TheNearPostSo the general shape of this formation is that it starts out as a 4-2-3-1/4-4-1-1, but switches back and forth between that and a 4-3-3/4-2-1-3. The key is the movement of Holden and Dempsey; Holden will look to send in some of his trademark pinpoint crosses from the right, while also coming off the flank to act as a link between the midfield and attack. Dempsey starts out underneath Altidore but will move wide into a wing role or closer to Altidore as something of a second forward. Donovan will frequently come inside from the left, sometimes to combine with Dempsey, sometimes to allow exploit the space Dempsey creates in the front of the defense when he drifts, dragging away the defensive midfielder. Altidore has always kind of had a tendency to drift into wide areas, but this lineup makes that feature of his play a bit more useful, as it may allow him to provide width on the right that Holden and Dempsey might not be. Of course, Cherundolo and Bornstein's overlaps should also provide the USA with some width as well.

07.03.2011