Obviously MMA is pretty entrenched as the starting midfield, but the beginning of the domestic seasons are going to determine a lot of things. McKennie is a lock IMO, if Adams doesn't improve on last season, he may become expendable, but he will be playing in a familiar system in the toughest league in the world, so he should learn a lot. Hopefully Musah keeps getting consistent minutes with Valencia, I've been on record numerous times with my praise of his abilities.I wouldn't mind seeing de la Torre manage to steal a midfield spot from the MMA guys; at this point, Musah, McKennie, and Adams are Berhalter's favorites, so even if he outperforms them it may not be possible, but I think Luca brings a little bit extra bit of possession/class/awareness that Adams in particular lacks, but I understand that Tyler's defensive value may be too much of a comfort blanket for Greg to give up on.
Greg calls in squad for September friendlies (Japan and Saudi Arabia). Last chance to look at players before the World Cup.
GK - Matt Turner, Sean Johnson, Ethan Horvath
DF - DeAndre Yedlin, Walker Zimmerman, Aaron Long, Reggie Cannon, Sergino Dest, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Sam Vines, Chris Richards, Joe Scally
MF - Kellyn Acosta, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Yunus Musah, Luca de la Torre, Malik Tillman
FW - Christian Pulisic, Jordan Morris, Paul Arriola, Brenden Aaronson, Josh Sargent, Jesus Ferreira, Giovanni Reyna, Ricardo Pepi
I believe Zach Steffen, Miles Robinson, Jedi Robinson, and Timothy Weah are all injured right now. Miles is out, out. Not sure about the others.
Pefok?
It can't work, we need a striker, or someone that plays in a striker-type role. And as of right now, Reyna can't start. He needs full fitness. If he gets that consistently before November, we can revisit.Not invited. A few guys are injured and will be back so this isn't the final group for Qatar, but otherwise if you're not here, you're likely out.
GGG needs to figure out how to get Pulisic, McKennie, Reyna, Arronson, Adams and Musah all on the field at the same time. Maybe try CP and GR in front of Arronson at the top of a 4-4-2 diamond. McKennie and Musah can play CM with Adams behind.
I don't see how this isn't our best lineup, even though it's Hobbit sized.
I can imagine we could make it work, but not if the offense is going to continue down the wings with lots of crosses as it has. I still think we could try Musah at striker. Reyna is better as an attacking CM than a wing, but McKennie is there.It can't work, we need a striker, or someone that plays in a striker-type role. And as of right now, Reyna can't start. He needs full fitness. If he gets that consistently before November, we can revisit.
Musah as a striker? Are you sure you're not mixing him up with someone? He's a B2B mid/Outside mid, and has no goalscoring prowess. Weah maybe you were thinking of?I can imagine we could make it work, but not if the offense is going to continue down the wings with lots of crosses as it has. I still think we could try Musah at striker. Reyna is better as an attacking CM than a wing, but McKennie is there.
CCV and Richards out injured, Erik Palmer-Brown and Mark McKenzie in.Greg calls in squad for September friendlies (Japan and Saudi Arabia). Last chance to look at players before the World Cup.
GK - Matt Turner, Sean Johnson, Ethan Horvath
DF - DeAndre Yedlin, Walker Zimmerman, Aaron Long, Reggie Cannon, Sergino Dest, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Sam Vines, Chris Richards, Joe Scally
MF - Kellyn Acosta, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Yunus Musah, Luca de la Torre, Malik Tillman
FW - Christian Pulisic, Jordan Morris, Paul Arriola, Brenden Aaronson, Josh Sargent, Jesus Ferreira, Giovanni Reyna, Ricardo Pepi
I believe Zach Steffen, Miles Robinson, Jedi Robinson, and Timothy Weah are all injured right now. Miles is out, out. Not sure about the others.
Yeah, it was Weah I was thinking of.Musah as a striker? Are you sure you're not mixing him up with someone? He's a B2B mid/Outside mid, and has no goalscoring prowess. Weah maybe you were thinking of?
Well I agree with you then. I still think he is our best option to lead the line. But, GGG....Yeah, it was Weah I was thinking of.
Total domination. This team looks REALLY bad. They look like they are playing a man down. I don't want to overreact, but it's not like they've looked great previously. At some point you are what you are. Can't imagine they'll make any noise in Qatar. Not a single player stuck out in a good way. Zimmerman and Long look totally outmatched.