Below are video highlights From Jozy's last two games in an AZ Alkmaar kit, in league play against NEC and in Europa League play against Aaselund. He scores two goals in each. 5 goals in 5 games, three of which he was a substitute. His current strike rate is 2.07 goals every 90 minutes. There is no way that pace is sustainable, but he seems to have already pushed his way into the first team, and starting minutes in Europe are exactly what he needs to continue his develop.
Jozy's goals at 4:03 and 6:56. His feed also created the chance that led to the penalty and red card for NEC at 6:00.
Jozy's goals at 1:38 and 3:51
Friday, August 26, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
USA Player Ratings
U.S. player ratings vs. Mexico (scale of 1-10):
GK, Tim Howard, 5 - Although he did not officially register a save, he was quick to react on crosses and organized his defense well. Couldn't really do anything about that goal.
D, Steve Cherundolo, 5 - Looked a little out of form and rusty, which makes sense since he hasn't played since being injured in the Gold Cup Final. Lacked touch on his passes going forward. That said, he locked down his side of the field on defense, not an easy task against Mexico
D, Carlos Bocanegra, 6.5 - I have never been a big fan of Bocanegra's. He is solid, but sometimes slow to react or close down defenders. Not so on this night, he closed hard and tackled very well. He was the best defender we had on the field. A little bit more placement on his header and we would celebrating a victory.
D, Michael Orozco Fiscal, 5 - Was shaky at the beginning of the game and ceded possession too often, but his positioning was very good, and he won a lot of balls in the air for his apparent lack of size. Once he calmed down his distribution was better, but still nothing to write home about.
D, Edgar Castillo, 4 - He was playing against Barrera and didn't give away two goals, so that is about two goals better than Bornstein. He looked out of sorts and did get turned around sometimes, and his movement and distribution going forward were suspect at best. Still, the back four was much more disciplined than what we saw in the Gold Cup, and with two of them rejoining the team from long stints in pergatory (read: Bob Bradley's doghouse), I cannot complain too loudly.
M, Jermaine Jones, 4 - He was the worst of the three starting central mids, disappearing for large portions of the game, sporadic in possession, and should have gotten on the end of Donovan's cross in the opening minutes. When the ball is crossed from the right side, you use you left foot to volley it....
M, Kyle Beckerman, 6.5 - I am an unabashed RSL fan and you can accuse me of being a homer, but I told you so! Beckerman needs to increase his speed of play. There were times when his decision came just a half second too late and resulted in a turnover, but he looks for the simple, quick, and decisive pass and then executes. His tackling and positioning were superb and he is not a card magnet, unlike most defensive mids. Certainly deserves another call-up. He was better than all 3 European-based center mids who played alonside him (Jones, Bradley, and Clark)
M, Landon Donovan, 7 - Donovan always gives a little something extra against El Tri. He was obviously more effective in the second half in a more central role, which is where I have always wanted to see him anyway. His runs wreaked havoc in the last 30 minutes and if there were any justice in this world, then he would have won that PK.
M, Michael Bradley, 5 - Looked out of place in his attacking role. He drifted too far back and was not a creative force that he should be at the top of a triangular midfield. The one time he had a defender one-on-one he dribbled straight into him. Nevertheless he put in a good shift and his passing was better than it has been at times in the pass.
M, Jose Torres, 4.5 - If it were just the first half it would be a 4, if it were just the final 30 minutes it would be a 6. He is not a wing player and should never be deployed there again. His most comfortable position is inside, and that is where he was most effective and will be most effective going forward.
F, Edson Buddle, 3.5 - His work rate was fairly high and yes he suffered from lack of service, but he did not make himself available for good service either. Would Buddle have made the run all the way to the corner flag to stretch the field that led to the goal like Agudelo did? He had a full hour and didn't move creatively like that once.
Substitutions
F, Juan Agudelo, 6.5 - Agudelo may have problems holding the ball one or two touches too long, but his willingness to go at defenders and his high work rate really created confusion along the Mexico backline. His run to the cornerflag on the throw-in was creative and his first touch layoff to Shea was superb. Should have finished his opportunities better, but put in a great half hour of football. His ball to Rogers that should have resulted in a Torrado red card was inch-perfect.
M, Brek Shea, 7 -- I wanted to see Beckerman and Shea in this game to see how they fit in Klinsmann's system. I saw both and both excelled. Shea was a revelation. His pace and physicality gave El Tri fits, and he is the reason for Rogers' goal. He finally gives us a true winger on the left and I cannot wait to see the 21-year-old grow under Klinsmann's tutelage.
M, Robbie Rogers, 6.5 - Was it an easy finish? For sure. But being in the right place at the right time is at least two-thirds of what makes a great player. All Chicharito does is be in the right place at the right time and he's an international superstar (and his finishing, but still). He put in a great shift. His technical deficiencies didn't rear their head this game but his exceptional pace added to the dynamic US attack in the final twenty minutes of the game. His only touches prior to the goal were one-touch passes in a nice exchange in the middle of the field that exhibited that he may in fact have the touch needed to play a technical style.
M, Ricardo Clark, 3 - In 10 minutes of work he did nothing except squander two very promising opportunities near the Mexico penalty box with the chance to take the lead. His shot that was way over the cross bar when the US had numbers and he could have easily played Brek Shea through one-on-one with the keeper was rather inexcusible. Do I hold a grudge? Yes, so maybe this is just me still venting from the Ghana giveaway, but still, he only reinforced his lack of decision-making in my eyes.
As a side note, as much as Steve Davis or Neil Blackmon would tell you otherwise, Clark did not play the ball to Rogers that should have seen Torrado sent off, it was Juan Agudelo. Both are great writers, they just got that one detail wrong.
GK, Tim Howard, 5 - Although he did not officially register a save, he was quick to react on crosses and organized his defense well. Couldn't really do anything about that goal.
D, Steve Cherundolo, 5 - Looked a little out of form and rusty, which makes sense since he hasn't played since being injured in the Gold Cup Final. Lacked touch on his passes going forward. That said, he locked down his side of the field on defense, not an easy task against Mexico
D, Carlos Bocanegra, 6.5 - I have never been a big fan of Bocanegra's. He is solid, but sometimes slow to react or close down defenders. Not so on this night, he closed hard and tackled very well. He was the best defender we had on the field. A little bit more placement on his header and we would celebrating a victory.
D, Michael Orozco Fiscal, 5 - Was shaky at the beginning of the game and ceded possession too often, but his positioning was very good, and he won a lot of balls in the air for his apparent lack of size. Once he calmed down his distribution was better, but still nothing to write home about.
