NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
We’ll learn a lot more about the U.S. team on Saturday when they take on Germany in Chicago. We should see what coach Mauricio Pochettino thinks for his starting line-up, which I will talk about later, and take a look at what we can expect during the tournament.
I sifted through an avalanche of questions from FOX Soccer’s Instagram. Here are the best ones and my thoughts on the team.
Q: What is the answer to the problems we had in midfield against Senegal?
– Braden Griffin (@braden.griffin)
Month: I think we will learn that against Germany. After Sebastian Berhalter played 60 minutes and started alongside Tyler Adams, I expect to see a different starting lineup on Saturday.
I guess we see Weston McKennie alongside Adams. McKennie came on in the second half against Senegal and played in midfield alongside Christian Roldán. I think we’ll see McKennie in that role from the start against Germany.
If that happens, I see Malik Tillman in the starting lineup.
Weston McKennie captained the United States during the second half against Senegal. (Photos by Robin Alam/ISI via Getty Images)
I’m biased because it’s a position I played in, but midfield is where you gain control of the game. That part of the field helps facilitate everything, whether it’s supporting the defense or helping the attack. The midfield sets the pace.
Adams and McKennie were part of the much-praised midfield trio that played well at the last World Cup under Yunus Musah. Having two of those three available and fit is huge.
Adams may not have the armband, but he is the captain of the group. When McKennie is on the field and at his best, which he is, the team bounces differently. They have known each other since they were children and are leaders in their own right in the field. Tyler is more demanding, communicative and expressive, while Wes is a leader by example and makes big plays that change momentum. You won’t see some of these things on the stat sheet.
The experience of playing together is invaluable. They can cover ground incredibly well, but Adams’ reach allows McKennie to pick his moments going forward, without hindering his attacking traits.
Their poise and understanding are invaluable and I hope we see the start of their World Cup journey together on Saturday against Germany.
Q: Pepi was very good against Senegal. Would you play with him again against Germany?
– @john.cie7
Month: Pepi looked good and I was happy to see him. He started the game and was one of my highest-rated players against Senegal. Having another genuine option as a striker is great, especially one who is fit.
While I was impressed by Pepi, I hope to see the best starting lineup for the United States against Germany. That means Folarin Balogun would start at number 9 ahead of the World Cup opener against Paraguay.
Q: Who should be the starting goalkeeper?
-Ethan Armstrong (@edogmoney8)
Month: Matt Freese will be the starting goalkeeper for the World Cup. That being said, Matt Turner has made a real case for reclaiming that role. He has closed the gap between him and Freese.
Turner made some key saves against Senegal, including one against star winger Sadio Mané, during his 45 minutes. He also has World Cup experience after starting in 2022, which could help his case. Chris Brady, who was the presumed third goalkeeper, played the second half against Senegal.
Especially going into a big tournament, I’d like to know who the starter is. I like the idea of competition, but I want to know who is number one. That’s not to say that the substitute isn’t competing and isn’t capable of stepping in, but I wanted it to be clear going into a tournament.
The second goal against Senegal is a lack of understanding between Brady and the defense. Having understanding and experience between the goalkeeper and the defense, having continuity, is a relationship you really want to trust.
Clarity also helps a lot.
If I play center back, I want to know how my goalkeeper is playing to know how aggressive I should be. If a ball gets into the box, I want to know what to expect.
During my time with the national team, Tim Howard was always our goalkeeper. If he is fit and available, he is the one. That’s not to say Brad Guzan wasn’t pushing him and wasn’t capable. The chemistry and relationship Howard had with his defenders was invaluable. They knew Howard’s voice from behind.
Q: Isn’t Trusty a better option than Ream?
-Tyler Holland (@tyler.j.holland7)
Month: I have to say I’m really impressed with Trusty in his last two appearances for the national team. He won trophies this season with Celtic in the Scottish Premier League and that confidence really shows.
Trusty has put himself in a good position to start on the left side of a back three on June 12.
Q: Who will be the dark horse of the USMNT?
— José Cadena (@jose313078)
Month: Defenseman Alex Freeman. I still consider him a dark horse due to his age and 15 caps, but I think his potential is incredible. Freeman, who joined Villarreal in La Liga in January, has a clear opportunity to shine in the World Cup as a starter in defense.
Alex Freeman started and impressed in defense for the United States against Senegal. (Photos by Robin Alam/ISI via Getty Images)
Another player I will rule out is winger Alex Zendejas. Some may have seen his inclusion on the 26-man roster as a surprise, but I didn’t. He comes into the tournament in incredible form at club level with Club América in Liga MX (Mexico) and gives the United States a different option in the final third.
Q: Can this team win more than one game in the knockout rounds?
—Brody Howell (@brody_howell94)
Month: The simple answer is yes.
Is there any guarantee that will happen? Of course not. Nothing is. Heck, a win against Paraguay isn’t guaranteed.
That being said, I fully believe that this group will be in a position to do more than any men’s team has done so far. That means winning multiple games in the knockout rounds.
