Tactics Part Two: Solutions

In Part One we discussed the weak links in the US formation.  This time we find out how to properly fix them.  Go.

We can begin by knocking out two birds with one stone:  The lack of speed in central defense and the lack of a true midfield "destroyer".

Solution
Jermaine Jones.  Jones, before his injury was rated as one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga.  He is the prototypical center defensive mid.  He has the agility, awareness, and reactions necessary to slow down or even thwart attacks all by his lonesome.  This will allow for his midfield partner(s), lets say Maurice Edu and Michael Bradley to concentrate on possession, distribution, and support of the forwards and wingers.

Lack of a solid left back option.

Solution
Until the baptizing of Edgar Castillo, Daniel Williams, and/or Eric Lichaj we will be stuck with the aging Carlos Bocanegra, the inconsistent Heath Pearce, or the incompetent Jonathan Bornstein.  The aforementioned three likely won't see pitch time for the Yanks at least until the Gold Cup.  Until then, we do exactly what Bradley did the first time, with a slight twist.  Play Landon Donovan on the left flank, and Jozy Altidore just in front of him but more concentrated on the left side and bring Clint Dempsey a bit more centrally, almost as a center attacking mid.  In this "unbalanced" formation it places a great deal more pressure on the opposing right sided midfielders and defenders to stay at home, taking pressure away from the vulnerable left flank.  Of course this invites a flurry of attacks from the other flank, but we have more capable defenders on that side in Steve Cherundolo and  Jonathan Spector.

Lack of two solid options at forward.

Solution
Don't play two forwards!!  Seems simple right?  Let me explain.  Altidore is not a physical, hold-it-up style of forward.  We'd love him to be, but he's not.  What Jozy is adept at is running at defenders with pace, beating them, and going to goal or receiving a pass and attacking 1v1 (see Algeria goal).  Until the return of a healthy Charlie Davies, and at this point its anyone's guess as to the manner of his return, the United States doesn't have two viable, class options at forward.  We have Altidore.  So play him, in an advanced left striker role just in front Landon Donovan.  Support him with a roaming Dempsey and central midfielders in Edu and Bradley.  Donovan's speed on the flank and Dempsey's class in front of goal should allow Jozy to have one centerback all to himself. 

Part three will be coming later tonight.