Regardless of a 2-0 win over a weak Azerbaijani staff, little was discovered and the U.S. gamers performed all the way down to the extent of its opponents. Brian Sciaretta shares his ideas on the Ship-Off Sequence opener.
BY
Brian Sciaretta
Posted
Could 28, 2014
11:00 AM
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1: This sport resembled a January pleasant in opposition to a CONCACAF opponent
It is unattainable to take an excessive amount of away from this sport as a result of it wass not like something the U.S. can be going through in Brazil. The truth is, the competitors extra carefully resembled the annual January pleasant the place the Individuals are collectively for a very long time earlier than the sport after which battle in opposition to a weak opponent. Usually, that is positive. However that is the World Cup staff and the event is simply weeks away.
Specifically, the primary half was robust to observe. Except for Alejandro Bedoya’s aggressiveness, the U.S. was all pulled into mediocrity and seemed misplaced from the run of play. Within the second half, the gamers step by step started to take management thanks partly to sturdy play from substitutes Brad Davis, Combine Diskerud, and Aron Johannsson.
It is easy for supporters to be disillusioned within the lackluster sport however it’s straightforward to see the staff taking part in higher in a extra open sport in opposition to higher opposition.
2: Jermaine Jones can play the pure defensive midfield position effectively
All through most of this cycle, Klinsmann has most popular the 4-2-3-1 formation with a pairing of Jermaine Jones and Michael Bradley in central midfield. In some respects, it was troublesome as a result of each gamers most popular to push ahead and their roles have been by no means utterly outlined. With the diamond midfield, Bradley is now the popular attacker due to a robust outing in opposition to Mexico in April. In that sport, Kyle Beckerman performed the defensive midfield place behind the diamond and did the gritty work that allowed Bradley to thrive. The query then grew to become whether or not or not Jones can be sufficiently disciplined to play that position.
Towards Azerbaijan, Jones performed the defensive midfield position effectively and sat in entrance of the defensive position. His passing was stable and he did what was requested of him within the position. Azerbaijan was a weak opponent and the sport didn’t provide a lot perception into the standing of the U.S. nationwide staff, however Jones was a standout and appears prepared to present Klinsmann what he wants from a tactical perspective in opposition to the robust competitors forward.
3: Brad Davis was the Man of the Match
It stunned many when Davis was named to the World Cup roster, however in opposition to Azerbaijan the Houston Dynamo midfielder confirmed the significance of an excellent left foot. His set piece supply was lethal correct and he was additionally good from the run of play. He accomplished a excessive proportion of his passes and practically earned a penalty at first of the second half.
Davis was a part of each objectives and helped give the U.S. staff an edge within the second half that gained the sport. Klinsmann likes Davis greater than many individuals notice and it wouldn’t be stunning to see him play important minutes in Brazil.
4: Timothy Chandler at left again has not improved a lot since 2011
There’s a case to be made about Fabian Johnson taking part in proper again. He performed the place for Hoffenheim since January and progressively improved. He’s naturally proper footed however his sturdy left foot has all the time made him a flexible choice.
The query then comes as to why convey proper backs Timothy Chandler and DeAndre Yedlin to Brazil if Johnson is the best again? Effectively, Chandler got here on within the second half to play left again rather than DaMarcus Beasley and seemed out of place. Chandler is true footed and his left foot is weak. He has by no means performed on the left aspect for Nurnberg and the one time he performed the place was with the nationwide staff in 2011. The state of affairs has not improved and Chandler seemed misplaced on the left once more.
Sooner or later, it looks like Klinsmann will revert to the seemingly apparent answer and put Johnson on the left the place he has expertise and transfer Chandler to the best the place he’s most helpful.
5: Altidore must be extra harmful
It most likely wasn’t a lot of a trigger for concern that Michael Bradley had an off sport since he has been taking part in very effectively for the nationwide the previous 12 months. For Altidore, nonetheless, the state of affairs is turning into extra of a priority as a result of he has been coming off a well-documented disappointing season for Sunderland. The hazard is that it might carry over to the nationwide staff.
Towards Azerbaijan, his hold-up play was efficient at occasions and he was concerned, collecting52 touches. He appeared prepared to float again into the midfield to assist create performs however he struggled to get something going near the objective. Chris Wondolowski didn’t capitalize on his possibilities however he was in good place to attain a number of occasions. Additionally, Aron Johannsson was in a position to step in and rating in his restricted minutes.
Altidore has all of the instruments to succeed at excessive ranges of worldwide soccer. If he’s on his sport, he generally is a lethal asset for the U.S. nationwide staff and one that might give the staff an opportunity to advance within the group. If he’s off his sport, nonetheless, the U.S. may have a uphill climb.
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Brian Sciaretta is an American Soccer Now columnist and an ASN 100 panelist. Comply with him on Twitter.