D, Edgar Castillo, 4 - He was playing against Barrera and didn't give away two goals, so that is about two goals better than Bornstein. He looked out of sorts and did get turned around sometimes, and his movement and distribution going forward were suspect at best. Still, the back four was much more disciplined than what we saw in the Gold Cup, and with two of them rejoining the team from long stints in pergatory (read: Bob Bradley's doghouse), I cannot complain too loudly.
M, Jermaine Jones, 4 - He was the worst of the three starting central mids, disappearing for large portions of the game, sporadic in possession, and should have gotten on the end of Donovan's cross in the opening minutes. When the ball is crossed from the right side, you use you left foot to volley it....
M, Kyle Beckerman, 6.5 - I am an unabashed RSL fan and you can accuse me of being a homer, but I told you so! Beckerman needs to increase his speed of play. There were times when his decision came just a half second too late and resulted in a turnover, but he looks for the simple, quick, and decisive pass and then executes. His tackling and positioning were superb and he is not a card magnet, unlike most defensive mids. Certainly deserves another call-up. He was better than all 3 European-based center mids who played alonside him (Jones, Bradley, and Clark)
M, Landon Donovan, 7 - Donovan always gives a little something extra against El Tri. He was obviously more effective in the second half in a more central role, which is where I have always wanted to see him anyway. His runs wreaked havoc in the last 30 minutes and if there were any justice in this world, then he would have won that PK.
M, Michael Bradley, 5 - Looked out of place in his attacking role. He drifted too far back and was not a creative force that he should be at the top of a triangular midfield. The one time he had a defender one-on-one he dribbled straight into him. Nevertheless he put in a good shift and his passing was better than it has been at times in the pass.
M, Jose Torres, 4.5 - If it were just the first half it would be a 4, if it were just the final 30 minutes it would be a 6. He is not a wing player and should never be deployed there again. His most comfortable position is inside, and that is where he was most effective and will be most effective going forward.
F, Edson Buddle, 3.5 - His work rate was fairly high and yes he suffered from lack of service, but he did not make himself available for good service either. Would Buddle have made the run all the way to the corner flag to stretch the field that led to the goal like Agudelo did? He had a full hour and didn't move creatively like that once.
Substitutions
F, Juan Agudelo, 6.5 - Agudelo may have problems holding the ball one or two touches too long, but his willingness to go at defenders and his high work rate really created confusion along the Mexico backline. His run to the cornerflag on the throw-in was creative and his first touch layoff to Shea was superb. Should have finished his opportunities better, but put in a great half hour of football. His ball to Rogers that should have resulted in a Torrado red card was inch-perfect.
M, Brek Shea, 7 -- I wanted to see Beckerman and Shea in this game to see how they fit in Klinsmann's system. I saw both and both excelled. Shea was a revelation. His pace and physicality gave El Tri fits, and he is the reason for Rogers' goal. He finally gives us a true winger on the left and I cannot wait to see the 21-year-old grow under Klinsmann's tutelage.
M, Robbie Rogers, 6.5 - Was it an easy finish? For sure. But being in the right place at the right time is at least two-thirds of what makes a great player. All Chicharito does is be in the right place at the right time and he's an international superstar (and his finishing, but still). He put in a great shift. His technical deficiencies didn't rear their head this game but his exceptional pace added to the dynamic US attack in the final twenty minutes of the game. His only touches prior to the goal were one-touch passes in a nice exchange in the middle of the field that exhibited that he may in fact have the touch needed to play a technical style.
M, Ricardo Clark, 3 - In 10 minutes of work he did nothing except squander two very promising opportunities near the Mexico penalty box with the chance to take the lead. His shot that was way over the cross bar when the US had numbers and he could have easily played Brek Shea through one-on-one with the keeper was rather inexcusible. Do I hold a grudge? Yes, so maybe this is just me still venting from the Ghana giveaway, but still, he only reinforced his lack of decision-making in my eyes.
As a side note, as much as Steve Davis or Neil Blackmon would tell you otherwise, Clark did not play the ball to Rogers that should have seen Torrado sent off, it was Juan Agudelo. Both are great writers, they just got that one detail wrong.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
My Starting XI for Mexico
Given the options that are available for today's game, this is how I would come out. If we are truly devoted to attacking soccer, I would utilize the 4-3-3 and drop the wings back to a 4-5-1 if things started to go poorly. Without further ado, the DSF proposed starting XI:
I believe Mexico's speed and ability on the wings would be neutralized by putting two speedy and in form players on the wings (Shea and Donovan), who would also be the main threat moving forward. In the back, due to Goodson's injury, Ream gets the start, but is flanked by vets Bocanegra and Cherundolo, who can help him with his positioning to give him valuable experience going forward. Dolo and Castillo at the fullback positions are both capable going forward and crossing the ball.
The midfield was harder to choose. Again, I think Beckerman's understanding and distribution allow him to become the central defensive starting mid. He is joined by Torres and Michael Bradley. Torres has something to prove and needs a shot to see if he can be the answer for us in the middle. Bradley excels as a box-to-box midfielder and that would be his role. Also, because his club future is unsettled, putting him in the starting lineup gives club teams a look at him and hopefully can boost his stock going forward. It was a tough choice for me between Bradley and Jones, but I would sub Jones in at the half for whatever midfielder looked least comfortable.
Up top, Shea and Donovan are joined by Freddy Adu, who plays in the false 9 position, free to drop into midfield to collect the ball and distribute it to his speedy wingers. Though not the physical presence that they necessarily need, he will have plenty of help by his two supporting midfielders and wingers. Mexico isn't particularly big or physically imposing anyway, so his lack of size will not be a large deficiency.
As subs, and since it's a friendly, I would have Jones ready to go in case any of the midfield struggles. Pearce and Loyd should also get a shot to see what they have to bring at the fullback positions. Agudelo can sub on in any of the forward positions, and Beasley would come on for Shea probably in about the 60th minute to bring fresh legs and speed to the attack. If freddy is struggling or we think we need a more classic center forward should we drop into more of a 4-5-1, Buddle can replace him. I think the starting lineup I proposed allows us to see if these players can fit in the system Klinsmann wants to implement, and shows that he is serious about change, two things that I believe are important moving forward for the development of the USMNT and increasing support from the fans.
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I believe Mexico's speed and ability on the wings would be neutralized by putting two speedy and in form players on the wings (Shea and Donovan), who would also be the main threat moving forward. In the back, due to Goodson's injury, Ream gets the start, but is flanked by vets Bocanegra and Cherundolo, who can help him with his positioning to give him valuable experience going forward. Dolo and Castillo at the fullback positions are both capable going forward and crossing the ball.
