USMNT: Prediting World Cup qualification XI

Full-Backs

The USMNT actually have a relatively promising crop of full-backs. Berhalter did experiment with the inverted right-back that Pep Guardiola made famous, but after realising his error, and that his players lacked the quality to execute such a tactically nuanced plan, he reverted to a more orthodox full-back approach.

The best two options at present are relatively clear. Reggie Cannon has been the best right-back for the U.S. under Berhalter, outperforming DeAndre Yedlin, who is now struggling for game time at Newcastle United while Cannon is an every-week starter for FC Dallas.

And on the left, one of the brightest young prospects in world football, Sergino Dest, who surprising selected to play for the USMNT over the Netherlands late last year. At just 19, he is emerging at Ajax, a team renowned for their player development. He is primarily a right-back, making all but three of his 36 appearances in all competitions on the right side. However, Berhalter has used him on the left before, and with only Antonee Robinson or an out-of-position Ream for competition, Dest wins the job.