ASN: Evaluation: Ideas and takeaways from Berhalter’s media name

On Wednesday afternoon after the September USMNT roster was launched, head coach Gregg Berhalter spoke at size with the media to debate his roster choices and varied points concerned with the state of the staff. ASN’s Brian Sciaretta was a participant on the decision and he provides his ideas on a number of the many subjects that have been coated. 

BY

Brian Sciaretta

Posted
September 15, 2022
10:05 AM

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ON WEDNESDAY, United States nationwide staff supervisor Gregg Berhalter spoke to the media at size to deal with many subjects surrounding the staff – however largely the September roster that was introduced earlier within the day.

Among the many many questions, Berhalter gave revealing responses.

Listed here are some ideas on most of the subjects coated.

Pefok’s omission

Jordan Perfok has been off to a terrific begin within the Bundesliga this season with Union Berlin. He has two objectives and two assists in 5 Bundesliga video games for a staff that’s atop the desk early within the season.

Pefok, 26, was not among the many three forwards chosen for this pivotal roster. So far, he as been referred to as up 4 instances: a camp for friendlies in March 2021, the Nations League closing rounds in the summertime of 2021, the opening of World Cup qualifying in September 2021, and the ultimate spherical of World Cup qualifying in March 2022. His performances have been combined.

His finest second was scoring the winner towards Honduras within the Nations League semifinal towards Honduras. However he struggled in World Cup qualifying and had an particularly powerful outing towards Mexico in a scoreless qualifier in March.

“Regarding Jordan, again it is a difficult one,” Berhalter mentioned. “We wanted to take a look at Pepi and take a look at Josh due to his hot start, and he’s been away from the team for a while as well.”

“It’s never easy and it was a decision that we weren’t going to bring in four forwards, so we didn’t,” he continued. “We didn’t feel like we had enough game time to give four forwards an opportunity. We went with these three and we’re pretty confident we know Jordan’s profile. We know what he can do. and we didn’t feel like we needed to see him in this camp to determine whether he could be on the roster or not.”

What to make of this?

Berhalter lamented it was powerful to inform Pefok he wasn’t on the staff and it doesn’t bode nicely for Pefok that his final look with the nationwide staff was poor. Berhalter additionally went on to emphasize that he desires to decide on forwards who match the fitting profile of how the staff desires to play.

For Pefok, the largest competitor might be Ricardo Pepi. While you take a look at the six forwards within the combine (Ferreira, Sargent, Pefok, Vazquez, Wright, and Pepi), Pepi is the one one who just isn’t scoring objectives for his membership at a wholesome charge proper now.

If Pepi comes into this camp and doesn’t rating and doesn’t flip round his stoop at Groningen within the coming weeks, the door most likely reopens for Pefok once more if he continues to play nicely. However he wants issues to interrupt his approach to get to Qatar and it’s an uphill climb at this level.

“Jordan should be in consideration,” Berhalter mentioned. “He was in consideration – major consideration – but in the end we decided to go with these three strikers for this camp to be able to evaluate it, and with Jordan, he’s been putting a hell of an effort. I don’t know if you guys watch his games. But he’s been working hard he’s been a handful to play against, and he’s doing a lot of things right.”

The remaining forwards

After Pefok, there are 5 different forwards within the combine, together with the three chosen: Sargent, Ferreira, and Pepi.

Berhalter didn’t converse a lot about Sargent, though his return appeared apparent given his historical past with the staff and his terrific begin to the Championship season with Norwich. He additionally cited that Sargent had been away from the staff for awhile however had a historical past of enjoying in essential video games with the U.S. staff in his historical past.

He additionally praised Jesus Ferreira for his profile for becoming the profile he desires in a ahead.

“One of the ways, is to run behind the backline and then arrive in the penalty box, making good runs inside the penalty box, and then finally starting our defensive pressure,” Berhalter mentioned of what he desires in a ahead. “We want to be a high pressing team with the forward to understand the press, know how to trigger or initiate the press, and then actually execute the press. You look at a guy like Jesus. He checks all those boxes.”

The return of Pepi was maybe essentially the most stunning inclusion on the staff and it was one many didn’t see coming. However what was clear within the feedback about Pepi is that Berhalter believes in Pepi however this camp additionally gave the impression to be very a lot a tryout.