The midfield was harder to choose. Again, I think Beckerman's understanding and distribution allow him to become the central defensive starting mid. He is joined by Torres and Michael Bradley. Torres has something to prove and needs a shot to see if he can be the answer for us in the middle. Bradley excels as a box-to-box midfielder and that would be his role. Also, because his club future is unsettled, putting him in the starting lineup gives club teams a look at him and hopefully can boost his stock going forward. It was a tough choice for me between Bradley and Jones, but I would sub Jones in at the half for whatever midfielder looked least comfortable.
Up top, Shea and Donovan are joined by Freddy Adu, who plays in the false 9 position, free to drop into midfield to collect the ball and distribute it to his speedy wingers. Though not the physical presence that they necessarily need, he will have plenty of help by his two supporting midfielders and wingers. Mexico isn't particularly big or physically imposing anyway, so his lack of size will not be a large deficiency.
As subs, and since it's a friendly, I would have Jones ready to go in case any of the midfield struggles. Pearce and Loyd should also get a shot to see what they have to bring at the fullback positions. Agudelo can sub on in any of the forward positions, and Beasley would come on for Shea probably in about the 60th minute to bring fresh legs and speed to the attack. If freddy is struggling or we think we need a more classic center forward should we drop into more of a 4-5-1, Buddle can replace him. I think the starting lineup I proposed allows us to see if these players can fit in the system Klinsmann wants to implement, and shows that he is serious about change, two things that I believe are important moving forward for the development of the USMNT and increasing support from the fans.
Don't forget to subscribe or follow me on twitter @dailysportsfix8
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
The USMNT version of the 4-3-3
One of the questions that have been greatly discussed since Jurgen Klinsmann took over is if we have the personnel, from a player standpoint, to play the attacking style that he wants to play. The 4-3-3 is the epitome of technical possession-based attacking play similar to what Klinsmann has been describing. As such is the case, and with the little information we have available about the new USMNT coach and staff, here would be my projections for what kind of lineup we might see:
Klinsmann's call-ups for the Mexico game seem to place a premium on two things: speed and technical ability. Beasley, Shea, and especially the late inclusion of Rogers seems to suggest that he wants whoever is playing on the left wing to be extremely fast. That Rogers made the team over some other midfielders (Benny Feilhaber in particular), seems to suggest that Klinsmann wants speed in his midfield (I know the conspiracy theory about them playing together with the Orange County Blue Stars, but I don't think that that is why he is on the team). He also included a glut of holding mids in Beckerman, Bradley, Jones, Edu, and Torres. And expect to see Holden added to that list when he is healthy.
All in all, if the 4-3-3 is implemented, I would expect to see speed on the wings (Shea, Donovan, Beasley, Dempsey, Bedoya, etc.), and lots of holding mids in the center of the field. Fullbacks (Lichaj, Chandler, Cherundolo, Castillo, Pearce, Loyd, etc.) need to also be pacey and have the ability to get forward. I don't see Bocanegra playing at LB anymore, he is an offensive liability, and I don't see Klinsmann playing a purely defensive fullback. The number of holding mids that he called in against Mexico leads me to believe that in the even that we do play a 4-3-3, all three mids would be of this mold. Holden is (when healthy) our best midfielder and would definitely be included in the lineup. Torres is most comfortable as a deep-lying playmaker and his technical ability would fit well in this style in any of these midfield positions. Jones, Bradley, and Edu all have distribution issues (as well as Clark, I still refuse to list him in any future projections of the USMNT, maybe someday I will be able to forgive, but not yet), and I honestly think the best option would be Kyle Beckerman. I live in Utah and maybe this is just me being a homer, but I think playing him as the defensive mid behind Torres and Holden would be a combination that could actually keep possession of the ball. RSL plays a possession-based game, one of the only teams in MLS who does, and Beckerman does a phenomenal job of linking play and organizing the midfield. He may not be the destroyer that Jones is and doesn't quite have the motor of Bradley, but his technical ability in tight spaces and composure on the ball is better than either of them, and that would be at a premium in this formation. Other options here are Dempsey, Bedoya, Diskerud, and Donovan.
Up top you put Altidore in the middle to generally wreak havoc with his physical tools, and speed on the wings. Brek Shea plays in a 4-3-3 with Dallas and is lethal from the left wing. He has been on amazing form, and I am hoping he gets a lot of minutes against Mexico to see if he is up to international quality. Donovan is at his best running at defenses, and the wing position would allow him to do this. Deuce led Fulham in scoring filling in out of position as a striker and was our most consistently dangerous player in the Gold Cup. Having him up there would put our best two players in front of the opposing goal, and hopefully get them touches in dangerous areas where they can create and finish.
Orozco's callup and Ream's inclusion in front of other players such as Omar Gonzalez might be telling that Klinsmann truly does want his defenders to be able to possess the ball. It is too bad that Goodson's injury came so late because it would have been good to see who Klinsmann would have replaced him with. I think Ream will become a fixture despite his questionable marking on set pieces and sometimes suspect positioning. His distribution is important to JK, and I think that Klinsmann is banking on his defensive deficiencies improving with added experience before the 2014 World Cup. On the outside, the RB position looks set with Cherundolo for the present and Chandler for the future, although Nuremberg seems to be giving the USMNT a little bit of a runaround with his availability. He should be in the squad for the Costa Rica friendlies according to Steven Goff's piece. I have Lichaj and Castillo in for now at the LB position. Lichaj really raised his stock for the Gold Cup, and if his position in the Aston Villa starting XI were secure I think we'd be seeing him again against Mexico. He is right-footed, but that never stopped Phillip Lahm. Castillo needs to get some playing time, but his inclusion in Klinsmann's first roster only bodes well for his future with the team.
Klinsmann's call-ups for the Mexico game seem to place a premium on two things: speed and technical ability. Beasley, Shea, and especially the late inclusion of Rogers seems to suggest that he wants whoever is playing on the left wing to be extremely fast. That Rogers made the team over some other midfielders (Benny Feilhaber in particular), seems to suggest that Klinsmann wants speed in his midfield (I know the conspiracy theory about them playing together with the Orange County Blue Stars, but I don't think that that is why he is on the team). He also included a glut of holding mids in Beckerman, Bradley, Jones, Edu, and Torres. And expect to see Holden added to that list when he is healthy.
