Where Should Darlington Nagbe Play for the USMNT?

What’s Darlington Nagbe’s best position for the United States Men’s National Team? Is there really only one?

Darlington Nagbe thrived this past season in Major League Soccer as a central midfielder, but his skill-set and qualities allow him to be a game-changer in multiple positions. Nagbe played his best when he was able to get lots of touches on the ball with lots of freedom to move. Whether he plays as a box-to-box midfielder or as some sort of forward, Nagbe just needs freedom to play the game as he sees fit. Even as an outside forward or wing in a 4-3-3, he could drop into the midfield to recover possession and collect the ball. Starting Nagbe either as a midfielder or forward is more important that ensuring that he is started in the Number 8 role.

Michael Bradley is certainly a more defensive player than Nagbe, so having Bradley in the lineup frees Nagbe up to be more offensive while still being able to contribute defensively.

A 4-3-3 formation would suit the United States well, and Nagbe’s qualities make him suited to play in the midfield or in the attack. If Clint Dempsey and Fabian Johnson are playing in the Front Three with Jozy Altidore or some other striker, then this makes the midfield the best spot for Nagbe. If Mix Diskerud (or some other attacking midfielder) and a defensive midfielder are lining up with Bradley in the midfield then one of the outside forward spots is best for Nagbe. These outside forward spots are positions that afford plenty of freedom of movement, and of course Lionel Messi and Neymar play these positions for Barcelona where they drop into the midfield all the time.

Nagbe is most influential when he is heavily involved in the game, and Jürgen Klinsmann would be wise to make him a starter for the United States. Formations and tactics are certainly important, but special attacking players have always been given plenty of freedom.

All Nagbe needs is plenty of touches, and the United States needs him involved in the attack whether as a midfielder or a forward. Nagbe is also the logical choice to play Dempsey’s role when Dempsey isn’t playing, so Nagbe will have to work on his finishing to score as much as Dempsey.

For right now, a Front Six with  Diskerud, Bradley, and Nagbe, behind Johnson, Altidore,  and Dempsey seems as good as any, so it’s not hard to see Nagbe fitting into the lineup of a full-strength United States.

Although Nagbe did play as a Number 8 for the Portland Timbers, it’s easy to see how Nagbe is more of an offensive midfielder when compared to Michael Bradley or even the young Kellyn Acosta. Nagbe is much more of a complete player than just someone that needs to play the same role for the national team as his club team to succeed.

Whether he is more of a central midfielder or a forward, Nagbe can be a reference point and game-changing player for the United States.