“Pepi has also had some good history with us. He’s started really important games and we just weren’t willing to give all that up right now on Pepi. We still think there’s a big upside with him. We still think he’s got really good potential. Let’s not forget in our last qualifying window, he started two of the three games in a crucial qualifying window. Here is a guy that we’ve counted on in the past, and we want to give him an opportunity in this window.”

“Watch this game this weekend for Groningen and you can see that he can be dominant in the Dutch League and now it’s a question of if he actually is?” Berhalter defined. “Can he really take his game to the next level? We saw some good things from him, and we’ll get him in the group, and see what he can do with us.”

Of the opposite forwards not in camp, Berhalter solely talked about Haji Wright briefly in passing. He did spend a while answering questions to elucidate the absence of Brandon Vazquez who has been the most effective middle forwards in MLS this yr in anchoring the Cincinnati turnaround.

“Regarding Brandon, again another very difficult conversation,” Berhalter mentioned. “We think he’s done well and for us, it’s comparing him to what we have, comparing him to other guys, and then the body of work both with his club and with us. It’s very difficult for him.”

Whereas Berhalter was fast to level out that this isn’t the ultimate roster and rather a lot may occur between now and November, he additionally cited Vazquez’s lack of a “body of work” with the nationwide staff. If he was not prepared to provide him a physique of labor now in September to construct his case, he’s going to have none by November. It’s exhausting to see his first each U.S. nationwide staff call-up coming for the World Cup. Then you definitely mix it with the very fact Cincinnati’s season may finish in early October as nicely.

With out a ton of accidents, it looks like Sargent and Ferreira are in a great spot. Pepi has a a lot better probability than beforehand thought, however he should increase his degree to seal the deal.

Fullbacks depth

Berhalter additionally spent numerous time speaking about his fullback state of affairs – and for good purpose. It’s clear to anybody following the staff that if everyone seems to be wholesome, Antonee Robinson is the beginning left again and Sergino Dest is the beginning proper again.

The back-up positions aren’t clear on both aspect and Robinson is out from this camp as a consequence of a sprained ankle.

On this roster, Berhalter introduced 5 fullbacks – one left again (Vines) and 4 proper backs (Dest, Yedlin, Cannon, and Scally). However after this camp, we should always have a greater concept what the plan is after Dest and Robinson.

Concerning the 4 proper backs,” Berhalter mentioned. “One of them will be cover on the left side… We didn’t feel like we had enough depth on the on the left side to go with two left footers, and so we won’t.”

With that, Berhalter bluntly shut the door on different left-footed choices corresponding to George Bello (who was the backup for many of the previous yr), the up and coming John Tolkin, or Jonathan Gomez (who was called-up final December).

However it appears clear that Berhalter will likely be keen to have a look at Sam Vines, who’s a daily starter for a Royal Antwerp staff that has an ideal 24 factors from eight video games to begin the Belgian season. Berhalter has clearly been doing his due diligence in latest weeks – and is impressed by the previous Colorado Rapids homegrown.

“One of the things we’re preparing for if Antonee Robinson can’t go…who can fill his shoes?” Berhalter mentioned. “Could Sammy Vines? I think this is a great opportunity to look at him. He’s a guy that is in the form of his life. I’ve been speaking with his coaching staff and they’ve been very impressed with him and then the other option is to look at a right footer there, which I’m sure will do in this camp.”

As for the fitting footed choices at left again, that can both be Sergino Dest or Joe Scally shifting to the left aspect. Berhalter has explored each choices prior to now.

Because the backup proper again choices, Berhalter made a number of feedback that replicate positively about each Reggie Cannon and DeAndre Yedlin. At this level, it looks like even on 26-man roster it will likely be powerful to take each if everyone seems to be wholesome. That might require taking 5 fullbacks as neither Cannon nor Yedlin play on the left. The one practical answer is that if Dest turns into both the lone back-up left again or the beginning left again (ought to Robinson be injured).

The positives for each Cannon revolve round how Berhalter mentioned he desires gamers “who are working for each other, fighting for each other.”

Then you definitely evaluate that with Berhalter’s latest scouting journey to Europe the place he hung out particularly with Cannon and watching him play.

“The first thing I’d say is the Portuguese league is crazy, competitive, especially when you’re looking at these mid table teams playing against each other,” Berhalter mentioned in response to a query I requested him on the decision. “It is an absolute war, and that was good to see. Reggie embraced that side of the game. The first half of the game – six yellow cards probably could have been about eight yellow cards. It was one car crash after another, and just really a competitive game. That was good to see, and then see how Reggie is coping with that.”

