26. Cristian Roldan
In a word, why?
We know Roldan is a well-liked player within the pool. There’s something to be said about offering real value as a beacon of team chemistry. Roldan is also said to be extremely smart — helping teammates unearth elements of their games that they didn’t necessarily see themselves. Seeing as if Roldan could be a future coach-in-the-making, why couldn’t he have just been called up in that capacity? Other nations are rumored to be bringing players on as non-roster members purely for these elements (chemistry, another set of eyes, ‘vibes’, etc). One potential example is reportedly Filipe Luis and Brazil.
Instead, Gregg Berhalter opted to bring in a player who is clearly not good enough for the international level. Roldan isn’t spectacular in any one particular facet of the game. In 32 caps with the USMNT, he’s notched 0 goals and 2 assists. While he likely won’t play in Qatar, Berhalter could’ve better utilized the spot for a potential difference-maker off the bench (hello Djordje Mihailovic or Malik Tillman!) as opposed to this glorified unofficial mascot position Roldan currently holds.
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25. Jordan Morris
Another puzzling inclusion to the roster.
Morris is often lauded for his pace. Since coming back from some serious knee injuries (to his credit), he’s essentially regained the speed he had pre-injury. Analytics bear that out when tracking his in-game speed. He’s still a pace merchant — for better or worse. However, with the national team — and to an extent with Seattle Sounders, Morris doesn’t really impact the game much.
His off-ball movement isn’t great, and his willingness to take on defenders in space seems to be a far cry from what it once was. You may view Morris as someone who can stretch lines. We view him as an athlete with limited technical and tactical ability. Paul Arriola — a guy who can press and defend like crazy — seemed like a better choice. This is especially the case should the U.S. need a buzzing presence to kill a game off with 15-20 minutes remaining.
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24. Aaron Long
Oof.Â
Long (shown middle) has long been the whipping boy of those on U.S. Soccer Twitter. Seemingly, there was a divide between the Pro-MLS/Long crowd — and those deemed as Anti-MLS/Eurosnobs. Well, at this point the confidence in Long seems to be at an all-time low. Long is billed as an athlete with strong skills in the air. In recent matches — whether in MLS or with the national team — far too often he seems out of position/a step slow. Even possessing his supposed speed, there have been other times where he hasn’t been able to recover in time.
And then…there’s his ball-playing skills — or lack thereof. Long really struggles when required to break lines and connect with teammates. It would be a very scary proposition for Berhalter to start Long alongside another CB (Walker Zimmerman) who’s also not the cleanest player on the ball. Long might be a ‘leader’ on the team — but he shouldn’t touch the field in Qatar. If he does, everyone will be holding their collective breath.
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23. Sean Johnson
Leaving Zack Steffen off the roster was one of the biggest surprises of the roster unveiling. He had been Berhalter’s presumed top choice for multiple years despite some shaky form for his club(s) in England. With Steffen out of the picture, longtime MLS vet Sean Johnson assumes the role as the team’s No. 3 GK.
Johnson is a terrific guy on and off the pitch, and is said to be a very well-liked guy within the dressing room. He’s strong with his hands as a shot-stopper, and can play in a pinch if needed.
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22. DeAndre Yedlin
Yedlin is the only member of this team with any prior World Cup experience. If you remember back to 2014, he was the rather-green speedster who totally made an impact when brought into the action. It was his strong play in that tournament which eventually led to a lengthy spell overseas.
Now back home at Inter Miami, Yedlin’s role on this team includes providing leadership as well as an emergency right back option. In terms of on-field performance, his game has slipped a bit. It’ll be interesting to see whether Berhalter opts for a younger, more talented in-form player (Joe Scally) over Yedlin (or Shaq Moore) should Sergino Dest get injured/need a rest.
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21. Shaq Moore
After toiling away in the second division of Spanish football, Moore headed back stateside — where he immediately was able to carve out a starting role with Nashville SC. Moore isn’t as quick as Scally or Yedlin, though he’s still plenty capable as an athlete. His value comes more so on the technical side of the game. He’s certainly got a leg-up on Yedlin in that category, and he’s accrued more professional experience compared to Scally.
His inclusion into the squad over Reggie Cannon was a relatively big shock. We could see Moore play spot minutes…though we could also see him not featuring at all.
