Tough calls on the lineup, but I am operating under the theory that Altidore isn't available. I think the US needs creativity in the midfield, and the only player who can provide that is Diskerud. Put him in the #10 role and allow him to be a playmaker. Move Bradley to a more defensive role where the entire playmaking game isn't relying on him, because it might give him a confidence boost. Zusi is needed for his setpieces, and JJ has been superb so put him out left and keep Beckerman in the middle. Dempsey looks good when he gets touches, but he doesn't get many when he can't link up with the midfield. I was blown away by Omar, so I guess he needs to start, since Cameron cost us the game vs. Portugal, although I think Cameron is a better defender, Omar looked amazing against Germany the #2 ranked team in the world. If the US is leading then I think a great sub will again be Yedlin, and he can come in for Mix, pushing Bradley to the 10, Zusi to the left, and JJ to Dmid, and Yedlin will play right winger. He was solid defensively in both games, and he created several attacks with his speed. I could also see him being a great possibility to relive pressure if we are being marauded by constant attacks, because we can just blast the ball over the back line of Belgium if they are pressing and he can chase the ball down to waste time like he did against Portugal.
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Alex
almost 10 years
Tough calls on the lineup, but I am operating under the theory that Altidore isn't available. I think the US needs creativity in the midfield, and the only player who can provide that is Diskerud. Put him in the #10 role and allow him to be a playmaker. Move Bradley to a more defensive role where the entire playmaking game isn't relying on him, because it might give him a confidence boost. Zusi is needed for his setpieces, and JJ has been superb so put him out left and keep Beckerman in the middle. Dempsey looks good when he gets touches, but he doesn't get many when he can't link up with the midfield. I was blown away by Omar, so I guess he needs to start, since Cameron cost us the game vs. Portugal, although I think Cameron is a better defender, Omar looked amazing against Germany the #2 ranked team in the world. If the US is leading then I think a great sub will again be Yedlin, and he can come in for Mix, pushing Bradley to the 10, Zusi to the left, and JJ to Dmid, and Yedlin will play right winger. He was solid defensively in both games, and he created several attacks with his speed. I could also see him being a great possibility to relive pressure if we are being marauded by constant attacks, because we can just blast the ball over the back line of Belgium if they are pressing and he can chase the ball down to waste time like he did against Portugal.