Cannon may not be enjoying proper again (he’s largely enjoying for granted aspect central defender in a three-man backline) however he’s embracing the battle his league represents and it appears to be what Berhalter values within the U.S. staff.

Relating to Yedlin, this quote from Berhalter on the decision was not particularly about Yedlin, however it’s related to Yedlin. It was additionally some of the essential statements made on the decision.

“We’re not going to be the most talented team at the World Cup,” Berhalter mentioned. “We’re going to have to compensate for that, by being, a cohesive unit, by working for each other, fighting for each other, and having a great team spirit. We’re going to have to do that. We want to be successful at the World Cup. So, part of it is leaning on guys that have been there before [emphasis is mine] and been around the group before. And understand the team culture and understand their teammates really well. That is part of it. It’s not the only thing but I would say, that is part of the discussion that we go through when we’re picking rosters.”

When speaking about guys who’ve been there earlier than, he’s clearly speaking about Yedlin as he’s the one man within the pool who has performed in a World Cup, [fyi, John Brooks was not mentioned once on the call – for the first time in ages]. Beralter clearly values the expertise Yedlin brings and Yedlin, by all accounts, is a well-liked participant inside the staff. However is that sufficient to account for inconsistent outings at Miami and a season that appears prone to finish on October ninth?

We don’t know the solutions, but. However this camp goes to go an extended approach to finding out Yedlin, Cannon, and Scally on the fitting, Vines, Scally, and Dest on the left, and what number of fullbacks Berhalter must deliver to Qatar.

On another notice, ought to there be a significant dip in a participant’s kind or ought to there be accidents, Berhalter hung out praising Shaq Moore as a participant who simply on the skin of this roster. He looks like the following participant up that’s not on this listing.

Tillman on the sting

Malik Tillman made this roster – most likely as a consequence of accidents to Tim Weah and Cristian Roldan. However Berhalter was fast to ship a warning signal to the younger German-American winger/attacking midfielder that his latest performances at Rangers haven’t been adequate. One of many outings, a 4-0 loss to Celtic, Berhalter was in attendance to look at.

“He needs to do better,” Berhalter mentioned. “He needs to increase his level. It was disappointing with his last couple of performances against Ajax and Celtic, but he’s got a ton of quality and that’s the conversations I’m having with him – is that he can help this group but he needs to pick it up a little because he’s a guy that the coaching staff was highly impressed and think he has a huge ceiling. It’s great to see the start he had. Now it’s going to be about in these next bigger games, when he’s in the Champions League, can he do the same type of thing he’s doing in the Scottish league.”

It was a present of confidence in his pure means however a sign that he has to play as much as his means. This camp will assist be a deciding issue if he makes the staff. With any minutes he will get towards Japan or Saudi Arabia, Tillman can not afford to be passive like he was towards Celtic or Ajax.

Zendejas within the combine

The Alejandro Zendejas saga continues to evolve. For many who haven’t been following, Zendejas is a gifted attacking midfielder/winger for Membership America who has three objectives and two assists this season. He grew up within the FC Dallas academy earlier than being bought to Chivas.

Internationally, he performed for the 2015 U.S. U-17 World Cup staff which additionally included Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Luca de la Torre, Brandon Vazquez, and Haji Wright. When he moved to Mexico, he started enjoying with Mexico’s youth groups (in unofficial video games) after which just lately to the complete nationwide staff for friendlies.

Recently, it was revealed Zendejas performed in these full nationwide staff video games earlier than he filed his one-time swap. When Tata Martino requested him to signal the doc, he declined. Membership America subsequently advised Martino to again off.

Is Mexico in hassle for taking part in Zendejas in these video games? Is Zendejas now dedicated to america?

Berhalter was requested about Zendejas, and Zendejas admits they’ve spoken. However Berhalter didn’t reveal a lot apart from he’s nonetheless in consideration. This appears to point that Zendejas doesn’t seem like imminently able to decide to Mexico.

“Regarding Zendejas, keep in mind that this is a guy that’s been in our youth programs,” Berhalter mentioned. “You ask if he’s on a radar, he’s been on a radar all along, and he’s a guy that that participated in you national teams and is grown up in the in the youth soccer system.”

