TheNearPostRobbie Rogers was clearly brought along in order to give the USA natural width when it's called upon. That being said, Rogers has looked his best providing dummy width. He'll position himself in wide areas in order to provide an outball and stretch the defense, but once he actually gets the ball, his two-footedness gives him the option of coming inside and releasing the ball. The best goal of Rogers' career came in this fashion, when he scorched the New York Red Bull defense down the left wing, then scorched the back of the net with a 30-yard blazer.

This formation and idea gives the USA variation in the attack and suits it's players. Rogers can provide width so that Donovan and Dempsey can roam and create, but the role also suits his strengths very well. Moreover, the formation allows the USA to dictate the pace and play of the game. Three central midfielders means( four including Donovan's drifts inside) you can play around opponents who only have two, meaning we can control the game. Just a thought

25.05.2011