By: Colin Reese
Unlike other national teams, the United States Men’s National Team under Jürgen Klinsmann has simply not systematically tested out the most talented players in the player pool at each position to determine who is in fact the best, and then the next step was never taken either, which is to then keep that player in the Starting XI, in order to move on to the next position that needed strengthening.
Obviously, players like Tim Howard, Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, and Landon Donovan were obvious choices to start, but after that, all of the other starting line-up spots were toss ups.
Now, the 2014 World Cup is almost upon us, and it isn’t clear who the best center backs or outside backs are, nor is it clear if Jermaine Jones is really the best defensive midfield partner for Michael Bradley. Furthermore, not enough has been done to correct the national team’s poor possession and passing by international standards, and it’s not clear if Jozy Altidore is the best striker – nor is it clear if the right players are being used around him to have him show his best form.
Lots of questions. Few answers.
World Soccer Source goes through the American player pool by position and list the top four options by position.
Next, World Soccer Source picks the Best USMNT Starting XI
Check out the rankings and Starting XI after the jump:
The USMNT Depth Chart (March 2014)
GOALKEEPERS:
1. Tim HOWARD
2. Brad GUZAN
3. Clint IRWIN
4. Nick RIMANDO
CENTER BACKS:
1. Geoff CAMERON
2. Michael OROZCO
3. Shane O’NEILL
4. Andrew FARRELL
RIGHT BACKS:
1. DeAndre YEDLIN
2. Geoff CAMERON
3. Andrew FARRELL
4. Kofi SARKODIE
LEFT BACKS:
1. Chris KLUTE
2. DeAndre YEDLIN
3. Geoff CAMERON
4. Fabian JOHNSON
DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDERS:
1. Michael BRADLEY
2. Geoff CAMERON
3. Jermaine JONES
4. Maurice EDU
CENTRAL MIDFIELDERS:
1. Michael BRADLEY
2. Benji JOYA
3. Geoff CAMERON
4. Jermaine JONES
ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS:
1. Clint DEMPSEY
2. Landon DONOVAN
3. Benny FEILHABER
4. Joe Benny CORONA
PLAYMAKERS:
1. Benny FEILHABER
2. Freddy ADU
3. Joe Benny CORONA
4. Mix DISKERUD
STRIKERS:
1. Juan AGUDELO
2. Jozy ALTIDORE
3. Aron JÓHANNSSON
4. Terrence BOYD
The Best USMNT XI
HOWARD; YEDLIN, OROZCO, CAMERON, KLUTE; BRADLEY; DONOVAN, FEILHABER, DEMPSEY; ALTIDORE, AGUDELO.