HalfSpaces USMNT Depth Chart: Nov. 2021

Like every well adjusted USMNT fan, I keep a spreadsheet that contains my own personal depth chart for the team. I try to use Berhalter’s system to slot guys in, but it’s more or less my feelings on where players stand atm. It’s updated irregularly, but with the team’s year basically over (I know there will be some sort of C-squad friendly in December) this seemed like a good opportunity to pause and have a look at where we stand.

Profiles

A quick word of explanation. Berhalter has frequently used the term “profiles” during his time in charge so I try to organize my depth chart based on what I think those player profiles are. (I’ve even written about my guesses for them) I’m considering going away from the Sweeper CB/Passing CB distinction because I think the center backs are becoming more interchangeable than previously, but I’ll keep it for now.

Trustworthy Players

A new addition to the depth chart is the “Trustworthy” player highlight. If I feel a player has performed well enough with club/country that I wouldn’t be concerned to see him in a starting 11, then I highlighted the player in green. Gives a little bit better feel for how deep/shallow the player pool actually is. Feel free to disagree, but this is my chart, so deal with it.🤣

Depth Chart

Depth Chart Thoughts

The Gio Reyna Conundrum

Reyna might be the very best player in the USMNT pool. His sneering, “I’m better than you” presence on the field is something I love watching. But is he a better fit for the US at right wing than Tim Weah? Reyna hasn’t been healthy for a while and doesn’t seem likely to be ready for the January qualifiers so it’s not an immediate “problem,” but it’s something worth thinking about.

The other layer to this is that Reyna was spending his time in the BVB midfield before the injury. Given that the US is only three “Trustworthy” midfielders deep, adding Reyna into the mix there would provide some much needed depth. The problem is that Berhalter hasn’t played Gio there yet. He’s going to want him to spend some practice time in the spot before he’s put into that position in a World Cup qualifier.

Fullback #3

DeAndre Yedlin did a really nice job filling in for Dest in the November window. That isn’t a long term solution though. Joe Scally might be, but we haven’t witnessed him on the field for the USMNT yet. He played left wing back last match for Gladbach and Adi Hütter has been extremely complimentary of Scally this season. My hope is that Scally can be the top backup option on the left and right for the US going forward. Berhalter did at least bring him in during November so he could get integrated, but now we need to see him kick a ball in anger for the US. If he can replicate his Gladbach form with the US then we have an ideal “swing” fullback that should be on every roster from here on out.

Actual CB Options

After bemoaning the USMNT’s lack of center backs for a year and a half, there appear to be some options now. Brooks looks to have recovered his form with Wolfsburg. He may not be a great fit for an aggressive press with the US, but he’s an excellent CB option to have in your pocket. Chris Richards is playing well and continuing to develop with Hoffenheim. Miles Robinson is still a superb defensive stopper in Atlanta. And Walker Zimmerman just showed very well against Michail Antonio (distribution was a little rough, but nobody was great against Jamaica). I honestly wouldn’t hate seeing the US try a 3-man backline again.

The Forward Situation

I know people are (rightfully) excited about Ricardo Pepi, but if you think we are set at forward then I am going to have to respectfully disagree. Pepi might move to Wolfsburg in January and just start killing it there…but he might not. And if someone forced you to put money on how that’s going to go, where would you put your money?

I hope Pepi goes somewhere other than Wolfsburg and scores 10 goals. I hope Josh Sargent gets things together and starts putting them in the back of the net for Norwich. I also hope that the price of gas falls to $1.50. None of those things feel likely. The US needs a forward to be confident and knocking in goals for their club and carry that form over to country.

Overall Depth

If you count up the green cells on the depth chart you might note that there are 15 players that I considered “Trustworthy.” That’s not enough. Everyone is never healthy at the same time and these three game qualifying windows are rough. Players like Busio, Pepi, Scally, etc. need to continue to develop and provide quality options when 1A can’t go or needs a break. Can you imagine how devastating a Tyler Adams injury would be to the midfield/team? If he’s not available we have to play Kellyn Acosta there or go to a 3-man backline. Yikes.

The Final Push

The US has played 8 of 14 World Cup qualifiers and is in good shape. Here’s the remaining schedule:

Taking 9 points from the three home games would give the US 24 points and likely qualification for the World Cup. That March 27 match against Panama is likely to be the big one. Panama is only one point behind the US right now and is the most likely to knock one of Mexico/Canada/USA into the dreaded 4th place playoff spot with CONMEBOL. That’s a one off match with Peru/Chile/Uruguay/Colombia. Anyone want to play a do or die with one of those countries for a trip to the World Cup?

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