All in all, if the 4-3-3 is implemented, I would expect to see speed on the wings (Shea, Donovan, Beasley, Dempsey, Bedoya, etc.), and lots of holding mids in the center of the field. Fullbacks (Lichaj, Chandler, Cherundolo, Castillo, Pearce, Loyd, etc.) need to also be pacey and have the ability to get forward. I don't see Bocanegra playing at LB anymore, he is an offensive liability, and I don't see Klinsmann playing a purely defensive fullback. The number of holding mids that he called in against Mexico leads me to believe that in the even that we do play a 4-3-3, all three mids would be of this mold. Holden is (when healthy) our best midfielder and would definitely be included in the lineup. Torres is most comfortable as a deep-lying playmaker and his technical ability would fit well in this style in any of these midfield positions. Jones, Bradley, and Edu all have distribution issues (as well as Clark, I still refuse to list him in any future projections of the USMNT, maybe someday I will be able to forgive, but not yet), and I honestly think the best option would be Kyle Beckerman. I live in Utah and maybe this is just me being a homer, but I think playing him as the defensive mid behind Torres and Holden would be a combination that could actually keep possession of the ball. RSL plays a possession-based game, one of the only teams in MLS who does, and Beckerman does a phenomenal job of linking play and organizing the midfield. He may not be the destroyer that Jones is and doesn't quite have the motor of Bradley, but his technical ability in tight spaces and composure on the ball is better than either of them, and that would be at a premium in this formation. Other options here are Dempsey, Bedoya, Diskerud, and Donovan.
Up top you put Altidore in the middle to generally wreak havoc with his physical tools, and speed on the wings. Brek Shea plays in a 4-3-3 with Dallas and is lethal from the left wing. He has been on amazing form, and I am hoping he gets a lot of minutes against Mexico to see if he is up to international quality. Donovan is at his best running at defenses, and the wing position would allow him to do this. Deuce led Fulham in scoring filling in out of position as a striker and was our most consistently dangerous player in the Gold Cup. Having him up there would put our best two players in front of the opposing goal, and hopefully get them touches in dangerous areas where they can create and finish.
Orozco's callup and Ream's inclusion in front of other players such as Omar Gonzalez might be telling that Klinsmann truly does want his defenders to be able to possess the ball. It is too bad that Goodson's injury came so late because it would have been good to see who Klinsmann would have replaced him with. I think Ream will become a fixture despite his questionable marking on set pieces and sometimes suspect positioning. His distribution is important to JK, and I think that Klinsmann is banking on his defensive deficiencies improving with added experience before the 2014 World Cup. On the outside, the RB position looks set with Cherundolo for the present and Chandler for the future, although Nuremberg seems to be giving the USMNT a little bit of a runaround with his availability. He should be in the squad for the Costa Rica friendlies according to Steven Goff's piece. I have Lichaj and Castillo in for now at the LB position. Lichaj really raised his stock for the Gold Cup, and if his position in the Aston Villa starting XI were secure I think we'd be seeing him again against Mexico. He is right-footed, but that never stopped Phillip Lahm. Castillo needs to get some playing time, but his inclusion in Klinsmann's first roster only bodes well for his future with the team.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Congratulations to Jozy on his first goal in an AZ Alkmaar kit
First league game for AZ Alkmaar against PSV Eindhoven. AZ ended last season 4th, one spot and ten points behind PSV. Looks like the tables may have turned. Jozy came on as a sub in the 65' and put in the insurance goal of the 3-1 victory in the 80th minute. Good work off the ball and good awareness. Great first appearance for his new club, and hopefully he will be able to crack the first XI soon. Also, gotta love the Born in the USA :)
Friday, August 5, 2011
USMNT Tactics - Formations - The 4-3-3
This is the last installment in my series covering the basic formations that we could see the USMNT play (for now). The 4-3-3 is very in vogue as an attacking formation, it employs two center backs flanked by fullbacks or outsider backs. The midfield is typically composed of a holding mid who plays behind two centrally located midfielders. On the top of the pitch is a center forward flanked by two wing forwards. In general, the formation looks a little something like this:
The 4-3-3, as stated above, is an attack-minded formation. The basic premise is that the more players you can get up the pitch and into the opponent's attacking third, the more dangerous you become and the more you force your opponent to play defensive and reactive football. It is a proactive system that requires precise passing, great awareness, and a reliance and trust in your teammates.
Defensive Tactics:
Defenders
The role of the back four is first and foremost to defend. Two center backs bear the bulk of the defensive responsibility by accounting for the other teams forwards, tackling hard, snuffing out fires, and playing physical in the air. The two fullbacks contain the other teams wingers or other attackers coming down the flanks. They can also support the center backs by moving inward.
Midfielders
The midfielders are all predominantly central midfielders and clog the center of the pitch to force play to the less dangerous wide positions. Holding mid has a greater defensive responsibility as he is typically located in the area near the opposing team's playmaker and must make life hard for him.
Forwards
Forwards have more defensive responsibility in the 4-3-3 than in either the 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 previously covered. Due to the advent of the attacking wingback, the outside forwards must track back in order to cover the advancing overlapping runs of their counterparts. They have responsibility for the outside portions of the pitch as the three midfielders typically are relied upon to clog the middle of the pitch. The center forward is called upon to pressure the center backs to try to force them into making errant passes or give away possession by playing low percentage long balls up the field.
Offensive Tactics:
Defenders
Because of the large amount of attacking players that are put out onto the pitch in the 4-3-3, it is vital to maintain possession. The center backs must not only be adept and hard-hosed defenders, but also be comfortable with the ball at their feet. Their outlet balls to the midfielders must be spot on and they also act as a pressure relief if things get too clogged in the midfield. The fullbacks are two-way players and their overlapping runs provide width to the attack. Because the three midfielders all occupy space in the center of the pitch, drawing opponents toward the center of the field to try to dispossess them, space on the wings is vacated for the fullbacks to move forward and launch crosses into the box or link with the midfielders and forwards.
Midfielders
The chief offensive role of the midfielders is to keep possession of the ball and link play between the defense and offense. Technical ability is paramount in the midfield. Playing all three midfielders centrally sometimes results in having to work the ball back and forth in tight places. Accuracy and speed of play in offensive touches is at a premium in the 4-3-3. If space does open up, they need to have the awareness to see and attack that space. Each midfeilder, but especially the two attacking mids, must become creative playmakers that can see the field, understand the opposition's formation, and unlock the deficiencies they find.
Forwards
Since three forwards are present, each has a flexibility that is not necessarily afforded to them in a 4-5-1 or 4-4-2. They can drop further into the midfield to collect the ball without ceding valuable space since the other two forwards can continue to stretch the field. Wing forwards can either making darting runs towards goal looking for through balls or runs to the outside of the field, stretching the defense wide to open gaps and looking for balls to the corner to result in a cross or 1-on-1 opportunity from the flanks. The center forward typically plays one of two roles. The first is to play in a "false 9" position, dropping back into the center of midfield to utilize the space between the defense and midfield to collect the ball and distribute to the wings or run at the central defenders. The second is to play as a physical frontman, winning balls, providing holdup play and distributing backwards to the attacking mids, and wreaking havoc with physical play in the box to win crosses provided by the outside fullbacks or wing forwards.
