2018 International Duty

I think CR has a very good starting 11 and drops off after that. I think CR also played a very poorly assembled US team led by an overly confident demagogue Manager. No way Wallace makes a properly constructed US team, and by that, the young European-based studs as central figures (that Arena conveniently left off the team not being his guys). Mata may make the team if we have a permanent opening on the physio table, but Altidore seems to have that spot locked up any time a meaningful tournament/match takes place.
Mata may also make the current USMNT due to our current bleh at LB. Additionally, Mata is a better LWB than LB, and Costa Rica utilizes wingbacks, which makes him more valuable to their formation than to NYCFC's IMO.
 
Regarding the US roster(s) for WC-related friendlies, this Matt Doyle article picking a roster for an alternate universe USMNT World Cup squad is a useful reference. You might not like his choices, but he lists just about every possible option.
Might not like? He’s totally horrid in several instances.

But yeah, your point is valid. I just hate his USMNT commentary. Anyone who can’t see the detrimental impact of Bradley and Altidore is basically an Arena nut duster IMO.
 
Ben Sweat and Sean Johnson make the considered but not selected options.
See?

Fuck off with any suggestion of Ben Sweat.

I could name 12 or 30 people that should be there before that half-assed trotting calamity.
 
Might not like? He’s totally horrid in several instances.

But yeah, your point is valid. I just hate his USMNT commentary. Anyone who can’t see the detrimental impact of Bradley and Altidore is basically an Arena nut duster IMO.

Doyle's MLS-heavy depth chart was ridiculous, but I'll gladly dust some nuts on that last part.

Bradley's anything but a detriment to the USMNT. It's precisely because he's a leader and a workhorse that he winds up shouldering the blame for the whole midfield every time some genius coach plays him at the tip of a midfield diamond or as a lone defensive midfielder who's also supposed to shoulder most of the creative duties. Then everybody goes and acts like it's some big mystery why he plays better for Toronto, because apparently after five years of Jürgen we collectively find the whole concept of positions mysterious. As for Altidore, it's not like we haven't surveyed the alternatives. Jozy's mediocre but he has a necessary skillset that no other striker in the player pool offers. What does your ideal USMNT XI look like?
 
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Haha, thanks for sharing.

I love the Amon shout by him. He has a bright future for the US. LB scares the shit out of me. Hopefully in 2022 we either have a competent LB or we can go 3-5-2 of Brooks, CCV, and Miazga or EPB with Yedlin playing a wing back and no idea who on the other side.

Antonee Robinson - 20-year-old who played well for Bolton this past year. He should have been on Doyle's squad instead of Vincent.
 
Doyle's MLS-heavy depth chart was ridiculous, but I'll gladly dust some nuts on that last part.

Bradley's anything but a detriment to the USMNT. It's precisely because he's a leader and a workhorse that he winds up shouldering the blame for the whole midfield every time some genius coach plays him at the tip of a midfield diamond or as a lone defensive midfielder who's also supposed to shoulder most of the creative duties. Then everybody goes and acts like it's some big mystery why he plays better for Toronto, because apparently after five years of Jürgen we collectively find the whole concept of positions mysterious. As for Altidore, it's not like we haven't surveyed the alternatives. Jozy's mediocre but he has a necessary skillset that no other striker in the player pool offers. What does your ideal USMNT XI look like?

Right now?
Gk (I would probably go with SJ on current form)
Miazga Brooks CB3 (several good shouts here)
Yedlin Adams McKennie Saief
Pulisic Wood Amon

I’d put any high work rate, decently technical and pacey striker over Altidore. Bradley doesn’t bring enough of anything to start over those two I have in the middle. They more than make up for any perceived deficit with a better work rate, better defending, and bigger balls.
 
Antonee Robinson - 20-year-old who played well for Bolton this past year. He should have been on Doyle's squad instead of Vincent.
I would consider Robinson at leftback and moving Saief up to the front three.

There’s also a good argument Novakovich does everything Jozy does and has better technical skills.

dummyrun dummyrun I may one day forgive those two Wannabe Canadians, but I’ll never forget. I would do everything in my power to never let them wear the crest again. That’s my bias, but I believe it’s supported by evidence. Even if you or others don’t, I’m totally okay with it and can’t be convinced otherwise.
 
Right now?
Gk (I would probably go with SJ on current form)
Miazga Brooks CB3 (several good shouts here)
Yedlin Adams McKennie Saief
Pulisic Wood Amon

I’d put any high work rate, decently technical and pacey striker over Altidore. Bradley doesn’t bring enough of anything to start over those two I have in the middle. They more than make up for any perceived deficit with a better work rate, better defending, and bigger balls.

I meant more of an "if we were going to Russia" lineup. I'm with you that Altidore wouldn't belong in a real world, 2022-focused USMNT team. But Bradley should still be part of the squad even if he doesn't have a full cycle left in him.
 
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Right now?
Gk (I would probably go with SJ on current form)
Miazga Brooks CB3 (several good shouts here)
Yedlin Adams McKennie Saief
Pulisic Wood Amon

I’d put any high work rate, decently technical and pacey striker over Altidore. Bradley doesn’t bring enough of anything to start over those two I have in the middle. They more than make up for any perceived deficit with a better work rate, better defending, and bigger balls.
Who do you bring (total 23, with 3 GK) to the WC 2018 (had the USMNT not fucked up).
 
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Why down vote ?

Berget lacks skills , can't dribble, receive and control the ball in space. A waste of 816K of salaary space. Nemec 2 is the wrong player to mix with Villa, Maxi and Morales these 3 players that have great touch and skills.
Great runs. Opens space. Contributed to multiple goals Saturday, when played in the right formation.