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Lots of #USMNT tactics chatter today. One constant in Berhalter's evolving plans is his marriage to a six that functions as a deep distribution hub. I'm not as devoted to the position as Gregg (who is?!) but I'm fine with it for now. Over the medium-term, I see a dilemma brewing.
All of our options for the Berhalter 6 are lighter on defense than a traditional DM, so using this position locks us into using two CMs and only three true attackers.
For now, that's fine. We can get offensive contributions from the FBs and the CM to create chances.
For now, that's fine. We can get offensive contributions from the FBs and the CM to create chances.
3/ But the likely evolution of the player pool could very easily create a lot of tension with the existence of the Berhalter 6. Here's why:
4/ Right now we have Reyna, Morris, Weah, and Llanez competing for right wing. Morris is playing out of his skull. Reyna is on a very elite trajectory. Let's say for the sake of the argument that one of Weah/Llanez pans out as a NT player.
5/ Additionally, we have some attacking midfield prospects like Pomykal, Ledezma, and Aaronson. If one of them blows up, that's another attacker in the mix. And it's very tough to bench McKennie for them for a variety of reasons.
6/ So if you have three great RWs, a great AM, Pulisic, and a CF, that's a lot of talent competing for three spots.
You can easily get a fourth attacker on the field, but that would require eliminating the Berhalter 6.
You can easily get a fourth attacker on the field, but that would require eliminating the Berhalter 6.
7/ I'm making assumptions about a lot of developments, but it's a reasonable scenario. I don't know what Berhalter would do with this dilemma. It is nice to imagine a future where our problems are centered around the issue of "we have too many good players".