4-3-3 Pros
Attacking with a 4-3-3 can allow you to field as many as 8 attack-minded players in the same lineup and really take the game to the opposition. It creates natural passing triangles that give whomever is possessing the ball a wealth of options going forwarded and multiple options backwards if the forward options are closed down. Additionally, the attack can come from straight up the middle of the pitch through the midfield and to the center forward, inside-outside from the midfielders to attacking fullbacks or wingers, or outside-inside by wingers making diagonal runs. The attack can be creative, varied, and extremely dangerous, allowing exploitation of whatever weakness, tactically or technically, is present in the opposition.
4-3-3 Cons
Success is reliant on controlling possession, and if there are not enough technically gifted or intelligent players to fit into the team, then the results can be dire. Because the formation is so attack-minded, losing possession can result in deadly counterattacks. Moving so many players into attacking positions can leaves holes that can be exploited by a disciplined counterattacking team.
Made famous by:
Originally, Ajax. More recently, Barcelona. The Netherlands side became famous for their 4-3-3 and Total Football concept in the 70s. Johann Cruyff and his cohorts became famous for their attacking and creative play. Today's Barcelona side, arguably the greatest team of all time (and this was written halfway through the 2010-2011 campaign), has reinvented the 4-3-3, with Busquets, Xavi, and Iniesta forming one of the greatest midfields of all time behind consensus the consensus greatest player in the world Lionel Messi who plays in the false 9 position flanked by Pedro and David Villa. Alves and Abidal are model fullbacks who attack with pace, and, especially Alves, play an advanced role at least as often as they play defense. Pique and Puyol are a rare breed of supremely gifted technical players who are very comfortable in possession but also tackle hard and are defensively solid in technique and positioning. They have become the standard by which all other 4-3-3's, and all other teams, are measured.
The 4-3-3, as stated above, is an attack-minded formation. The basic premise is that the more players you can get up the pitch and into the opponent's attacking third, the more dangerous you become and the more you force your opponent to play defensive and reactive football. It is a proactive system that requires precise passing, great awareness, and a reliance and trust in your teammates.
Defensive Tactics:
Defenders
The role of the back four is first and foremost to defend. Two center backs bear the bulk of the defensive responsibility by accounting for the other teams forwards, tackling hard, snuffing out fires, and playing physical in the air. The two fullbacks contain the other teams wingers or other attackers coming down the flanks. They can also support the center backs by moving inward.
Midfielders
The midfielders are all predominantly central midfielders and clog the center of the pitch to force play to the less dangerous wide positions. Holding mid has a greater defensive responsibility as he is typically located in the area near the opposing team's playmaker and must make life hard for him.
Forwards
Forwards have more defensive responsibility in the 4-3-3 than in either the 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 previously covered. Due to the advent of the attacking wingback, the outside forwards must track back in order to cover the advancing overlapping runs of their counterparts. They have responsibility for the outside portions of the pitch as the three midfielders typically are relied upon to clog the middle of the pitch. The center forward is called upon to pressure the center backs to try to force them into making errant passes or give away possession by playing low percentage long balls up the field.
Offensive Tactics:
Defenders
Because of the large amount of attacking players that are put out onto the pitch in the 4-3-3, it is vital to maintain possession. The center backs must not only be adept and hard-hosed defenders, but also be comfortable with the ball at their feet. Their outlet balls to the midfielders must be spot on and they also act as a pressure relief if things get too clogged in the midfield. The fullbacks are two-way players and their overlapping runs provide width to the attack. Because the three midfielders all occupy space in the center of the pitch, drawing opponents toward the center of the field to try to dispossess them, space on the wings is vacated for the fullbacks to move forward and launch crosses into the box or link with the midfielders and forwards.
Midfielders
The chief offensive role of the midfielders is to keep possession of the ball and link play between the defense and offense. Technical ability is paramount in the midfield. Playing all three midfielders centrally sometimes results in having to work the ball back and forth in tight places. Accuracy and speed of play in offensive touches is at a premium in the 4-3-3. If space does open up, they need to have the awareness to see and attack that space. Each midfeilder, but especially the two attacking mids, must become creative playmakers that can see the field, understand the opposition's formation, and unlock the deficiencies they find.
Forwards
Since three forwards are present, each has a flexibility that is not necessarily afforded to them in a 4-5-1 or 4-4-2. They can drop further into the midfield to collect the ball without ceding valuable space since the other two forwards can continue to stretch the field. Wing forwards can either making darting runs towards goal looking for through balls or runs to the outside of the field, stretching the defense wide to open gaps and looking for balls to the corner to result in a cross or 1-on-1 opportunity from the flanks. The center forward typically plays one of two roles. The first is to play in a "false 9" position, dropping back into the center of midfield to utilize the space between the defense and midfield to collect the ball and distribute to the wings or run at the central defenders. The second is to play as a physical frontman, winning balls, providing holdup play and distributing backwards to the attacking mids, and wreaking havoc with physical play in the box to win crosses provided by the outside fullbacks or wing forwards.
4-3-3 Pros
Attacking with a 4-3-3 can allow you to field as many as 8 attack-minded players in the same lineup and really take the game to the opposition. It creates natural passing triangles that give whomever is possessing the ball a wealth of options going forwarded and multiple options backwards if the forward options are closed down. Additionally, the attack can come from straight up the middle of the pitch through the midfield and to the center forward, inside-outside from the midfielders to attacking fullbacks or wingers, or outside-inside by wingers making diagonal runs. The attack can be creative, varied, and extremely dangerous, allowing exploitation of whatever weakness, tactically or technically, is present in the opposition.
4-3-3 Cons
Success is reliant on controlling possession, and if there are not enough technically gifted or intelligent players to fit into the team, then the results can be dire. Because the formation is so attack-minded, losing possession can result in deadly counterattacks. Moving so many players into attacking positions can leaves holes that can be exploited by a disciplined counterattacking team.
Made famous by:
Originally, Ajax. More recently, Barcelona. The Netherlands side became famous for their 4-3-3 and Total Football concept in the 70s. Johann Cruyff and his cohorts became famous for their attacking and creative play. Today's Barcelona side, arguably the greatest team of all time (and this was written halfway through the 2010-2011 campaign), has reinvented the 4-3-3, with Busquets, Xavi, and Iniesta forming one of the greatest midfields of all time behind consensus the consensus greatest player in the world Lionel Messi who plays in the false 9 position flanked by Pedro and David Villa. Alves and Abidal are model fullbacks who attack with pace, and, especially Alves, play an advanced role at least as often as they play defense. Pique and Puyol are a rare breed of supremely gifted technical players who are very comfortable in possession but also tackle hard and are defensively solid in technique and positioning. They have become the standard by which all other 4-3-3's, and all other teams, are measured.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Josh Gatt: the future at right wing for the USMNT?
