USMNT: Top 3 centre-backs for 2022 World Cup qualifying

1 of 3

NASHVILLE, TN – JULY 03: United States defender Aaron Long (23) reacts to a call during the Gold Cup semifinal between Jamaica and the United States on July 3, 2019 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Gregg Berhalter is building a new era of the USMNT. But who are his best options at centre-backs ahead of the looming 2022 World Cup qualifiers? Here are the top three candidates at the position at present.

One of the positions that has suffered the most turmoil and turbulence under Gregg Berhalter is centre-back. The U.S. Men’s National Team head coach routinely shuffled through his pack with different starting pairs used throughout the year. That now leaves an extremely muddled picture at the position. There are many ways that Berhalter could go. Nevertheless, with the 2022 World Cup qualifiers looking at some stage in the distance, he must begin to find some clarity.

Listen to the latest episode of the MLS Multiplex podcast here! — What happens with COVID-19?

So, here are the top three centre-back options ahead of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

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) /

3. Miles Robinson

Miles Robinson broke out in 2019. That much is very clear. The number two SuperDraft pick was seeing his career slip beyond his grasp. He struggled to gain playing time at Atlanta United under Tata Martino, and, approaching his mid-20s, he needed to find a spot for himself at a senior team. Then everything changed. Frank de Boer entrusted the Atlanta defence to the 22-year-old.

Robinson was superb last season. He anchored Atlanta to one of the best defensive records in MLS, including a run of five clean sheets in succession and the joint-most clean sheets on the season. He was calm and composed, authoritative when pressing the ball, and superb in possession. His performances were so impressive that Atlanta allowed lost Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, Florentin Pogba, and Michael Parkhurst in the offseason and only signed Fernando Meza as a viable replacement.

Robinson’s USMNT performances were extremely encouraging, too. While many of his teammates looked flustered and uncertain, hesitant with every step, he was assured, confident, cool and collected. He rarely made a mistake and showed awareness beyond his years. Robinson is not a starting option just yet, but he might be the end of 2020.

Home/U.S. Soccer