TheNearPostI think this is actually a fairly decent shape and one worth thinking about. Dempsey is playing as something of a false nine, with the freedom to drift into deeper and wider positions looking for the ball and trying to drag centerbacks out of position. Altidore and Gomez make diagonal runs into the spaces created by Dempsey. Altidore generally likes to lean to the left flank, while Gomez has been on a tear in Mexico switching between right midfield and striker.

Donovan's role is something of a #10 role. He's not quite sitting in the hole, but he's still expected to be the spark plug in attack, and is given freedom to float as well. He can also drop deeper to receive.

Bradley and Torres' roles would actually suit Juergen Klinsmann's taste in that they're pretty much staying put in front of the defense and helping keep possession, dictate play, and spread the ball around with their wide range of passing.

I say this would at least do well in CONCACAF.

11.04.2012