I wouldn't be surprised if this changes. Sullivan also took a turn as the deep lying Midfielder during the Denmark match and I could see her being more suited to that spot and Ertz playing more like an #8
I think Ellis thinks like that too. But she was overrun in that game when back there. We need a backup to Ertz, but nobody should move her. She is our best player at the moment. Would be like putting Morgan at LB or Sauerbrunn in the midfield.
Scoring is a plus. For Ertz, it is mostly off set plays; she isn't bombing box to box. What Ertz does, is when Rapinoe floats the ball into the middle of the pitch to no one and it is intercepted, Ertz cuts off the pass to the forward then stands up the player with the ball. This lets everyone else get back into position. That is where she is really good. That is where Sullivan is not, yet. I am glad somebody else is getting minutes there in these meaningless games result wise. Unlike GK, where the USWNT seems to be hell bent on not ever having a backup with some caps and minutes; every position needs a backup. And after 2019, Ertz might still be in the picture for 2023, but maybe she loses a step and moves back to CB or has kids or retires. I think Howell for the U20 team could be in the mix for 2023.