USMNT Vs Cuba: The ideal starting XI for Gregg Berhalter

Front Three

Right Winger – Jordan Morris

He has somewhat cooled off ever since making a red-hot start to his MLS campaign this past year, but Jordan Morris still remains as one of the most exciting players to watch in the entire league. Morris is well known for his speed, which he’s only gotten better at utilizing as he matures as a player. Now knowing when and where to make runs into, Morris has become a consistent goalscoring threat for the Seattle Sounders. He adds a different dynamic to the U.S. team whenever he’s on the field, giving them the option to play quicker and more direct.

Morris has also worked on his finishing and is much more clinical than ever before. Some feared injuries would derail his promising career early on, but Morris has been able to put all that behind him and is now finally excelling on a regular basis.

Left Winger – Paul Arriola

The weakest area of the field for the U.S. at the moment, Paul Arriola gets into the team due to the fact that he’s the safest and most reliable option available. He’s been decent enough for D.C. United, scoring six goals this season, but Arriola does more than the stat sheet can ever show. A tireless worker on and off the ball, Berhalter can have faith that he will track back and support the defense when need be.

With Pulisic erred towards the same side, Arriola will have to play smart, covering up any gaps left behind when Pulisic surges forward. Arriola is no slouch in the final third either. He has scored some absolute gems over the course of his career. But more importantly, he will do whatever job is asked of him, which is why Arriola has gained the trust of Berhalter and U.S. fans alike.

Striker – Josh Sargent

The one spot on the field that has been confirmed by Berhalter, Josh Sargent will be leading the line for the U.S. after Jozy Altidore pulled out of camp with an injury. The Toronto FC forward came off hurt in their latest game against the Columbus Crew, and even though it’s likely a minor knock, there is no reason to risk things with the MLS playoffs only a few weeks away.

That left the door wide open for Sargent to get the nod and build upon his increasingly promising career. After not featuring for the United States at either youth or first-team level this past summer, Sargent got to enjoy an extended preseason with Weder Bremen, which has really helped his standing at the club. He is getting more minutes on the field as has already registered a goal and an assist in Bundesliga play.

Sargent is still only 19, so he’ll hopefully gain some more vital international experience on Friday night. Sargent will start, but if that means that Gyasi Zardes starts against Canada, Berhalter is making a serious error.