)
Left Back
1. Antonee Robinson – Fulham – EFL Championship (English 2nd division)
Probably the best primary LB the US has ever had at the club level. Had a good season last year in the EPL. Scored in the Carabou Cup last week and also was EFL team of the week if I’m remembering right. Wouldn’t have minded seeing him moving to an EPL side in this window.
2. Sam Vines – Royal Antwerp – Belgian 1st Division
Had a great Gold Cup and showed that you can count on him defensively if needed in a qualifier. Pretty much cemented himself as the #2 LB in my eyes, but I think Berhalter wants to let him get settled in at his new club.
3. George Bello – Atlanta United – MLS
Backed up Vines for most of the Gold Cup but showed in the final that he can do the job against CONCACAF competition – even when that competition is Tecatito Corona. Probably the #3 option at LB, but he’s a reliable option which allows Vines to stay in Europe with his new club this window.
Guys listed at other positions that could factor in: Sergiño Dest, Joe Scally, Kellyn Acosta
Guys further down the depth chart: Kevin Paredes (MLS) – I’ve mostly seen him in highlights but his game reminds me a lot of Antonee Robinson… Berhalter mentioned him before the Gold Cup as a guy that he’d love to call up in the future because he likes his game, Jonathan Gomez (USL) – Mexican-American dual national with lots of potential and hype
Center Back
1. John Brooks – Wolfsburg – German Bundesliga
2. Miles Robinson – Atlanta United – MLS
Gregg Berhalter and I both thought that he should’ve been named Player of the Tournament for the Gold Cup. The dude absolutely balled out. Goals don’t matter much for a CB, but he scored twice including the tournament winner (okay, I guess that one mattered a ton). More importantly, for the future at least, he was fantastic in every other facet of the game. His passing was more outstanding than I expected, even with his off foot. He showed the ability to break lines with the dribble when necessary and then find a teammate’s feet. His defense was even better than his offense – he put out fires all over the field and he usually shut down whoever he was marking. His speed and dribbling ability make him the perfect compliment for Brooks (a contain-first CB who hits a great diagonal ball, but not a guy who’s great at using his speed to cover for others or break lines with the dribble when needed).
3. Mark McKenzie – Genk – Belgian 1st Division
Pretty shaky Nations League Final but obviously a young guy who should keep improving.
4. Walker Zimmerman – Nashville – MLS
Looked great in the Gold Cup before he got hurt. Great target on set-pieces. Good distributor out of the back. Would be comfortable with him starting for us against any team in any situation.
5. James Sands – NYCFC – MLS
Showed in the Gold Cup that he’s a quality option and that he can play in a back 4. I think Berhalter likes the idea of having Sands at the center of a back 3, but then having him play as a defensive mid when the US is in possession (a strategy used during the Gold Cup before Zimmerman’s injury forced the US to switch to a back 4). I think we might see that during this window. Totally comfortable with him starting for the US in qualifying when needed.
6. Tim Ream – Fulham – EFL Championship (English 2nd division)
A starter and solid player in the EFL Championship so, even though lots of US fans don’t rate him, he should be fine against CONCACAF competition if you don’t put him in a bad match-up like Diego Lainez or Alberth Elis. I think Berhalter likes his leadership and the positional versatility he brings to the table. He’s gotten more run than Richards and Miazga but if the US had a must win game against Mexico tomorrow, I suspect one of those guys would get the start before Ream would.
7. Chris Richards – Bayern Munich – German Bundesliga
Had a great second half of the Bundesliga season once he joined Hoffenheim on loan and showed that he’s athletic and also technically gifted for a CB. It sounded like he would’ve played for the US in the Nations League if he’d been healthy. I’ve got him 7th on Berhalter’s CB depth chart because he wasn’t picked for this camp and didn’t play for the US this summer, but he’s one of the US’ 3 best CBs “on paper” and could rocket up the depth chart once he starts getting playing time again at the club level. That’s tough, though, for Bayern Munich so I’d love to see him loaned out or sold this window, even though things don’t seem to be trending in that direction. I think he’ll play for the US in October.
8. Matt Miazga – Alaves – Spanish La Liga
4th choice out of 4 CBs in the Nations League and not called in for this roster… but he’s starting in La Liga. I bet he’ll be involved in qualifying at some point.
Guys listed at other positions that could factor in: Owen Otasowie
Guys further down the depth chart: Cameron Carter-Vickers (EPL), Erick Palmer-Brown (EPL), Justin Che (MLS) – promising loan spell for Bayern Munich 2 last semester and he’s started 7 games in MLS… probably a guy to keep an eye on for the future but he trained with the US back in June, Aaron Long (MLS) – probably #2 on the CB depth chart when he got injured in May but now he faces a brutal climb up the depth chart if he’s going to get opportunities for the USMNT.
Goalkeeper
1. Matt Turner – New England Revolution – MLS
Statistically speaking, he’s the best shot-stopper in MLS history by a mile. He also came up absolutely huge in the Gold Cup. I think he’s earned the #1 spot for now.
2. Zack Steffen – Manchester City – EPL
Two (or more??) notable mistakes for the US and Manchester City in relatively limited playing time this year. I’d love to see him at a club where he would be a consistent starter.
3. Ethan Horvath – Nottingham Forest – EFL Championship (English 2nd Division)
Came up absolutely huge in the Nations League Final… honestly one of the US’ all-time great goalkeeping performances. If you also count his huge saves in the friendly against Switzerland and the shutout of Costa Rica, he’s had quite a year for the US. I’m kind of surprised that he’s battling for playing time at Nottingham Forest although observers have said he’s played well when he’s gotten to start.
Guys further down the depth chart: Brad Guzan (MLS), Bill Hamid (MLS), Sean Johnson (MLS)
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