The US nationwide workforce returned to the sector on Thursday and performed to a 0-0 draw with Wales. ASN’s Brian Sciaretta watched and rewatched the sport for a second time earlier than giving his ideas. Right here they’re.
BY
Brian Sciaretta
Posted
November 12, 2020
10:30 AM
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THE UNITED STATES nationwide workforce performed Wales to a scoreless draw on Thursday in what was each refreshing and lackluster. On a optimistic observe, it was good to see the workforce collectively and again in motion. On the flip facet, it was additionally a sport the place there was an absence of chemistry or cohesion on the offensive entrance. The scoreless draw shouldn’t have been stunning.
U.S. supervisor Gregg Berhalter set the tone at first of camp when he mentioned he was not anticipating it to be a totally clean sport as there was solely restricted coaching classes previous to the sport.
Upon a second viewing of the sport, that turned out to be the case however there have been additionally lengthy stretches the place it was clear there was loads of expertise on the sector as properly. With extra time, it ought to come collectively. Some gamers have been clearly higher than others on this sport, however nobody actually performed poorly.
Whereas this sport was extremely anticipated by followers given the lengthy layoff, it was nonetheless only a pleasant and a possibility for some experimentation.
Right here have been a few of my ideas.
Musah appeared the half
The addition of Yunus Musah, 17, into the lineup was essentially the most intriguing transfer by Berhalter. The extremely rated midfielder from Valencia is a twin nationwide who has but to resolve what nationwide workforce he’ll play for and is utilizing this camp as an opportunity to guage the US arrange.
Musah impressed in opposition to Wales and appeared remarkably snug with the workforce given just a few coaching classes with gamers he didn’t know.
Over 79 minutes, he accomplished 44/50 passes and had 60 touches. However he labored extraordinarily onerous on this sport, ran lots to try to make issues occur, whereas additionally making only a few errors. He drew two fouls, gained a majority of his duels, and performed protection.
It wasn’t simply his ability that was spectacular, it was his effort as properly. Berhalter may have his work lower out for him to persuade Musah to play for the US however the upside may very well be very huge.
Lack of a striker harm
On this sport, Sebastian Lletget performed as a false 9 and it was a extremely uncommon formation that’s not typical for the San Francisco native. Ultimately, it confirmed.
Lletget didn’t play poorly within the sport. Over 87 minutes, he had 50 touches, accomplished 28/32 passes, and had two pictures – together with a shot within the opening minutes of the second half which compelled a pleasant save from goalkeeper Danny Ward. Lletget’s set piece deliveries have been additionally fairly good.
However this formation wanted Lletget to attach together with his wingers in harmful areas. That didn’t occur. A few of that’s on Gio Reyna and Konrad de la Fuente, a few of it’s on Lletget.
It additionally requires chemistry – which is unrealistic for a participant taking part in out of place on the false 9 and two wingers who’re additionally making their respective nationwide workforce debuts.
Brooks sturdy in sure areas
In some respects, John Brooks loved an excellent sport in opposition to Wales. The tall central defender routinely hit very efficient passes out of the backline.
90 minutes
85 touches
73/79 passing
7/11 correct lengthy balls
On the opposite facet, his aerial sport wasn’t practically nearly as good because it usually is within the Bundesliga or with the U.S. workforce prior to now. Defensively within the air, or in 50-50 aerials, he routinely got here up brief on this space. His glorious passing considerably coated up for this.
His central protection companion, Matt Miazga hit a couple of superb lengthy balls (2/4) and dedicated 4 fouls (which gave up a couple of harmful free kicks) however was additionally higher within the air, duels, and 50-50 balls.
Adams stays key
Tyler Adams lived as much as the lofty expectations on this one – he was the MOTM and one of the best participant on the sector for both workforce. His teammate Weston McKennie was shut, however Adams was clearly one of the best on this sport.
As is the case for when he performs for RB Leipzig, of the New York Purple Bulls earlier than that, each time Adams touches the ball lots, he has a great sport. He doesn’t have many unhealthy video games, however after they do occur, it’s as a result of he was suffocated service and doesn’t contact the ball.
On this sport, he performed 71 minutes and had 78 touches. He was 58/67 in passing (87%), his lengthy balls have been barely off (1/4), however he gained 5/6 duels – which is excellent. He was a whole disruptive power on this sport, and that’s precisely what Berhalter wished.
Proper vs. left assault
The US workforce had way more success going up the appropriate facet, than the left. That was very apparent within the first half when Brooks and Miazga typically appeared to start out the play by feeding Dest on the appropriate, or taking part in it to Musah or Adams – who would then play it to the appropriate.
It wasn’t one of the best outing for Konrad de la Fuente or Antonee Robinson though neither bought to the purpose the place they have been a drag on the workforce. However Dest and Reyna clearly have been extra snug on the appropriate facet. De la Fuente, for his half, solely 20 touches in 71 minutes. In the meantime, Reyna had 61 touches in 79 minutes – reflective of much more exercise.
Transferring ahead, lots can and can change on the workforce. Pulisic will are available for de la Fuente. Reyna will probably shift into the center for Musah (if he doesn’t decide to the workforce), Morris will then occupy the wing. Heart ahead will likely be up for grabs too however Lletget will in all probability be a backup in the course of the sector.
Youth was served
In whole, the U.S. began three youngsters in Musah, de la Fuente, and Reyna – who all made their debuts. Johnny, Owen Otasowie, and Nicholas Gioacchini got here off the bench.
With this many debuts on this brief quantity of coaching, it was a productive sport that achieved lots. There was clearly a number of expertise and if this have been a membership workforce and it was a really early preseason sport, most individuals could be joyful. There’s a temptation to over-analyze the sport however for what it was, it was good to have the workforce again.
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And the ultimate level with so most of the debutants is kind of a reinforcement of what was mentioned earlier than heading into this sport – membership type within the months forward will largely decide the endurance for gamers to stay with the nationwide workforce for large World Cup qualifiers.
Transferring ahead, U.S. Soccer must take full benefit of the U.S. U-20 and U.S. U-23 groups in 2021 as a result of some gamers might actually use that platform to bridge the hole to the complete workforce as they start to tackle greater roles with their golf equipment.
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Author : usa-foot
Publish date : 2025-01-10 17:30:49
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