U.S. coach Klinsmann likely to field very different lineups for upcoming friendlies
Two friendlies, two very different challenges, and likely, two very different starting lineups for Jurgen Klinsmann.
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That should be expected when the U.S. national team coach trots out his starting lineups to take on high-flying Colombia, and tough but less-dangerous Ireland in the upcoming friendlies in London and Dublin.
Klinsmann has called in a mix of seasoned veterans nearing the end of their international careers and youngsters who have only recently broken through into the professional ranks for regular playing time.
It stands to reason that Klinsmann will call upon a more seasoned group to face the Colombians, and that really shouldn’t come as a surprise. Some will argue that it is the youngsters who need to face these sorts of challenges, but throwing them into the deep end too early could shake the confidence of young players still adapting to international soccer.
There should be some young starters against Colombia – Mix Diskerud, Julian Green, DeAndre Yedlin and Greg Garza are all possibilities – but the spine of the team will be built around veterans who won’t be wowed when James Rodriguez and the rest of Colombia’s dangerous attack gets rolling.
Ireland will present more than an adequate challenge for a younger lineup, and facing the Irish in Dublin is a great test for players whose caps, if they have any, number in the single digits.
What will Klinsmann do with his starting lineups in the upcoming friendlies? Here is a look at each position, and what the U.S. coach could do in the two matches:
GOALKEEPER
Brad Guzan and Nick Rimando are in a good battle for the No. 1 starter role, and it’s safe to say Guzan is the leader in that race. He makes sense as the starter against Colombia, while Rimando can have one more crack at Robbie Keane as the starter against Ireland.
RIGHT BACK
Fabian Johnson may not be garnering playing time at Borussia Moenchengladbach, but Klinsmann rates him highly. Too highly not to start him against a tough opponent like Colombia. Klinsmann could give Yedlin the start against the Colombians, but he may be more likely to start on the right wing, where Klinsmann has often used him. Timmy Chandler is a good bet to start one of the two friendlies, and the Ireland match makes sense given the speedy Irish wingers.
CENTRAL DEFENDERS
The Jermaine Jones experiment should continue, and a start against Colombia is an all but sure thing. The inclusion of Matt Besler in this camp was surprising considering how worn down he looked at the end of his MLS season, but if he’s in camp then he must be in shape to play. If so, he should start against Colombia.
Geoff Cameron is in camp and should start in at least one, of not both friendlies. The question is, does he start in central defense or in a defensive midfield role? Defense against Ireland is more likely. John Brooks hasn’t been playing for Hertha Berlin, but Klinsmann could give him the nod against the Irish. If Brooks isn’t ready to start, then Besler could pull double duty.
LEFT BACK
Greg Garza looked excellent in his October friendly starts, and looks like the left back of the future. It’s tough to not see him start against Colombia, and he could be in the lineup for both friendlies. DaMarcus Beasley didn’t impress for the Houston Dynamo in the second half of the MLS season, but he’s a seasoned veteran who Klinsmann might start against the Irish, unless the coach wants to give Garza as much international experience as possible.
DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER
Kyle Beckerman was stellar at the World Cup, and continues his strong form during the MLS season. He will be needed to combat Colombia’s high-powered attack. Alfredo Morales has a bright future and might see his first start against Ireland unless Klinsmann decides to give Cameron a look in defensive midfield.
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER
Alejandro Bedoya should work in central midfield in the 4-3-3, and the Colombian-American will surely be up for a chance to face nation of his roots. The real question with Bedoya is whether he will be part of a midfield triangle, or trotted out in a right forward role. Bedoya could definitely start both friendlies.
ATTACKING MIDFIELDER
With Clint Dempsey skipping these friendlies, it would seem a good opportunity to try Mix Diskerud in a more advanced role. Considering how well he has played in all three post-World Cup friendlies so far, Diskerud is all but assured of starting against Colombia, but it remains unclear whether Klinsmann sees him being able to play higher up the field.
And if Klinsmann doesn’t? Then we just might see Lee Nguyen step in and start against Colombia. It would seem out of character for Klinsmann, but he has thrown players into the fire before, and given Nguyen’s form, it wouldn’t be the biggest stretch. Rubio Rubin is also a player who could earn a look as a second forward against the Irish, though he’s still young and inexperienced, so that may be a bit ambitious.
LEFT WINGER
Klinsmann has invested a lot in Julian Green and these are two good games to let the youngster show what he can do on the flank. Green has yet to really make an impact over the course of a full national team match, and these could be two great opportunities for him to show that he’s a serious candidate to become a regular starter.
Miguel Ibarra should see some minutes in the Ireland match, but it might be a stretch to expect him to start at this point, unless he has an outstanding camp.
RIGHT WINGER
Yedlin has showed well in a right-wing role, both at the World Cup and in recent friendlies. His speed on the flank, particularly when partnered with a quick fullback like Johnson or Chandler, can make him dangerous. Bedoya is also an option on the right flank.
STRIKER
Jozy Altidore should start both matches, though Chris Wondolowski could be called on to start against Ireland. Wondolowski has been training with Fulham and you get the feeling Klinsmann wouldn’t mind putting Wondolowski in the shop window for European clubs to see. Bobby Wood’s lack of playing time make him a tough option to start, while Rubin should see some minutes during these friendlies. College star Jordan Morris could also earn his first cap.
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