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20. Kellyn Acosta
Acosta has long been the backup No. 6 for this group. Plying his trade for LAFC, he can function pretty much at either of the central midfield spots — and even as a right back if need be. Acosta does have some limitations to his game. However, he’s proven capable when asked to do a job. His performances versus Mexico specifically demonstrated his competitiveness — as well as his desire to get stuck in and do a job when called upon.
Should Tyler Adams suffer any sort of knock/yellow card accumulation/red car troubles, his replacement likely will be Acosta.
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19. Ethan Horvath
Horvath likely will assume the role as the No. 2 GK behind Matt Turner. As he’s proven time and time in his career, this is a resilient guy. Horvath left his native Colorado as a teen to move to Norway — where he first broke into professional soccer.
Since then, he’s played in both Belgium and in the U.K. (where he currently starts for Luton Town). In the 2021 Nations League Finals, Horvath played the role of Superman — blocking a PK versus Mexico after being subbed in earlier in the match. The U.S. would then go on to win and cement itself as the trophy holder.
Image Source: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
18. Jesus Ferreira
If one reads the tea leaves, it appears as if Jesus Ferreira will be the team’s starting striker on Nov. 21 versus Wales. Ferreira was a prolific goal scorer for FC Dallas this year. Much of his game is predicated upon clever movement, quick link-up play, and pressing. Berhalter likes Ferreira’s ability to drop deep in collecting the ball — thus creating space for teammates to flow into in the final third.
On the other side of the coin, he’s essentially a zero in the air. Ferreira thrives more as a second forward/No. 10 — not exactly as a target striker. Plus, he has very limited experience playing high-quality international opponents. It’ll be quite fascinating to see how Ferreira plays in Qatar considering the options left home (Pefok, Ricardo Pepi).
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17. Haji Wright
Perhaps the biggest surprise of them all was the inclusion of Los Angeles native Haji Wright. A longtime member of the U.S. Youth Team landscape, he sort of fell into the European wilderness for a spell — bouncing between clubs and countries at a high rate. Talent was never an issue, but rather finding the fit to harness his gifts. Wright feels right at home in Turkey, where he’s been one of the league’s most prolific scorers for the past two seasons.
Taking Wright (presumably) over Pefok and Pepi is a gamble. In Wright’s defense, he is 6-foot-4 with some real speed and creativity on the ball when dribbling. Plus, he’s undoubtedly in form at this present moment. He might not start in Qatar, but we could see him brought on in late-game situations as an impact sub.
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16. Cameron Carter-Vickers
It’s quite rare for a U.S. squad to have a Champions League level CB coming off the bench. However, that’s where we’re at with Cameron Carter-Vickers. After playing for most of the clubs in the Championship (we’re joking, it was only six), CCV found a real nice spot with Scottish Premier League side Celtic.
He’s found himself the captain on a number of occasions. Plus, he’s garnered some real good experience playing for Celtic in Champions League. A rugged and physical defender, CCV is hard to knock off the ball in challenges. He’s also better playing the ball than you’d think. He does struggle versus height in set-piece situations. However, he’s a nice depth player at a very important position.
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15. Luca de la Torre
Though his time at Celta in La Liga hasn’t gone to plan so far, there’s no denying Luca de la Torre’s class on the ball. The San Diego product is one of the most technically-gifted players in the pool. He pings the ball around the pitch quickly, efficiently, and effectively when pressured. In a sense, LDLT is the type of guy who calms things down with his possession-minded nature.
There are times where he can get bullied off the ball. LDLT is slight of frame, and not the fastest player in the world. Regardless, de la Torre’s value as a backup No. 8 is vital to this team.
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14. Joe Scally
At not even 20 years of age, Scally went from a longterm prospect into the starting right back for Bundesliga giant Borussia Monchengladbach. Coaches and teammates alike have been impressed with his swashbuckling style of defending. He pairs great pace with intelligence to make bombing runs upfield. Additionally, Scally has been excellent in tracking back when called upon.
Remember, this is a guy cutting his proverbial teeth against some of the best talent in the world. Should Dest not be able to go, Scally should be earmarked as his replacement. The same can be said for Antonee Robinson on the left should he suffer a knock. Scally’s versatility in being able to play both outside back positions is vital.
