The USA faces a stern test on Saturday night as they face off against a strong Argentinian side. Don’t let the fact that it is a friendly fool you, this is a very important match. With the Gold Cup quickly approaching this summer the USA men’s squad needs to build some chemistry and fully try out Bob Bradley’s new 4-3-2-1 formation. Unfortunately late injury problems have caused three players to withdraw. Hannover 96 Captain Steve Cherundolo has pulled out nursing a groin injury. He is a key man in the back four and would have been handy looking at the prolific strike force of the Argentinians. Zack Whitbread has also had to withdraw with a back injury. However the most disappointing is the injury to Stuart Holden. Holden has enjoyed a dream season with Bolton, he has proved that he is one of the best central midfielders in the English Premier League. Most of you have seen the horrific challenge from Johnny Evans that caused a deep gash that required 26 stiches and caused ligament damage. This injury comes just over a year after a tackle from the notorious hack job Nigel DeJong broke Holden’s leg. This is terrible luck for Holden and we wish him the best. His injury brings a big change in the midfield. I consider Holden our best midfielder, and was looking forward to seeing him play at the top on the midfield diamond. This brings somewhat of a tough decision for Bob Bradley. Does he play Edu and Jones as the holding midfielders and put Bradley at the attacking midfield spot? That seems to be the most logical, and I think it would be an understatement to say that Bob Bradley can be illogical.
Questions still remain in the back four as well, especially with the absence of Cherundolo. Eric Lichaj can fill in the right back spot for Cherundolo and has been on good form for Leeds United in the English Championship. Another problem is the left back position. It will be interesting to see who starts, Jonathan Bornstein seems to be the first choice considering Bocanegra lacks the speed to play on the left especially against Argentina. Jonathan Spector is listed as a defender so perhaps he might get a spell at left back. Although since his move to the midfield for West Ham he has played a lot better (his nickname at West Ham was spectator Spector, for his sometime abysmal defensive performances). Left midfield suits him a lot better and he has shown that he can compete at that position in the Premier League.
Our biggest problem is our forward pool. The USA has struggled to find a forward that can produce goals. Bob Bradley has a seemingly strange love affair with Jozy Altidore. Since his move to Villareal in 2008 he has moved around between four different clubs and has only made 37 appearances. Even though that is less games than any other USA regular he will nearly undoubtedly start. Jozy needs to find regular club football before he can play regularly for the USA.
Enough of lineups let’s get down to tactics. With the Argentinians most likely playing with a 4-3-3 it will be important for the USA to control the midfield. They can do this by spreading the midfield 3 of Mascherano, Cambiasso, and Banega both vertically and horizontally. If we are too compact when in possession then we will make it easy for them. Communication between our back four and midfield needs to be very strong. We all know Messi loves to float in the gap between the back line and the midfielders so making sure he is picked up is important. Argentina does not pose a large threat in the air so giving the wingers the outside is a good idea. Letting the wingers cut inside to link with Messi and the midfielders will be fatal. They way to beat the 4-3-3 is to isolate the wingers and stretch the midfield 3. Hopefully (and I mean hopefully) Bradley will get his tactics right. It should turn out to be an interesting match and a fun Saturday night. USA! USA! USA!
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