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USMNT Vs Cuba: The ideal starting XI for Gregg Berhalter

By Adnan Bašić

United States' head coach Gregg Berhalter (L) gives instructions to United States' foward Josh Sargent during the International Friendly football match between the United States and Uruguay at Busch Stadium, in St. Louis, Missouri on September 10, 2019. (Photo by Tim Vizer / AFP) (Photo credit should read TIM VIZER/AFP/Getty Images)
United States' head coach Gregg Berhalter (L) gives instructions to United States' foward Josh Sargent during the International Friendly football match between the United States and Uruguay at Busch Stadium, in St. Louis, Missouri on September 10, 2019. (Photo by Tim Vizer / AFP) (Photo credit should read TIM VIZER/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta United, Miles Robinson
ORLANDO, FL – AUGUST 23: Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson (12) during the MLS soccer match between the Orlando City SC and Atlanta United on August 23, 2019 at Explorer Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Center-Backs

Center-Back – Miles Robinson

Miles Robinson has been one of the best defenders in all of MLS this past season and he should be rewarded for his stellar performance with a start versus Cuba. He was a late addition to the USMNT, only coming in for Walker Zimmerman after the LAFC defender picked up an injury and had to leave the camp. However, Berhalter should use this twist of fate to his advantage and give Robinson a chance to prove himself on Friday night.

He has been immense for Atlanta United this season and has really grown under Five Stripes coach Frank de Boer. At 22 years of age, featuring in a relatively low-pressure contest will do a world of good for Robinson as he attempts to make the jump up from the youth level to the United States first team.

Center-Back – Aaron Long

The biggest compliment to Aaron Long’s talent is the fact that he really should be playing in Europe instead of MLS. Everyone thought Long would be making the move abroad this past summer, but the New York Red Bulls refused to sell him, demanding an unrealistically high transfer fee. To his credit, Long has not let this saga get to him and simply put his head down and got back to work.

He has since helped New York secure a spot in the MLS postseason, keeping his place in the heart of the USMNT defense as a result. Berhalter is clearly a fan of Long, who’s physical presence at the back and in the air makes him stand out amongst others at the position. He has not done much wrong as of late, which is all you can really ask of an American center-back.

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