Interesting view, especially considering the criticism the team and Klinsmann were under not so long ago.
The reality of this team is that the best players are 30 or over (Donovan, Dempsey, Howard, Beasley, Bocanegra, etc), and it's not exactly filled with young talent just waiting to take over.
To me they have a feel of Italy from 2010 (in terms of where the squad is at, not as a direct comparison between the two teams) - a bit too old and jaded to make a serious statement. And given the stiff competition they face in their group, I wouldn't be surprised if they end up with no points out of it all.
Good post, though not sure if i totally agree with all of it (but, i do agree, i also wouldn't be all that shocked to see them end up with no points from the group. Tough WC all the way around).
The criticism of Klinsmann and the team seems like a distant memory at this point, honestly. The WC qualifying campaign erased a lot of it, and Klinsmann had his contract extended through 2018 today.
The team's best player, IMO, is Michael Bradley (AS Roma). He's 26. The best attacker on the team is Jozy Altidore, who admittedly has had a rough go at Sunderland this season, but had a great year internationally. He's 24. Aron Johansson will also be an option up front, he's only 23, has been tearing it up at AZ, and will probably move to a bigger club fairly soon. Altidore and Johansson to go along with Dempsey as options up front could be solid.
Howard is older, sure, but he's in some of the best form of his life with Everton at the moment, so not too worried there. And, if he goes down, we've got Brad Guzan (29), who has been good for Aston Villa this year.
Bocanegra wasn't even really involved in the last bit of the WC qualifying campaign, i don't think. He's been out of the picture for awhile now. Not even mentioned anymore as a possible member of the WC squad.
Donovan will be in the team, but probably will be coming off the bench as a super-sub type, IMO. He'll be hard to replace, no doubt, probably the best USMNT player of all-time.
Beasley is a bit of a concern, but he had some solid performances in qualifying against good competition, at least. Though, i don't think he'll be starting for the team in Brazil. Steve Cherundolo (captain of Hanover 96, though 34 years old) could be in that spot if his recovery from injury goes well, and he would be an upgrade. Or possibly Timothy Chandler (FC Nurnberg, only 23). Or Geoff Cameron (Stoke). I think the outside back spots will change a bit from what we saw in WC qualifying.
I mean, i absolutely think you're correct in pointing out that some of the old stalwarts will be moving on after this WC, but i think most will hopefully be ready for one more go in Brazil.
Our two best players in qualifying were 26 and 24 years old, which makes me feel a bit better about things. :D
Gonna be a hell of a task, but i'll maintain a bit of faith, i think. :)
Enjoying the discussion, cheers!
