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.