TheNearPostI think the roles in this lineup really suit each player, and is similar to what we saw in the (mostly) dominant performance against Jamaica - Dempsey and Donovan are both allowed into central playmaking positions where they've thrived, but Donovan also provides more typical width, while Dempsey has license to take up more advanced goal-scoring positions should he wish. Adu is given freedom to drift from flank to flank, allowing him to look for space, but also switching positions with Donovan or Dempsey freely. Agudelo playing slighty right-of-center allows Dempsey to take up striking positions next to him, and his runs wide right pin back the fullback so Donovan can roam.
This lineup is probably best used against teams like Mexico where we're not likely to have a lot of the possession, and therefore need to breakout quickly.
08.07.2011
SpaceGhostOf the front 4, only Donovan will consistently drop back and defend. This, combined with Dempsey moving into the center, will leave the left side vulnerable to attack, which is exactly what Mexico exploited for their goals.
Having Lichaj on the left would help some (as in not Bornstein) but it will also require Jones or Bradley sliding out to help defend, and neither Dempsey nor Adu will drop in the middle to help fill the space.
Adu dribbles well and his speed of play when he's on the ball is much faster than most of the team, but he disappears when the US loses possession, and that negative is his greatest impact on the team. I'd rather have Kljestan in the middle, or Chandler wide with one of Donovan or Dempsey in the middle.
09.07.2011
TheNearPostWell first off, Agudelo is actually pretty hard-working, and as a striker, he wouldn't really have to "drop back" and defend. The most defending he'd have to do would be pressing/marking one of the centerbacks.
From what I saw, Adu defended more than competently against Mexico and Panama. Again, that's just what I saw and what I think. I could be wrong, but he's been documented recently as having picked up his work rate, and deflated his ego a lot.
But I think you are somewhat about Dempsey's lack of defensive help on that flank. On the other hand, Dempsey's best play seems to have come from the left. Like I said, he had the freedom to do the things he wants from this left-sided role against Panama, Jamaica, and Mexico - come inside into central playmaking positions, or move into goal-scoring positions.
Dempsey playing as the number 10/central attacking midfielder/withdrawn forward could also work too, especially if we get Chandler providing width.
We could also have Dempsey playing the false nine role instead of Donovan, which would minimize Dempsey's defensive work exponentially.
09.07.2011
