Looking Ahead: Who Should Start for the USMNT in WCQ Against Mexico?

Looking ahead to November 11th, which players and MLSers should feature in the Starting XI for the USMNT’s World Cup Qualifying game against Mexico.

The USMNT recently finished their latest friendly matches against Cuba and New Zealand where they came away with a 2-0 win in the first game and a 1-1 draw in the second. Manager, Jurgen Klinsmann, gave more youth players a chance as he wanted to get a closer look at fringe players ahead of World Cup Qualifiers later this year. Plenty of players impressed but the real question is who should be in the Starting XI for the all important match against Mexico? And how many MLSers?

First off, no one can predict injuries but hopefully everyone stays healthy so Klinsmann can pick the players he wants. Seattle Sounders‘ forward, Clint Dempsey, is continuing his recovery from a heart problem and he won’t return to MLS action this season. It would be safe to say that he won’t be ready for international play either. It will be interesting to see if Gyasi Zardes is healthy enough for the game but it is unclear at this time.

USA vs Mexico will take place on November 11th, 2016 at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio where the USMNT have won four straight 2-0 results over El Tri. It will be important for the U.S. to get off to a strong start in the CONCACAF hexagonal. Julian Green was probably the most impressive player over the friendlies as he scored twice but I have excluded him from the Starting XI because he doesn’t have a lot of international of club play recently and I don’t see that changing.

The team should have a strong influence of Major League Soccer players. I have five in my Starting XI.

GK: Tim Howard (Colorado Rapids)

Tim Howard is without a doubt the USMNT’s number one keeper. Even though Brad Guzan is a close number two, Howard receives regular playing time, he is in great form, and he has the most experience. Youngster, Ethan Horvath, made strides in the team’s recent friendlies but he is too young for a game of this magnitude. Klinsmann needs a win and Howard should be the man between the posts even at 37-years of age.

LB: Fabian Johnson (Borussia Mönchengladbach)

As a makeshift left back, Johnson has been everything that U.S. fans and Jurgen could’ve hoped for. He is typically a left midfielder but due to the lack of depth and quality at left back for the USMNT, Fabian has filled that role. His ability to not only defend but also get forward, makes him a name stay in the Starting XI.

CB: John Brooks (Hertha BSC)

Brooks is a stalwart at the back and he has become the number one choice center back for Klinsmann. At only 23-year old, John has a long international career ahead of him manning the back line for the USA. Also at 6’4, he is a big presence, literally and figuratively. There is no reason why he shouldn’t be starting.

CB: Geoff Cameron (Stoke City)

Cameron has played everywhere from center half to right back to defensive midfield. He is a versatile player but he has been best for the United States alongside John Brooks at the back. The pairing between them has worked out great for Jurgen and Cameron should be a first choice center back against Mexico.

RB: DeAndre Yedlin (Newcastle United)

The young and speedy right back has been Klinsmann’s star child and he is becoming not only a pacing attacking option but also a good defender in his own right. Yedlin used to be somewhat of a liability at the back but he has improved that part of his game. He will be the team’s right back in their Starting XI.

LM: Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund)

Young Pulisic has burst onto the scene as the best up-and-coming American internationals. Each time Christian steps onto the pitch he has fans everywhere from Germany to the United States excited. Even though he is only 18-years old and doesn’t have much international experience and a big game against Mexico could rattle his feverous but he isn’t your average teenager and Pulisic is ready for the big stage.

MID: Michael Bradley (Toronto FC)

Although Bradley was more of an attacking midfielder in his youth, he has now taken the role of a holding midfielder with his national team. While he still does get forward, he now plays more balls out of the back and links up with wide/attacking midfield players. Michael is a lock to be in the Starting XI.

MID: Sacha Kljestan (New York Red Bulls)

The 31-year old Kljestan has returned to the national team picture with a bang. He has burst onto the scene with his great play for both club and country as of late. He has been the most impressive attacking midfielder for the USMNT over the past few months and he should get the start against Mexico.

RM: Alejandro Bedoya (Philadelphia Union)

Although Bedoya missed the recent friendlies because of a minor injury, he is the choice down the right side. He does tend to play more central but he can play out wide while being able to track back and help on defense. He is a veteran presence for the team and I don’t see Julian Green or Darlington Nagbe taking the spot from him in the Starting XI.

ST: Bobby Wood (Hamburger SV)

This spot was previously occupied by the likes of Jordan Morris but with Wood’s great play over the last year or so, he has secured the starting forward spot next to Altidore. Their partnership has worked great on all levels and they also played great during the Copa America Centenario. I don’t see Klinsmann switching it up and going with Morris or Green here. Wood is the right option.

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ST: Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC)

Injuries have plagued Jozy’s career dating back to the hamstring injury that kept him out of the 2014 World Cup but now he is healthy and playing some of the best football of his career. With Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey (for now) out of the picture, Altidore is the veteran striker up top for Jurgen. The USMNT need him to be their target man against Mexico.