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13. Walker Zimmerman
After starting the cycle a bit on the fringes, Zimmerman has burst onto the scene as one of the team’s primary leaders. He’s all but sewn up a starting spot within the center-back pairing. If anything, Zimmerman’s brought some consistency to the position. He’s very good in the air, and has continued to get better when playing the ball to teammates (particularly over the top).
We have noticed some moments when he’s gotten turned in space. When pressed/pressured, Zimmerman is also susceptible to the dangerous giveaway. If he can clean up those aspects of his game, he should be just fine.
Image Source: Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images
12. Tim Ream
Speaking of wildness, Tim Ream returned from a long journey away from the national team. His triumphant return to the program is a welcomed sight for most USMNT fans. As chronicled before, Aaron Long should in no way be a starter on this team. CCV is a better option — though putting two right-footed CBs next to each other can get clunky.
Ream is a natural lefty with the best ball-playing skills of the four CBs on this roster. He’s accrued the most experience having played in both the EPL and the Championship for a decade. Instead of focusing on what Ream ‘can’t’ do (play in a high line), focus on what he can do (break lines, provide experience/leadership versus familiar opponents in England and Wales).
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11. Josh Sargent
Sargent has been scoring goals for fun at Norwich City in the Championship. Regaining some much-needed confidence, Sargent has been demonstrating why he’s the most complete striker on this roster. Unlike Ferreira, Sargent provides a physical presence on the pitch with his prowess in the air.
Unlike Wright, Sargent can press extremely well and has the defensive chops to cause some issues. When further factoring in his experience playing versus players on both England and Wales’ rosters, Sargent really should be starting on matchday versus Gareth Bale and company.
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10. Matt Turner
Matt Turner has essentially established himself as the No. 1 GK for Berhalter and the team. Since making the move to Arsenal, Turner’s been pretty much playing cup matches. While in a perfect world he’d be starting week in and week out, it does appear as if he’s gotten better with the ball at his feet. This was a primary issue for Turner dating back years with the New England Revolution.
While Turner will never be Ederson or Manuel Neuer with the ball at his feet, he is a good shot stopper. Which — in all seriousness — is the primary skill a GK must possess. While the position had been a worry leading up to this tournament, we feel pretty solid about Turner in net.
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9. Brenden Aaronson
Aaronson is the sparkplug for this group. Making the move to Leeds United in the EPL, the New Jersey native does what he does best…buzz around the field creating chaos. Aaronson is world class when it comes to pressing and covering ground. When he does possess the ball, he has a willingness to take defenders on. His ability to play a pass has improved, and his guile in challenges certainly has been enhanced since playing weekly in England.
As for his role on this team, he can function both out wide as a winger and centrally. Interestingly enough, he was announced on the roster as a midfielder rather than as a forward. Could we see a double-pivot with Aaronson pushed ahead as the de facto central attacking midfielder? We shall see…
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8. Antonee Robinson
Robinson is the only true left back on this roster. Does he have his warts as a player? Sure. Many times, Robinson is questioned for his lack of an end product when crossing the ball from the wing into the box. Some call it inconsistent, others call it dreadful. Additionally, others like to question Robinson’s technical ability on the ball when playing in tight spaces. There are times where he’s caught out of position — thus leading to scoring chances for the opposition in transition.
However, we cannot deny the fact he’s been a total workhorse for his club and country. Robinson’s ability to be available is a skill in and of itself. He’s penciled in as a weekly starter for EPL club Fulham — where he gets to demonstrate his elite athletic ability. When Robinson is bombing up and down the flank, the opposition is usually in a bind. Expect him to play all three group stage matches for the U.S. Robinson truly is one of the most important members of this team.
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7. Sergino Dest
Dest is an important player for this team. The right back from AC Milan is quite technical on the ball. His chemistry with Tim Weah has been readily apparent when the two both share the same side of the field. With Weah stretching it deep, Dest is able to cut inside and create some magic whether dribbling at someone or setting someone up.
His defensive ability has been called into question at times (since he’s clearly more inclined as an offensive player). With that said, few in this team possess Dest’s overall talent. If he’s dialed in with his concentration on both ends, he’s a big-time difference maker.
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6. Tim Weah
Weah might be the most underrated player on this team to the casual fan. There’s such a nuance to his game that often goes underappreciated. For one, he’s an elite athlete. Weah’s dedication in being a two-way player cannot be highlighted enough. You often see him get into the attack and whip crosses in with venom. But, he’s also excellent in tracking back to snuff out counters.
