USMNT: Top 3 wingers for 2022 World Cup qualifying

1 of 3

NASHVILLE, TN – JULY 03: United States midfielder Christian Pulisic (10) celebrates a second-half goal 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 wide options ahead of the looming 2022 World Cup qualifiers? Here are the top three candidates at the position at present.

One constant tactical element of Gregg Berhalter’s tenure as U.S. Men’s National Team head coach thus far has been the use of wingers. Either in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 shape, Berhalter has been keen to use high and wide wingers who are isolated against opposing full-backs and can drive in behind opposition defence with runs off the ball. It is a staple of the Berhalter offensive system. But who are the best wide options for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers?

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

Here are the top three candidates at the position.

TYCHY, POLAND – MAY 30: Tim Weah of the United States celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup group D match between USA and Qatar at Tychy Stadium on May 30, 2019, in Tychy, Poland. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) /

3. Tim Weah

Tim Weah might have only totalled three appearances and 84 minutes this season, but the young American attacker was once one of the brightest prospects in the entire talent pool. He developed at Paris Saint-Germain, and was highly regarded within their youth system, spent time on loan at Celtic in Scotland, before securing a €10 million move to Lille at just 19 years of age.

Weah has played across the front line. He has largely been pegged for a central role, but his blistering speed and ferocious dribbling ability might be better suited in a wide position, especially in Berhalter’s formation, where beating the opposing full-back with the ball is crucial to the offensive approach.

His senior experience is limited, though he did score three goals in 354 league minutes at Celtic last season, but Paul Arriola has limited upside, Tyler Boyd has been poor for the USMNT, and Jonathan Lewis is not starting regularly in MLS and is older. Nevertheless, if Weah can get and stay fit, he is deserving of the first substitute role at the very least.

Home/U.S. Soccer