The 2022 FIFA Males’s World Cup is sort of right here and which means we quickly get to cheer on the USA Males’s Nationwide Group as they hope to make it out of the group stage.
The US kicks off its motion in Group B as they face Wales on November 21. Former New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner is slated to get all of the begins in internet because the USMNT hopes to advance out of the group.
With that in thoughts, the workers of The Bent Musket needs to present their daring predictions earlier than the motion kicks off in Qatar.
Sam – The US gained’t lose a recreation
So long as Gregg Berhalter doesn’t mess issues up, the USMNT has a robust group. Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Brenden Aaronson, and Matt Turner will head up the Premier League expertise that Berhalter has at his disposal. It’s seemingly {that a} majority, if not all of those gamers will discover their manner into the beginning XI.
A most important purpose for my optimism is the truth that Turner is in internet. He can win video games for groups and is the perfect shot stopper that the USA has. With Walker Zimmerman and Aaron Lengthy trying as in the event that they may very well be the beginning middle again pairing, Turner may have some assist however may also seemingly must bail out his teammates. Significantly Sergino Dest and DeAndre Yedlin who wish to get ahead and be part of up on the assault.
However even when the USA are unable to safe a win towards the likes of Wales and England, Turner ought to make sure that they get not less than one level out of the match.
Seth-Aaronson will likely be a breakout star
I’ve been watching numerous Leeds United recently and I like what I see from Aaronson. The previous Philadelphia Union attacker has a tireless engine and might discover the fitting move.
Aaronson’s capacity to press is seen on a weekly foundation. In truth, it’s the explanation why he collected his first Premier League purpose on Aug. 21.
Aaronson may also create alternatives along with his passing. This was seen this weekend when Aaronson arrange Leeds’ opening purpose towards Tottenham.
Aaronson isn’t thought of a World Cup starter by most pundits. nevertheless it wouldn’t shock me if he will get vital minutes. Whereas Berhalter loves enjoying out of the again and utilizing the ball to disorganize opponents, the USMNT at the moment are on the world’s greatest stage. It wouldn’t shock me if the group performed with extra urgency.
Aaronson has the gritty, never-say-die perspective that nationwide group followers know effectively. He may very well be in line for a breakout match.
Jake: Non-strikers will rating objectives on the #9 place than the precise strikers
I’m going to increase on this in my full USMNT preview later within the week, however the gist of this idea is that the Berhalter’s tactical system doesn’t get the lone striker concerned sufficient to impact the sport. If we depend Jesus Ferreira, Haji Wright, and Josh Sargent because the precise strikers…I believe Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah will rating extra objectives working because the #9 then the precise #9 group listed above. Jordan Morris would possibly steal a purpose from the #9 spot as effectively however I’m counting him primarily as a winger despite the fact that I believe he does second striker very well.
I do know Tim Weah is listed as a striker, however he performed right-back for Lille over the weekend and so far as I can bear in mind, hasn’t performed a lot within the center for the USA. For a group that has struggled to get manufacturing out of the #9 spot, I believe each CP and Weah ought to see time in the course of the sphere as a lone false 9 and have advocated enjoying CP there for months as I believe it’s wasteful to place your finest central artistic participant out extensive given the expertise the US has at these positions.
Gregg Berhalter has numerous expertise at his disposal and I believe numerous his finest lineups are going to have a mix of Gio Reyna, Aaronson, CP, and Weah throughout the highest three. It’s the World Cup, get your finest gamers on the sphere and allow them to play.
Josh – The US end useless final in Group B
Particular person expertise is considerable on this US squad, but there have been moments of shakiness for this US group within the lead as much as Qatar. Contemplating the group has not performed since September and can solely have a short interval to organize, I believe we are going to see a few of that shakiness proceed.
That is the primary time any participant on the USMNT will play within the World Cup (minus Yedlin). Whereas the EPL, Bundesliga, and Champions Leagues are massive competitions, the caliber of the World Cup is one thing most of this US squad has by no means skilled. The strain of enjoying within the World Cup goes to overwhelm this younger US squad.
Talking of younger, youthful groups in current historical past haven’t had nice success. There have been ten squads since 2006 which have had a squad age common across the US’s 25.48 or decrease. Whereas 2006 Spain, 2010 Ghana, and 2010 Germany went on to have success, six of the these ten squads bowed out of the group stage. Moreover, three of the six did not safe a single level.
Lastly, Gregg Berhalter simply doesn’t have what it takes to steer this squad all through the World Cup. All through his tenure as USMNT head coach, Berhalter’s techniques have led to complications for this US squad at occasions. I believe these complications will flip to migraines in Qatar.
A younger squad with little to no World Cup expertise and a questionable World Cup spells catastrophe for the US. I believe you see a draw towards Wales, a giant loss to England, and a draw with Iran. The US falls behind Iran for fourth resulting from purpose differential.