Josh Gatt has been getting a lot of press recently. His manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the former Manchester United player and former manager of Manchester United's reserves, recently advised Sir Alex Ferguson that he should bring in Josh and also U.S.'s Sean Cunningham for a trial at Man U? What does he see in the young right winger? If a picture is worth a thousand words, how much are two videos of Josh Gatt's two goals in his first two games for his new club worth?
Two nutmegs for his first goal and then breaks a defender's ankles for his second. Great to see a young U.S. player who goes at the defense from the wing with speed like this.
Two nutmegs for his first goal and then breaks a defender's ankles for his second. Great to see a young U.S. player who goes at the defense from the wing with speed like this.
Analysis of callups for the Mexico Team
So here is Klinsmann's team:
GK - GK - Howard, Hamid
Howard will get the start, Hamid is an interesting choice, he is only 20, goalie of the future perhaps?
DF-Bocanegra, Castillo, Chandler, Cherundolo, Goodson, Orozco Fiscal, Pearce, Ream
Boca and Dolo are the vets. Great to see Chandler in there, as stated earlier he is the RB of the future. At LB we have Castillo and Pearce. Ream and Goodson will be in the middle. I could see Boca playing the first half and being replaced by Ream in the second. Orozco Fiscal was nowhere near my radar, it will be interesting to see if he sees the field. He should play as a CB, even though he is only 5'11", he is very technically capable.
MF- Beckerman, Bradley, Clark, Edu, Jones, Shea, Torres
This was a bit of a head scratcher for me. Beckerman, Bradley, Clark, Edu, and Jones all occupy the same position on the field. Would have thought at least one of those guys would not be on this roster. Beckerman is probably in the running for best MLS defensive midfielder with Shalrie Joseph. Bradley needs to impress to improve his club situation. I have never forgiven Clark for what he did in the Ghana game...and I never will. Interesting inclusion of Edu, I thought he might get a rest after his match yesterday and with the club season coming up. Jones is German...nuff said. The surprise is the omission of Bedoya and Diskerud and Feilhaber, who would add more flexibility to the lineup than the stable of 5 D mids seen here. My guess (and hope) is we'll see both Diskerud and Bedoya called in for the Belgium friendly since they are European based and in the middle of their seasons. Feilhaber's exclusion does not bode well for his future with the USMNT, this is exactly the sort of game where he should be getting a look if he is in Klinsmann's plans.
I love the inclusion of Shea and Torres. Torres has the technical ability that has been lacking in the middle of the field and Shea could really be a difference maker on the left side.
F- Adu, Agudelo, Beasley, Buddle, Donovan
Five forwards called up? Landon Donovan listed as a forward? DaMarcus Beasley returns from exile? This makes me believe we might actually see the 4-4-2 or even possible a 4-3-3. I speculated yesterday that JK might bring LD in as a forward...just sayin'. Good to see Buddle in there, but he is not going to be an answer going forward for 2014 so I hope the other guys get more of the playing time. Beasley is a surprise to me too, but his speed and technical ability were keys to our run back in 2002. It has been a while since we have seen the same creativity he once had, but I haven't been following him since his fall from grace with BB. Adu and Agudelo are young and technically skilled, no surprise to see their names here, and I hope they get to see plenty of time on the field during the game.
Jurgen Klinsmann presumably laughing at my attempts to understand
what he's trying to do
Overall Impressions:
Not a huge shakeup, although every noteworthy Latin player except Herc Gomez got the call up. Fiscal's inclusion is one I don't think very many people saw coming. The inclusion of 5 forwards seems to suggest that a 4-5-1 is unlikely, especially considering Landon Donovan's inclusion in the list of forwards. I am excited to see if Klinsi will reveal anything about his tactics in the coming days...
GK - GK - Howard, Hamid
Howard will get the start, Hamid is an interesting choice, he is only 20, goalie of the future perhaps?
DF-Bocanegra, Castillo, Chandler, Cherundolo, Goodson, Orozco Fiscal, Pearce, Ream
Boca and Dolo are the vets. Great to see Chandler in there, as stated earlier he is the RB of the future. At LB we have Castillo and Pearce. Ream and Goodson will be in the middle. I could see Boca playing the first half and being replaced by Ream in the second. Orozco Fiscal was nowhere near my radar, it will be interesting to see if he sees the field. He should play as a CB, even though he is only 5'11", he is very technically capable.
MF- Beckerman, Bradley, Clark, Edu, Jones, Shea, Torres
This was a bit of a head scratcher for me. Beckerman, Bradley, Clark, Edu, and Jones all occupy the same position on the field. Would have thought at least one of those guys would not be on this roster. Beckerman is probably in the running for best MLS defensive midfielder with Shalrie Joseph. Bradley needs to impress to improve his club situation. I have never forgiven Clark for what he did in the Ghana game...and I never will. Interesting inclusion of Edu, I thought he might get a rest after his match yesterday and with the club season coming up. Jones is German...nuff said. The surprise is the omission of Bedoya and Diskerud and Feilhaber, who would add more flexibility to the lineup than the stable of 5 D mids seen here. My guess (and hope) is we'll see both Diskerud and Bedoya called in for the Belgium friendly since they are European based and in the middle of their seasons. Feilhaber's exclusion does not bode well for his future with the USMNT, this is exactly the sort of game where he should be getting a look if he is in Klinsmann's plans.
I love the inclusion of Shea and Torres. Torres has the technical ability that has been lacking in the middle of the field and Shea could really be a difference maker on the left side.
F- Adu, Agudelo, Beasley, Buddle, Donovan
Five forwards called up? Landon Donovan listed as a forward? DaMarcus Beasley returns from exile? This makes me believe we might actually see the 4-4-2 or even possible a 4-3-3. I speculated yesterday that JK might bring LD in as a forward...just sayin'. Good to see Buddle in there, but he is not going to be an answer going forward for 2014 so I hope the other guys get more of the playing time. Beasley is a surprise to me too, but his speed and technical ability were keys to our run back in 2002. It has been a while since we have seen the same creativity he once had, but I haven't been following him since his fall from grace with BB. Adu and Agudelo are young and technically skilled, no surprise to see their names here, and I hope they get to see plenty of time on the field during the game.
Jurgen Klinsmann presumably laughing at my attempts to understandwhat he's trying to do
Overall Impressions:
Not a huge shakeup, although every noteworthy Latin player except Herc Gomez got the call up. Fiscal's inclusion is one I don't think very many people saw coming. The inclusion of 5 forwards seems to suggest that a 4-5-1 is unlikely, especially considering Landon Donovan's inclusion in the list of forwards. I am excited to see if Klinsi will reveal anything about his tactics in the coming days...
