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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