Who Should Start for the USMNT Against Mexico?
By Cody Maggard
Jurgen Klinsmann has cut down the roster to 23 ahead of Saturday’s CONCACAF Cup match against Mexico. There were a few surprising omissions, including Mix Diskerud, Omar Gonzalez, John Brooks, and Aron Johannsson.
With a veteran heavy roster, the US will be relying on familiar faces to get the job done and qualify for the Confederations Cup.
A very likely starting XI would look like:
Brad Guzan (GK)
Fabian Johnson (RB); Geoff Cameron (CB); Matt Besler (CB); DaMarcus Beasley (LB)
Jermaine Jones (CDM)
DeAndre Yedlin (RM) Michael Bradley (CAM) Gyasi Zardes (LM)
Clint Dempsey (Forward); Jozy Altidore (Forward)
In this usual 4-4-2 diamond, the real questions lie in defense. Without Brooks and Gonzalez, the usual number one choices in central defense, Klinsmann will likely rely on Stoke City defender Geoff Cameron to play with Matt Besler. The Cameron/Besler duo worked well in the World Cup for the US, and both have been in good form for their respective clubs lately. However, it also wouldn’t come as a shock for Ventura Alvarado to get the start at center back, Klinsmann has been high on the Club America defender the whole year, but on a stage this big, he needs to go with proven defenders who can handle the pressure.
Jermaine Jones return from hernia surgery could be one of the deciding factors for the US. Jones was arguably the best player on the field for the Americans in Brazil, and his return to the midfield will provide another element in possession and defense that has lacked so far this year. With Jones playing a holding role, he can use his strength and vision to spring the US into a quick counter or make a vital defensive play.
DeAndre Yedlin and Gyasi Zardes on the wings give the US a speed dynamic that has been seen throughout the year for the national team. Yedlin has begun to get consistent minutes with Sunderland and Zardes has grown into his own with LA Galaxy. Both players have pace, obviously, but their ability to take defenders one-on-one and create chances going forward give the US an edge on the wings.
Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, and Jozy Altidore are the core of the attack. Bradley, in the number 10 role, has shown both world class talent and questionable decision making at times, but he still provides the US with creativity going forward on his best days. Clint Dempsey had the best Gold Cup of any US player, netting 7 goals, and will look to continue his goalscoring form for the national team. Altidore, meanwhile, is coming off a horrendous Gold Cup where he was sent home before the knockout stage, but tallied two goals in the September friendly against Peru.
This is one of the most important USA/Mexico games since the 2002 World Cup in the eyes of many, and if the US cannot pull out the victory, don’t be surprised to see Jurgen Klinsmann on an even hotter seat than before.
The USMNT vs Mexico game will kickoff on Saturday at 6:30 pm pacific time and will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1.