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USMNT: Best XI for 2020

By John Harbeck

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 6: Sergino Dest #18 of the United States moves with the ball during a game between Mexico and USMNT at MetLife Stadium on September 6, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/Getty Images).
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 6: Sergino Dest #18 of the United States moves with the ball during a game between Mexico and USMNT at MetLife Stadium on September 6, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/Getty Images). /
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USMNT, Tyler Adams
30 March 2019, Saxony, Leipzig: Soccer: Bundesliga, 27th matchday, RB Leipzig – Hertha BSC in the Red Bull Arena Leipzig. Leipzig’s player Tyler Adams on the ball. Photo: Jan Woitas/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa – IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the requirements of the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga or the DFB Deutscher Fußball-Bund, it is prohibited to use or have used photographs taken in the stadium and/or the match in the form of sequence images and/or video-like photo sequences. (Photo by Jan Woitas/picture alliance via Getty Images) /

Midfield

The formation that I’m choosing to use consists of two central midfielders, two wingers, and a central attacking midfielder. I’m choosing this for a number of reasons, but primarily because it offers some very interesting line-up choices that could be fun to mix and match with. Let us start with the two central midfielders.

Look, I realize what I’m about to say is going to upset a good number of people, but here it is, Michael Bradley is my choice to start as a number six. I hope I can convince those within the USMNT fanbase that believes Bradley is terrible that this is the correct call.

I select Bradley for two reasons. First is that Bradley’s primary point to damage his case to take the starting spot is a lack of mobility defensively. I get that, but those I am about to pair him with in the midfield should allow Bradley to focus on what makes him a special player.

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Bradley’s greatest asset is his wide range of passes, particularly the type that Berhalter needs his number six to play. At this stage of his career, he can’t charge up and down the field, but Berhalter won’t ask Bradley do to that. Instead, his role will be to sit in front of the back four and provide a metronomic outlet for the attack. I still believe that Bradley can also provide disruptive elements simply with his defensive positioning. Finally, there is no option with the way I’m going to set up this XI that I like more. Jackson Yueill very well might be good one day, but right now, he is not ready.

The reason I have so much confidence in Bradley’s ability to play that role is that my number eight is extremely dynamic and when healthy one of the better players in the Bundesliga. Tyler Adams is obviously who I’m talking about for this role as he can easily cover the ground that Bradley might not be able to.

Adams has an amazing ability to disrupt an opponent’s attack and is a very capable passer. Berhalter’s system dictates that the number eight is a box-to-box destroyer who can contribute to the attack without overextending to be caught out of position.

As the attacking midfielder, I like Weston McKennie. McKennie is a guy who can play all ten outfield positions without much trouble, but I like him at number ten. Without the hassle of ridged defensive responsibilities that come with a midfield position further back, in this role, McKennie is given license to push forward, create chances, and most crucially, break into the penalty area and score goals, something that is superb at. He is also a superb presser out of possession and will help provide a mobile, athletic element to the USMNT when defending high up the pitch.

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