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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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USMNT, DeAndre Yedlin
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: DeAndre Yedlin of Newcastle United (22) looks to pass the ball during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Newcastle United at The King Power Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images) /

Full-Backs

Right-Back – DeAndre Yedlin

After finally recovering from a groin injury that kept him out of action for months, DeAndre Yedlin is set to return to the USMNT on Friday night. He was crucial for Newcastle United this past weekend, helping the Magpies keep a clean sheet in their 1-0 win against Manchester United.

Yedlin should quickly become a crucial cog in the system for the Yanks. Berhalter loves having a right-back who pushes forward, which makes Yedlin the perfect man for the job. He still has a lot to improve on defensively, but his threat in attack makes playing him worth it. Cuba will likely park the bus and Yedlin’s overlapping ability will be key in breaking them down.

Left-Back – Tim Ream

Many fans might not personally like him, but Tim Ream is still the best-suited option for Berhalter’s captivating left-back-center-back hybrid role. Naturally, a central defender, Ream has the height and strength needed to cover inside while remaining a capable enough passer, so linking up play out wide is not too difficult. He is also left-footed, which obviously helps a lot.

Fulham may have been tragic in the Premier League last season, but they’ve bounced back well in the Championship. And Ream is a big reason why. He has featured in all but one league game this year, leading a backline that has only conceded ten goals in eleven games. Ream may not be an elite defender, but he’s more than capable to represent the U.S. once again.

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