World Cup Qualifiers Preview: USMNT vs El Salvador, Canada, Honduras

The Importance of the “MMA” Midfield.

Fitness and form is a big issue, but so is making sure the best players are out there. These are extremely crucial matches for the USMNT, and we all expect (and HOPE!!!) Berhalter to unleash the talented MMA midfield trio of Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah and Tyler Adams. This midfield lineup has proven to be dangerous for opposing sides because the three have shown to complement each other while also optimizing the attacking threat up top.

For example, the effectiveness of what Christian Pulisic can do for the team relies heavily on what the midfield can and cannot do.

Having the MMA midfield optimizes what Pulisic can do. With Adams as the holding midfielder, who relieves pressure in the midfield and someone who is able to clean up any mistakes made, Musah and McKennie can focus on what they do best; that is, their ability to progress the ball while keeping the ball safe from a sudden counter attack. This will allow Pulisic and the other players up top to be more effective in the attacking third.

Plus, you can never count out McKennie for scoring golazos. He comes to camp scoring two goals in his last two matches for Juventus and after becoming the youngest American to achieve 50 Serie A appearances.

You could argue the MMA midfield is miles better experienced than that of El Salvador, Canada and Honduras. This is where the USMNT need to take control of the tempo from start to finish and keep consistent pressure on the opposing side’s defense. They should look for opportunities to progressive the ball up and create scoring changes, and the best way to do that is by unleashing the MMA midfield for ALL three matches.

Yes, I said it. In fact, Berhalter agrees with me. Sort of… Okay, fine. It probably won’t happen. But he did say at his press conference that it is totally within the realm of possibilities.