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

By Andrew Dowdeswell

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)
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) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 21: D.C. United Ola Kamara and New York Red Bulls midfielder Aaron Long (33) fight for possession in the second half at Audi Field August 21, 2019 in Washington, DC. Kamara scored the only goal for D.C. United in the 2-1 loss. (Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 21: D.C. United Ola Kamara and New York Red Bulls midfielder Aaron Long (33) fight for possession in the second half at Audi Field August 21, 2019 in Washington, DC. Kamara scored the only goal for D.C. United in the 2-1 loss. (Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /

2. Aaron Long

The most consistent performer for both club and country in recent years is Aaron Long, who’s surge up the USMNT centre-back pecking order is a testament to his superb form and consistency throughout the recent period.

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Long had made only two appearances of the USMNT before 2019. He then played 14 matches across 2019, scoring three goals in the process. He was the ever-present figure in the heart of the defence and Berhalter is clearly an admirer of his distribution and defensive work.

Long was named the MLS Defender of the Year in 2018, his partnership with Tim Parker anchoring a historically great New York Red Bulls defence. Domestically, his form slipped a little in 2019, although the Red Bulls were not the same outfit, especially with Tyler Adams departing in the offseason.

The 27-year-old is also the ideal age for the upcoming World Cup cycle. With or without a European move, although the latter would be ideal for his development, he should be in the prime of his career and at the peak of his powers.

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