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Comment by Nascent Dynamics ( ) on July 21, 2009 at 11:31am

I didn't realize the U.S. team was going to cycle through so many players in the CONCACAF Cup, but it is apparent to me there is a nice depth of quality soccer players on the team and I am perhaps not doing them as much credit as they deserve basing my line-up on the Confederation's Cup team roster.

Off hand, I like Holden as a dynamic offensive player who can penetrate as well as shoot the long ball. I don't know where Beasely is, but if he's not available then I'd put Holden there as the left receiver. If Beasely can play that spot, then I'd be interested in putting Holden out as the right striker across from Davies instead of Bradley.

I've noted a lot of criticism of Adu, who had a lackluster performance in the CONCACAF. I think he showed his potential, but failed to make much out of it. For me, I think it is the way he is being played. He's aggressive and wants to make something happen, but out in front alone without support, who can expect much? Where I have him, you've got Altidore who can really create frontline pressure with his skill on the ball and body control. I like his risk taking, and if you had Adu ready following him to clean up loose balls, that would be the right spacing and situational advantage to make the most use of Adu's talents.

Interestingly, in Centerplay, the receivers can all interchange with the center, while the wingers such as Adu remain mostly positionally oriented. Depending on who is in front of him, or some of my set plays recovering from deflections, you could totally play based on the unique player options presented and play to his side if you need some creative ball handling dynamics.

I actually liked Bradley to clean up for Adu's risks, but if you had Holden as his striker, then they could be far more proactive in their interplay...I see releasing Adu up the feild and Holden sweeping around behind with the long strike.

Best,

Anthony