Today's Callups
Klinsmann will announce his callups for the Mexico Friendly today, supposedly at 1 pm ET. My guess is that for the friendly, Klinsmann will stick to the 4-5-1. Tactical change usually comes via slow evolution. I know I am going to be way off on these prognostications, but if I were to hazard a guess, this is who I think might be announced today:
GK - Tim Howard, Marcus Hahnemann, Nick Rimando
DF - Gonzalez, Goodson, Bocanegra, Convey, Pearce, Franklin, Ream (EDIT: CHANDLER IS IN ACCORDING TO THIS LINK)
It would be bad form not to have the old captain in there, so Bocanegra still gets the call. Goodson, I have it on good authority (a.k.a. Twitter) got the call and is going. Gonzalez adds the Latin flair Klinsmann seems to indicate he wants and Ream has the technical ability he covets. Gonzo has been injured, though, so he could be replaced by Marshall. Chandler and Dolo are the right backs of the future and present, but they are both in Europe, so expect to see them called up for the friendly against Belgium, but I doubt we'll see them here. Could be wrong though, Chandler is a real possibility. Convey and Pearce fill the LB position (Lichaj has a slight injury), and Franklin is on the right. Demerit is also on the mend or he'd be in here. (Edit: it appears Klinsmann's German sway has already yielded dividends, the link above is to Nuremburg's main newspaper and indicates that he got the callup)
MF - Donovan, Shea, Adu, Bradley, Bedoya, Diskerud, Feilhaber, Torres, Jones
Deuce and Edu are left off the list because of UEFA competitions. Holden just started training with Bolton again. Adu has free time while sorting out his club problems, as does Michael Bradley. Bedoya and Diskerud are in form, Feilhaber, Donovan, and Shea are in the US. Jones cuz he's German :) and Torres because he is in Mexico and I have a hunch that JK likes his game. There is a slight possibility of seeing Beckerman, who is in form and US based, replace Jones or Bradley.
FW - Agudelo, Bunbury, Gomez
Agudelo is the trifecta: Latin, technically skilled, and young. Bunbury and Gomez are local, though you could see Buddle, Wondo or Pontius here too. Could see Davies here too, but I don't think that happens, Pontius has been more valuable to DC than Davies, and Davies really is still getting back from his injury woes. Altidore is getting his feet wet with his new club and needs the practice time with them to make the first team. Klinsi understands that his getting his club career back on the right track is the most important thing right now.
GK - Tim Howard, Marcus Hahnemann, Nick Rimando
DF - Gonzalez, Goodson, Bocanegra, Convey, Pearce, Franklin, Ream (EDIT: CHANDLER IS IN ACCORDING TO THIS LINK)
It would be bad form not to have the old captain in there, so Bocanegra still gets the call. Goodson, I have it on good authority (a.k.a. Twitter) got the call and is going. Gonzalez adds the Latin flair Klinsmann seems to indicate he wants and Ream has the technical ability he covets. Gonzo has been injured, though, so he could be replaced by Marshall. Chandler and Dolo are the right backs of the future and present, but they are both in Europe, so expect to see them called up for the friendly against Belgium, but I doubt we'll see them here. Could be wrong though, Chandler is a real possibility. Convey and Pearce fill the LB position (Lichaj has a slight injury), and Franklin is on the right. Demerit is also on the mend or he'd be in here. (Edit: it appears Klinsmann's German sway has already yielded dividends, the link above is to Nuremburg's main newspaper and indicates that he got the callup)
MF - Donovan, Shea, Adu, Bradley, Bedoya, Diskerud, Feilhaber, Torres, Jones
Deuce and Edu are left off the list because of UEFA competitions. Holden just started training with Bolton again. Adu has free time while sorting out his club problems, as does Michael Bradley. Bedoya and Diskerud are in form, Feilhaber, Donovan, and Shea are in the US. Jones cuz he's German :) and Torres because he is in Mexico and I have a hunch that JK likes his game. There is a slight possibility of seeing Beckerman, who is in form and US based, replace Jones or Bradley.
FW - Agudelo, Bunbury, Gomez
Agudelo is the trifecta: Latin, technically skilled, and young. Bunbury and Gomez are local, though you could see Buddle, Wondo or Pontius here too. Could see Davies here too, but I don't think that happens, Pontius has been more valuable to DC than Davies, and Davies really is still getting back from his injury woes. Altidore is getting his feet wet with his new club and needs the practice time with them to make the first team. Klinsi understands that his getting his club career back on the right track is the most important thing right now.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
The USMNT version of the diamond 4-4-2
So Jurgen (notice no e or umlaut, as requested) will announce his call-ups for the Mexico friendly today (Edit: 1:19 ET ussoccer just tweeted that the roster announcement will be delayed until tomorrow), but until he does that, I'd like to continue my discussion of possible formations. I went on hiatus for a while since the USMNT was also on hiatus, but mostly because things got very busy at work. Until he does unveil his roster, it seemed pertinent to continue my series, especially since Jurgen's formation of choice for much of the 2006 World Cup was the diamond. His appointment and the changes that could come as a result may change a lot of the names here. For instance, this is the version I put together assuming Bob Bradley was the coach:
Now this might be a little bit of a stretch, but it is very easy to see this change into something way different with JK in at coach, something more like this:
As you can see, the only starters between the two formations that would be the same would be Holden in the CAM role, Altidore as one of the strikers (and this is assuming his form picks up at AZ Alkmaar, he could easily be replaced if that doesn't become true), and Donovan on the right (but this could change too, see the discussion below). JK places an emphasis on technical ability, ability to play attacking link-up soccer, youth, and diversity (read: more Latinos). This is the reason Marshall replaces Goodson in the back (We tend to think of Goodson as up-and-coming since he is pretty new to the USMNT starting lineup, but don't forget he is already 29, and he is a grand total of 4 days younger than Gooch), and Gonzalez gets the nod over Bocanegra. Both are more technically gifted, and if Ream can continue to improve he could push for a starting position.
If Timmy Chandler continues his upward trend he seems to be the RB of the future. Lichaj could be a right-footed LB, as he showed very well in the Gold Cup (remember, Klinsi coached Lahm with Die Mannschaft and Bayern Munich, and Lahm is a very adept right-footed LB when employed there), but I get the feeling if Castillo can get playing time he could take over at LB. Same thing for Torres, who seems like exactly the type of player that would fit well in the middle of the pitch, either at the DMF or CAM role. Holden takes the other of those two roles in my proposed starting lineup. Bradley, Jones, Edu, or even Kyle Beckerman could also get a shot at the DMF role.