“With Alex we’ve been we’ve been watching him. We’ve been monitoring. I actually spoke to him on the phone, and he’s in a good spot. We’ll continue to monitor him in his next couple of months.”

Berhalter didn’t point out Mexico’s nationwide staff or its federation. Which was fascinating as a result of that’s an important concern on Zendejas. However Zendejas stays a U.S. participant, for now, and possibly for good.

For clarification, ASN reached out to the agent of Zendejas who mentioned they’d not touch upon his worldwide state of affairs proper now.

A World Cup spot appears powerful for Zendejas given the identical causes that encompass his 2015 U.S. U-17 World Cup teammate Brandon Vazquez. However this may very well be a difficulty that turns into essential firstly of subsequent cycle – which is just some months away. Each gamers will likely be of their 20’s for the complete 2026 cycle.

Different place battles

Berhalter spoke about numerous place battles.

In central protection, he singled out a number of the gamers who weren’t chosen to this roster. He famous the accomplishments of Matt Maizga, Mark McKenzie, and Erik Palmer-Brown. As talked about earlier, Brooks was not talked about (and Brooks has but to play a recreation since Could 14th – his final recreation for Wolfsburg).

“Matt Miazga is doing well with Cincinnati,” Berhalter mentioned. “Mark McKenzie is doing well at Genk and finally nailed down a starting position… Timmy Ream is captain of the Fulham side that is in the top eight in the Premier League, which is great. Then Erik Palmer-Brown is playing every week in Ligue 1. So very difficult decisions for us.”

The choice to go away Tim Ream off the roster was defined intimately following a query.

“He’s been captaining the side and some of the things that we’re looking for in our centerbacks is to play a high line, cover a lot of space behind them, be dominant in the air dominant on offensive end defensive set pieces, and that’s not Tim’s strengths,” Berhalter mentioned bluntly. “But he’s a guy that can help the team with the ball. He reads the game really well and is a very good player. In this particular camp we went with slightly different profiles and we’ll give these guys an opportunity to see what they can do.”

Ream doesn’t look like an ideal match for the U.S. staff however on the flip aspect, ought to Berhalter wish to deliver him into the staff for the World Cup, Ream additionally doesn’t look like a participant who would take lengthy to reacclimate to the staff.

Berhalter additionally talked about James Sands however later identified how he, together with Tillman, didn’t play nicely just lately for Rangers. After the media name, Sands was despatched off and conceded a penalty for Rangers in a Champions League recreation towards Napoli. Clearly his hopes have taken a significant hit in latest weeks.

Relating to one participant who did make the roster in Chris Richards, Berhalter was requested about his lack of enjoying time at Crystal Palace (Richards has performed fewer than 600 first-team membership minutes in 2022 relationship again to Hoffenheim final season). Berhatler didn’t appear involved.

“Chris Richards played 90 minutes with the second team,” Berhalter mentioned. “He played 90 minutes with the first team in a cup game. He’s getting to fitness as well.”

Berhalter was additionally praiseworthy for Cameron Carter-Vickers who obtained again into the staff in June following an incredible season with Celtic. However Berhalter went into element relating to his due diligence on the central defender.

“But speaking to Cameron’s coach, they’re very happy with him, very happy with his calmness, his intensity and defending,” Berhalter mentioned. “The fact that he’s willing to lay his body on the line to prevent goals was really good to see.”

Within the midfield, Berhalter additionally cited each Eryk Williamson and Johnny Cardoso as being gamers who’ve been monitored and who’re impressing regardless of not making this roster.

“We only have 180 minutes of game time. Keep that in mind as well,” Berhalter mentioned. “It had something to do with the decisions.”

Goalkeeping state of affairs

Whereas there was numerous hypothesis over the hierarchy of the 4 goalkeepers within the pool (Zack Steffen, Matt Turner, Ethan Horvath, and Sean Johnson), Gregg Berhalter didn’t go into an excessive amount of element.

He did indicated that the damage which has saved Steffen out from this camp is a knee damage and he just lately obtained an injection.

He mentioned on his latest scouting journey he spoke with Ethan Horvath and met with Arsenal’s employees to look at Matt Turner prepare.

“I had a chance to sit down with Arsenal’s goalkeeper coach, and to talk to him about Matt’s development and match progress,” Berhalter mentioned. “We got to look at some video and see where what is his starting point. It was, and where he is now, and I think he’s made a ton of progress. I got to see him in training, see him defending shots against guys like Saka and some of their talented attacking players. He’s in good form, and he’s in a decent spot… I don’t expect fitness to be an issue. Maybe a little bit of rhythm and rust could come into play.”