He was by far the best American on the pitch during a draw versus Uruguay earlier this year. Whether he starts or not, Weah will play an integral role within this team. The sky is truly the limit on his potential, and a strong tournament could lead to a big money move elsewhere.
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5. Weston McKennie
McKennie sits as the No. 5 player within these rankings. He’s currently making his way back from an injury suffered with club side Juventus. There are some big-time positives to McKennie’s game, and some unsavory elements. First with the good — McKennie is a monster in the air. There’s no other way to put it…he’s the biggest set-piece threat the U.S. has. His knack for tracking the ball in the air is excellent. McKennie also is terrific when freelancing on the ball. When the game opens up, you can see the confidence grow when he pushes the ball forward into the attack.
On the flip-side, there are times where he gets a bit too ambitious. He sometimes likes to play on the ball too much — which leads to turnovers or ill-advised passes. I actually think he’d be a perfect player to bring on in the 60-70th minute where he can run at tired defenses without having as many defensive responsibilities/requirements in connecting with teammates via the pass. Regardless, a healthy McKennie is a massive deal for this team and its prospects in getting out of the group stage.
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4. Tyler Adams
Tyler Adams holds a significant importance to this team. As the best (and realistically only) No. 6 on the roster, he’s indispensable. His time at Leeds has proven to be beneficial, as he’s statistically one of the best players in the EPL at winning tackles and applying pressures. With that said, he’s doing it alongside another midfielder (Marc Roca) who’s more of the technical player between the two. Adams can do the dirty work covering like a madman — whereas Roca is more tasked with breaking lines/connecting lines between the midfield and the forwards.
Adams has gotten better at this skill, though he does tend to struggle in this capacity as a holding No. 6 by himself (as he usually is with the national team). It’ll be fascinating — and potentially ideal — if Berhalter pairs Adams in a double pivot with the next player on this list…
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3. Yunus Musah
Musah may have the highest ceiling of any player in this team next to the No. 1 entry on this list. The midfielder was born in New York City to parents from Ghana, raised in Italy, and grew up academy-wise in England. Well traveled and heavily influenced by a number of cultures, he now plays as a starter for Valencia in La Liga.
The elegance on the ball for such a young player is truly rare. Musah is excellent at collecting the ball and turning upfield into space where he can put pressure on the opposition. He also possesses the requisite bite to get stuck in on challenges. We truly cannot wait to see him compete on this stage — particularly versus England and fellow starlet Jude Bellingham. Should Musah emerge as a star from this tournament, a big money move somewhere is inevitable.
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2. Christian Pulisic
You might be surprised to see Christian Pulisic at No. 2 on this list. The lack of time at Chelsea coupled with his injury history has most certainly slowed his progression. The hope is that Pulisic can make a move elsewhere to a better environment next year. Playing well in this tournament would be a nice start. Remember, he was a player who delighted fans with his ability to accelerate away from defenders en route to goal. We’ve seen glimpses of that over the last year, but it hasn’t been super consistent.
We have to think Pulisic will be highly motivated to play well in Qatar (especially versus England). If the U.S. can provide enough chances where he’s not totally isolated versus multiple defenders, you could see the Pulisic of old (which was one of the most threatening players in the EPL at one point).
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1. Giovanni Reyna
Reyna is the most talented player on this roster. He’s also the biggest wildcard. We’ve been cautious to fully integrate him back into the fold as a starter. Hamstring injuries have crippled the last calendar year for the uber-gifted player. Reyna’s anguish when being pulled off the field has been hard to watch at times. Cautiously now, he should be healthy and ready to go.
Reyna does things on the pitch that no one else within this group can do. He’s possessing elite technical ability, where he can deftly set up a teammate with a properly timed through ball (or even when executing as a set-piece taker). Reyna glides with the ball at his feet, and is much faster/bigger than you’d think. If there’s one player that could eventually become tagged with the ‘World Class’ denotation, it’d likely be Reyna. In an ideal world, Berhalter would let him cook centrally where he could get on the ball and be an ignitor of creativity. Even if placed wide as an inverted winger, we’d be just as happy to see him stay healthy and impact the way we all know he can.
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