ASN: 4 Questions In regards to the U.S. U-20 World Cup Squad

Tab Ramos’ under-20 World Cup squad options loads of expertise, however is it the right combination? ASN’s Brian Sciaretta takes an in depth take a look at the workforce and raises a couple of issues two weeks earlier than New Zealand.

BY

Brian Sciaretta

Posted
Could 16, 2015
12:45 PM

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ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT Tab Ramos named Gedion Zelalem because the twenty first and ultimate member of his United States under-20 World Cup roster. The now-complete squad options a formidable assortment of pros at a number of positions—from Zack Steffen in purpose to defender Cameron Carter-Vickers to Rubio Rubin on the tip of the spear.

Till now, nevertheless, Ramos has by no means had his first-choice workforce collectively on the identical time. On condition that, listed below are a couple of questions because the workforce prepares for the event in New Zealand. 

HOW WILL ZELALEM FIT INTO THE MIDFIELD?
Zelalem, a promising prospect in Arsenal’s youth program, is a central midfielder who likes to create alternatives and assist in possession—which is nice. The issue? Emerson Hyndman at the moment performs that position for the U.S. U-20s.

Hyndman, who noticed fairly a little bit of first-team motion for Fulham in the course of the 2014-15 season, has extra skilled expertise than Zelalem and was the perfect American participant throughout World Cup qualifying earlier this yr.

Can these two play collectively or will one be relegated to the bench? Assuming {that a} defensive midfielder—most likely Russell Canouse, Marco Delgado, or Kellyn Acosta—will play in entrance of the defenders, Ramos would possibly need to think about a 4-3-3 formation in order that each Zelalem and Hyndman can play in central roles.

The issue is that the workforce has at all times seemed higher in a 4-4-2 and Ramos’ roster doesn’t function the form of central ahead wanted to play in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1.

It appears possible that Hyndman and Zelalem will function collectively in a 4-4-2—Ramos has indicated he prefers that formation—though how that may work stays unclear.

“I think the important part at this point is that we have our best guys on the field,” Ramos stated. “I think we have a pretty well-compensated roster with players that can make a difference from all kinds of positions, so that will be it. I think Gedion would certainly add to the group, but it won’t necessarily change the way we play. I think that he will fit right in with what we do.”

The opposite choice could be to bench both Hyndman or Zelalem, which appears unlikely. Hyndman is the workforce’s established engine and eradicating him from the Beginning XI two weeks earlier than the World Cup in favor of a participant who has by no means performed with the USA at any degree appears dangerous.

On the identical time, Zelalem is U.S. Soccer’s shiny new toy—somebody Klinsmann has been wanting to get into the workforce for an extended, very long time. In March, Klinsmann stated Zelalem was prepared to assist the complete nationwide workforce proper now.

So Ramos has to discover a technique to get Hyndman and Zelalem to play collectively and it isn’t going to be simple. Discovering the appropriate formation will likely be robust. Even when he does, will Zelalem and Hyndman have the required chemistry? What occurs in the event that they don’t?

DOES THE TEAM NEED A CENTER FORWARD?

When the U.S. U-20 workforce struggled at first of World Cup qualifying, the workforce was creating quite a few scoring possibilities however too usually did not ship in entrance of purpose. After the second recreation, Ramos switched from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2 and inserted six-foot-five goal ahead Ben Spencer up high. It made a world of distinction and the U.S. workforce received all of its remaining video games with Spencer scoring a number of objectives and proving troublesome to defend.

For the ultimate World Cup roster, nevertheless, Ramos didn’t embody Spencer and English membership Studying wouldn’t launch Andrija Novakovich, one other central ahead, for the event. In consequence, Ramos’s roster options 5 forwards—Rubin, Tommy Thompson, Bradford Jamieson, Maki Tall, and Jordan Allen—who’re at their finest when paired up high with a associate.

Ramos stated final week that we’re prone to see a two-forward setup in New Zealand.

“The thought proper now could be to be enjoying in a 4-4-2,” Ramos said. “So whether or not that turns into a 4-4-2 in a diamond or it turns into two with two extra superior or if that turns into extra of a 4-4-1-1, I feel we’ll see over the subsequent week-and-a-half.”

Truthful sufficient, however Ramos has taken a little bit of a big gamble with this roster. The workforce relied on a giant central ahead to outlive qualifying in January. It is not going to have that choice within the World Cup.

WHO WILL START IN CENTRAL DEFENSE?

Shortly after the U.S. U-20 certified for the World Cup, Ramos stated that he believes the youth nationwide groups are “loaded” with promising central defenders. On this roster he introduced in three centerbacks—Cameron-Carter Vickers, Erik Palmer-Brown, and Matt Miazga—with proper again Desevio Payne a doable backup.

At first of the cycle Miazga and Palmer-Brown seemed to be the first-choice duo. However when Carter-Vickers entered into the equation in August, he changed Palmer-Brown, who was nursing a damaged foot.

Palmer-Brown and Carter-Vickers are children who’re each eligible for the 2017 U-20 workforce. Each are very promising with Carter-Vickers maybe the best rated participant in Tottenham’s academy and Palmer-Brown is enjoying for Sporting Kansas Metropolis and is seeing substantial curiosity from Europe – together with Juventus.

Will Ramos begin two very younger central defenders collectively or will he pair one with the older Matt Miazga who has been a starter with the Pink Bulls this yr? If that’s the case, does he bench the in-form Palmer-Brown in favor of Carter-Vickers who shined in qualifying? 

WHO WILL BE THE DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER?

In qualifying, Kellyn Acosta began the primary two video games however then suffered an harm. Russell Canouse got here in for Acosta and did an excellent job because the workforce received all its video games with Canouse beginning. As well as, the Pennsylvania native displayed a substantial amount of chemistry within the midfield with Hyndman. Toronto’s Markco Delgado was injured throughout qualifying however is lastly wholesome. He’s additionally an choice.

Each Canouse and Acosta are leaders and every has worn the captain’s armband all through the cycle. Acosta is enjoying effectively proper now with Dallas however the workforce’s report with Canouse can’t be ignored. It’s a large choice and one with no apparent solutions proper now.