“Would I like him to be playing every week in the Premier League? Yes. But that’s not the case.”

As of now, it might appear as if Turner has a great opportunity of being the starter in Qatar given that he’s wholesome and now has a powerful physique of labor with the U.S. staff. His state of affairs at Arsenal doesn’t appear to be a dealbreaker for him to begin primarily based on Berhalter’s feedback.

After this camp

Berhalter made a degree to closely emphasize that this isn’t the World Cup roster.

“It’s not the final roster for the World Cup,” Berhalter careworn. “A lot can happen between now and November 9th, when we’re announcing the final roster. The actual date for FIFA is November the 14th, and a lot can happen between the 9th and the 14th.”

He estimated with the roster he’s 80% finished however then went on to say that accidents and different points at all times pop up. Throughout qualifying, most home windows noticed conditions the place gamers have been named to a roster solely having to withdraw as a consequence of an damage picked up within the weekend membership video games between the naming of the roster and the opening of nationwide staff camp.

“With the roster I think we’re 80% done – still, things can change from there,” Berhalter mentioned. “They’re playing up until the last weekend of before the World Cup. Think about how many guys pulled out of qualifiers on the last weekend [before camp]. We have to be monitoring these players. We’re having ongoing conversations with guys in the camp and not in the camp, because we know that things can change where they quickly.”

Berhalter is right. It’s naive to imagine that an sudden or unlucky occasion received’t occur main as much as the World Cup. Earlier within the yr, Berhalter recalled a dialogue he had with former U.S. head coach Bruce Area who advised Berhalter that one thing will at all times occur. Berhalter is aware of he have to be ready to faucet deeper into his participant pool.

In a perfect state of affairs, there are the 26 gamers on this roster plus the 4 injured gamers (Tim Weah, Cristian Roldan, Antonee Robinson, and Zack Steffen) for a complete of 30 gamers. Many of the total staff ought to come from that listing. However there will likely be issues to look at along with accidents.

For one there may be Jordan Pefok who may very well be the following man up if Pepi doesn’t increase his degree at this camp or past.

Additionally, Berhater made this revealing assertion.

“If a guy’s not playing at all from now until the World Cup, it’s going to be a challenge for us… to really understand where the players is at from a fitness standpoint.” Berhalter mentioned.

Some gamers may not play a lot within the coming weeks/months due to their return from an damage. Matt Turner’s state of affairs as a goalkeeper doesn’t appear to trouble Berhalter. However there are additionally wholesome gamers the place it have to be a deep concern over enjoying time.

Chris Richards is proscribed to transient cameos and Carabao Cup matches. Luca de la Torre has nonetheless solely performed a handful of minutes for Celta Vigo. The query then turns into what number of of those gamers can Berhalter take and the way a lot can he depend on them after they’re there? A participant like de la Torre is the important thing backup on the No. 8 place behind McKennie. Does this open the door for one more midfielder.

Then there are the MLS gamers the place the league is about to conclude the common season on October ninth – one month earlier than the ultimate roster is called. Whereas many of the MLS gamers severely within the participant pool are on playoff groups, eliminations will come shortly and most gamers received’t have performed a recreation for greater than a month earlier than the World Cup opener towards Wales.

Berhalter is planning for the U.S. gamers within the pool to be a part of a camp in October together with the U.S. U-20 staff the place they may “hopefully” play video games. However how a lot does this assist gamers keep their health and kind?

“With some of the MLS players, it becomes even more tricky because the season ends October ninth, and if their teams don’t make the playoffs, it’s another opportunity to work with the guys in October, keep them fit, maximize their fitness levels, and hopefully play some games. We’re planning an October camp as well for that group of players that that won’t be playing soccer.”

For Berhalter, these are points he is aware of will likely be looming after this camp. For now, he’s not locking himself into any choices. This camp opens with some uncertainties and a few open races for remaining roster spots. The performances right here will assist resolved some points however with issues corresponding to kind, accidents, and the approaching MLS offseason persevering with to vary issues, Berhalter insists he’s not tied to something proper now.

“For us, it’s evaluating this group in this camp, and after this camp continue on the evaluation period. So a lot can change,” Berhalter mentioned. “Then this isn’t something where we need to lock in the roster right now.”