Outside mid and forward is where things might get interesting. Brek Shea has had a breakthrough season in Dallas, more than making up for the injury to 2010 MLS MVP David Ferreira. If the season ended today, he's have a great case for MVP. His speed from the left wing is scary for defenses, and even though his debut with the USMNT was pretty bad, as long as he keeps his head in the game, his assortment of hairstyles, including the blonde mohawk might become as popular as the Mathis mohawk was circa 2002 (this is not meant to be a curse for his form).
Where JK will put Landon Donovan is probably my favorite question. LD is most dangerous running at people, in the 2002 WC he was a forward and one of the best young players of the tournament. Since then he has played more of a withdrawn role or winger role, but remember that JK brought him on at Bayern Munich as a forward (his four goals in a Bayern kit can be seen here, starting at the 2:43 mark). I think he would be best as a right mid, making incisive runs and creating off of passes from the Holden/Torres duo in the middle, but don't be surprised to see him employed periodically as a withdrawn forward in the "false 9" position. He could even slide over into the CAM slot where I currently have Holden, since Holden may prefer to play as a DMF anyway. This would push Torres to the right or bring in Bedoya or another technically adept midfielder such as Benny Feilhaber.
Up top, our unproven youth in Altidore, Agudelo, and Adu (as well as other young guns such as Corona, Salgado, Wood, etc.) will have to prove themselves to get playing time, but under the tutelage of a former world-class striker, one of these will hopefully breakthrough before the World Cup. Don't forget about Charlie Davies either, he will be in the mix if his form continues to improve. I put Deuce up top because I somehow believe that either he or Donovan will fill the void that exists at the forward position. If two of these other players' development leaps ahead of schedule, that leaves more options since Deuce and Donovan would both be available to fill the midfield ranks.
Going forward, we could see a lineup similar to this, which I would be very excited for for a lot of reasons. Almost every player in this lineup can attack, the midfield is technically gifted enough to possess the ball. Brek Shea on the left and Landon on the right are both adept at running at the defense, something we haven't seen as much of as I would like, and Altidore should get great experience at moving off the ball in the Netherlands, which would transition perfectly to his role in this formation. Both fullbacks have the ability to get forward and overlap on the wings, and the defenders won't just boot the ball upfield and treat possession cheaply. On defense we can clog the middle of the field and force the attack out wide, giving time for our midfielders to cover if the fullbacks get caught up the pitch. The possible weakness of the diamond (lack of technical ability) will be a main focus of JK's tenure, and space in the middle should be opened up on offense as Brek prefers to move outside to make runs off the ball. Overall, it could end up as a vast improvement for offensive football over what we have seen in the past without sacrificing very much defensively.
Now this might be a little bit of a stretch, but it is very easy to see this change into something way different with JK in at coach, something more like this:
As you can see, the only starters between the two formations that would be the same would be Holden in the CAM role, Altidore as one of the strikers (and this is assuming his form picks up at AZ Alkmaar, he could easily be replaced if that doesn't become true), and Donovan on the right (but this could change too, see the discussion below). JK places an emphasis on technical ability, ability to play attacking link-up soccer, youth, and diversity (read: more Latinos). This is the reason Marshall replaces Goodson in the back (We tend to think of Goodson as up-and-coming since he is pretty new to the USMNT starting lineup, but don't forget he is already 29, and he is a grand total of 4 days younger than Gooch), and Gonzalez gets the nod over Bocanegra. Both are more technically gifted, and if Ream can continue to improve he could push for a starting position.If Timmy Chandler continues his upward trend he seems to be the RB of the future. Lichaj could be a right-footed LB, as he showed very well in the Gold Cup (remember, Klinsi coached Lahm with Die Mannschaft and Bayern Munich, and Lahm is a very adept right-footed LB when employed there), but I get the feeling if Castillo can get playing time he could take over at LB. Same thing for Torres, who seems like exactly the type of player that would fit well in the middle of the pitch, either at the DMF or CAM role. Holden takes the other of those two roles in my proposed starting lineup. Bradley, Jones, Edu, or even Kyle Beckerman could also get a shot at the DMF role.
Outside mid and forward is where things might get interesting. Brek Shea has had a breakthrough season in Dallas, more than making up for the injury to 2010 MLS MVP David Ferreira. If the season ended today, he's have a great case for MVP. His speed from the left wing is scary for defenses, and even though his debut with the USMNT was pretty bad, as long as he keeps his head in the game, his assortment of hairstyles, including the blonde mohawk might become as popular as the Mathis mohawk was circa 2002 (this is not meant to be a curse for his form).
Where JK will put Landon Donovan is probably my favorite question. LD is most dangerous running at people, in the 2002 WC he was a forward and one of the best young players of the tournament. Since then he has played more of a withdrawn role or winger role, but remember that JK brought him on at Bayern Munich as a forward (his four goals in a Bayern kit can be seen here, starting at the 2:43 mark). I think he would be best as a right mid, making incisive runs and creating off of passes from the Holden/Torres duo in the middle, but don't be surprised to see him employed periodically as a withdrawn forward in the "false 9" position. He could even slide over into the CAM slot where I currently have Holden, since Holden may prefer to play as a DMF anyway. This would push Torres to the right or bring in Bedoya or another technically adept midfielder such as Benny Feilhaber.
Up top, our unproven youth in Altidore, Agudelo, and Adu (as well as other young guns such as Corona, Salgado, Wood, etc.) will have to prove themselves to get playing time, but under the tutelage of a former world-class striker, one of these will hopefully breakthrough before the World Cup. Don't forget about Charlie Davies either, he will be in the mix if his form continues to improve. I put Deuce up top because I somehow believe that either he or Donovan will fill the void that exists at the forward position. If two of these other players' development leaps ahead of schedule, that leaves more options since Deuce and Donovan would both be available to fill the midfield ranks.
Going forward, we could see a lineup similar to this, which I would be very excited for for a lot of reasons. Almost every player in this lineup can attack, the midfield is technically gifted enough to possess the ball. Brek Shea on the left and Landon on the right are both adept at running at the defense, something we haven't seen as much of as I would like, and Altidore should get great experience at moving off the ball in the Netherlands, which would transition perfectly to his role in this formation. Both fullbacks have the ability to get forward and overlap on the wings, and the defenders won't just boot the ball upfield and treat possession cheaply. On defense we can clog the middle of the field and force the attack out wide, giving time for our midfielders to cover if the fullbacks get caught up the pitch. The possible weakness of the diamond (lack of technical ability) will be a main focus of JK's tenure, and space in the middle should be opened up on offense as Brek prefers to move outside to make runs off the ball. Overall, it could end up as a vast improvement for offensive football over what we have seen in the past without sacrificing very much defensively.
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