So took my comments post-Mexico, and have revised a bit after last night's game:
Thoughts on US Roster/Formation at this point:
1. Weston McKennie needs to be in the six position. He had so much influence on the game last night from that spot in the middle of the field. Tie him in there with Adams at the 5 position and we have a great midfield threat.
2. A 4-3-3 is not the best formation for our current roster. I like our formation last night more than the 4-3-3. With the 4-3-3 we just lose some of our advantage in midfield. Now it might be better if Adams was in there for a full game, but I prefer us having 2 central midfielders. I really think going forward a 4-2-3-1 with McKennie and Adams in the middle of the park is our best option.
3. I love Tim Ream and all, what a great guy and love him being a leader, but if I ever see him isolated on a wing with quick strikers again I will throw a shoe at the tv. He can maybe play left central defender, but never ever as an outside defender again. Looked much better as a CD last night, albeit against a largely disinterested opponent.
4. This kind of relates to points 1-2, but we have to do a better job getting the ball to Pulisic and letting him create. He had a bad game last night, but a lot of that is on Berhalter for not devising an offensive plan that gets him the ball in dangerous positions.
5. Gio Reyna is going to be special. As he develops he will help Pulisic tremendously.
6. I think Jordan Siebatcheu needs to start at central forward. He and Dike are the players we need in that role right now. I like Sargent, but he just does not have an impact on the game like Siebatcheu. Reyna, Pulisic, McKennie, Adams, and Dest can all create, so we need a presence in the central position to take advantage of their creative opportunities. Really like him and Dike at the tip of a 4-2-3-1 spear.
7. Mark McKenzie is young and I think will be a good CD, but his footskills darn near did us in last night. I am not sure he is the right person for our current roster in that role. I am not sure who is, but might need to try out others. Looked much more confident on the ball against the Ticos. Made a very smart foul for a yellow and played really well last night.
8. Was great to see Yedlin back out there. He had a solid game, very strong defensively. Great to have him back as a solid option on the right side.
9. What to do at goal keeper? Horvath was great last night, what an awesome moment for him to save that pk. He is a good goalkeeper, but he has real issues playing out of the back with his feet. We are built for possession from the back so I don't think he can be the long term answer unless he gets much better with his feet. Steffan needs to go play this year, whether it be a signing or a loan, we must have him play regular minutes.
Really curious to see where Horvath and Steffen go this summer. Zach might feel pressure for playing time rather than sitting at #2 for City.
10. Lleget disappeared against stronger competition. I need to go back and rewatch the game, but I don't recall at any point last night him making a significant difference on the pitch. I don't think he can be in the starting Xi or even a critical sub for a WC contending team.
Was solid last night, but not spectacular. Lleget should be a depth guy but I don't see him as a long term starter.
11. Acosta is absolutely a key contributor for this squad now. So versatile and played well last night. I like him off the bench as a sub.
12. Wish we would have gotten to see more of Musah on the pitch. Hopefully he plays a lot on Wednesday v. Costa Rica.
He did and was fun to watch out there. He did have spells where he disappeared, but overall had a good game and was good in the attack.
13. Sure Starters every time the ball is rolled out in a meaningful game: Pulisic, Reyna, McKennie, Adams, Dest, Brooks, Yedlin (?). Based on our depth I would now add McKenzie to this list.
14. Spots available: Forward (Siebatcheu or Dike?), Left mid (Musah?), Central defender (?), keeper (hopefully Steffan, but he needs minutes, a lot of minutes).
Aaronson needs more minutes as well.
15. Nice bench depth: Aaronson, Cannon, Robinson, Acosta, Sargent, Weah, Lleget.
16. Not ready for prime time: McKenzie, Yuiell, Ream, Miazga (?)
Will Remove McKenzie from this list, was maybe too harsh on him for his mistakes v. Mex.
