If you had to put together a starting XI for Qatar 2022, who would be in it?

He is a born leader, he just needs to stake his claim with a club and stay on the field. However, I don’t see why that won’t happen.

 

I’ll say Adams myself. As much as I love Wes’ grit and motor, I think Adams is more likely to be the impact player we want on the field at all times. They’re both solid leaders and I don’t think we can go wrong.

 

The captain should always be someone who's level-headed and knows how to protest a decision without making himself get kicked out of the field for it.

 

Do you say everyone is a born leader?

Pulisic is very good at soccer, but I've never seen anyone compliment him on leadership skills in particularly. Personality-wise, he doesn't seem like a player who asserts himself in that way.

Landon is a good example; he was only captain 19 times in 142 starts.

Everyone comments positively on Adams' leadership qualities. Wes seems like someone who has some of those skills as well. Steffen and Brooks are in vocal positions and will likely start if healthy (which is important, too).

I actually don't really get the whole captain obsession. Leaders lead with or without a label.

 

Often is not a good idea to have your star be the captain, since he's the one supposed to talk to the refs about fouls not called, dives by opposing players, and now demand a VAR decision.

You don't want your best player putting himself at risk of ending on the wrong side of a ref having a bad day.

 

This x100

 

Agreed. Just cause their the best doesn’t make them an ideal captain. Def want a level head there but they have to be near the top the squad and a lock starter.

 

Jozy is good because he speaks Spanish. Edit: But he likely will be subbed a lot and it's easier with same captain for 90'

 

Could definitely see guys like Adams or McKennie getting the armband at some point. Wouldn't be surprised if Pulisic ends up getting it before, but don't see it as a good choice at all personally.
Don't see Weah getting it either, unless he managed to secure his place as a starter with national team, which he hasn't done yet if we're being honest.

 

This is what my line up would be,

https://sofifa.com/squad/621573

 

At first glance, Sargent and Reyna are glaring omissions to this squad. Valid arguments can be made whether they should starting or not. But without question they make the squad.

 

NFW is Roldan a starter.

 

That as well for sure. Also don't buy into the 4-5-1 setup either. A 3 at the back formation is possible but considering who we're looking at for the first/main XI, I'd want to see us go with a 4-2-3-1.
Steffen in goal is easy. In front of him, would go with Cannon, Long, Brooks, Dest. Adams and McKennie are the mid 2, supporting Morris, Pulisic, Boyd, with Jozy up top.
Some variations that could come into play: at the back, if Robinson could prove to be a viable starter at LB, could go with him and Dest on the right. Still would like to see Brooks and Miazga together get another shot potentially.
Further up, Reyna could force his way into a starting role of he progresses the way he's supposed to. He would then take Pulisic's place at the 1, pushing him to the left in the process.
That's a group with real potential and could be real exciting down the line. Just hope that Berhalter can make the most out of that talented group he has on hand.

 

Our most mature player (in a pack of young un's) is Gio Reyna. Didn't McKennie captain the choke team that lost the Gold Cup? Adams might fit the bill eventually but not yet, imo. There's plenty of time for Adams and he is in a good place.

 

The choke team that lost the Gold Cup?

You mean the team, missing its #1 CB, its #1 CM, and had its #1 striker only have 30 good minutes him, that lost 1-0 against a superior talent Mexico team despite winning the expected goals battle? Oh, and Mexico got away with a clear red card.

All with a coach that most here think is awful?

Yes, we know you don’t like McKennie. The revisionism is terrible.

 

I was just replying to Dmaster who said
"Could definitely see guys like Adams or McKennie getting the armband at some point."

 

The MLS tournament made me think of how the Union's formation and style would fit the US. The Union use a trequartista, 2 pressing and hard-running forwards, and a tight and mobile midfield trio, It actually looks to be a good fit.

 

I think you’re asking way way too much defensively of Gio to play that shutter role.

 

Depends how he develops with his club.

 

Sure but it won’t be in that role. That’s not how they play or how they’ve used him to date.

 

It doesn't have to be that role in order for the player to excel in it. Just a midfield role.