Jurgen Klinsmann’s USMNT Christmas Wishlist

I am not sure if Santa Claus concerns himself with national soccer teams, but if he does, United States manager Jurgen Klinsmann has a lot to ask for.

2015 was a year of ups and (a lot of) downs for the USMNT, and saw many calling for Jurgen Klinsmann to be sacked, obviously to no avail. However, it is Christmas, and it is the time of giving and caring, so congratulations for keeping your job, Jurgen and here’s what you should have asked Santa for.

A left-back who isn’t Fabian Johnson 

Fabian Johnson is arguably the best player for the United States, and is also the best player to play right-back, left-back, and left wing, but he obviously cannot play everywhere. When the Borussia Monchengladbach man plays higher up for the Yanks, they perform well, which means Jurgen Klinsmann really needs a left back for Christmas.

Tim Ream has stepped in of late for the US, but questions still remain about his ability to defend quality attacking players due to his lack of pace and athletic ability. Klinsmann also has Timmy Chandler available, but he has battled injury and commitment issues during his time with the national team, not to mention his play has been sub-par at many times.Eric Lichaj and Greg Garza could also force their way into the picture if they can stay healthy. So, the best bet here for Jurgen, as much as he would hate it, would be to give a MLS player a shot.

Robbie Rogers had a great year for LA Galaxy, really coming into his own at left back for Bruce Arena. The converted winger has the attacking mindset to get forward, but has also developed a defensive skill set. Many have been clamoring for Rogers to get a call up, which could be in the January camp. If he impresses, Rogers may stake a place in the argument of the left full back position.

An actual number one goalkeeper 

Yes, the USMNT have two number one goalkeepers, but rotating the two cannot prove to be effective once the games become tougher. Klinsmann has to make a decision on whether Brad Guzan or Tim Howard will be the number one going forward, and time is ticking for the situation to sort itself out. A clear number one will need to be established early on in 2016 as the US gets deeper into World Cup Qualifying; consistency will be important for the development of the national team in 2016, and that starts with the goalkeeper.

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A striker to stay healthy and score goals 

The US struggles to score goals at times, and with Clint Dempsey’s future in question, it is important for Klinsmann to find a viable striker option for next year. Jozy Altidore can score goals in bunches, when he is playing well, but is very inconsistent. Bobby Wood has been on a tear for the national team in 2015 scoring against Germany and Holland, among others. The 23 year-old is arguably playing better than most of the other forwards in the national team pool and could play a big role in 2016. A potential wild card of the forwards would be Aron Johannsson. He made the move to Werder Bremen over the summer and has missed significant time with injury. If he can regain fitness and club form, he will be important to the national team in 2016.

An appearance in the 2016 Olympics 

The US U-23 team has a chance to qualify for the Rio Olympics in March when they play Colombia in a two legged playoff. Never mind the fact that qualification should have been achieved during the CONCACAF Qualifying, but there is a chance for the Yanks to be in the Olympic games. Colombia are widely regarded as one of the best in the world at this level, and it will be a challenge to qualify. However, the United States did beat Colombia over the summer in the U-20 World Cup round of 16, and many of those who will take part in the Olympic playoff were part of the U-20 squad.

A full strength USA squad would be difficult to beat as it would include the likes of Julian Green, DeAndre Yedlin, John Brooks, Luis Gil, Jordan Morris, etc. Clubs, however, are not obligated to release players for this event as it is youth sanctioned. If the US can call in some of the senior team players who are eligible, it would not be a surprise to see them qualify for the Olympics, but if they cannot, the U-20s such as Emerson Hyndman and Gedion Zelalem will be major pieces in the qualifying puzzle. An Olympic berth would be great for the development of the US, as they failed to qualify for London 2012, but it will certainly not be easy to get past Colombia.

Clearly Jurgen Klinsmann has a lot on the wishlist this Christmas, and 2016 has the chance to be a make or break year for his tenure with the national team. There are many questions with fewer answers about the identity of the US and the philosophy of the team under Klinsmann. These are just a few of the concerns he needs to address next year, and he will have the chance with the January camp next month.