Colombia vs. USA: How the USMNT Should Line Up in International Friendly

The United States men’s national team will face off with Colombia on Friday in international friendly play in what promises to be a thrilling affair. The two sides will meet up at Craven Cottage, and fans of both sides are already talking about the fixture.

Despite this being only a friendly, USMNT coach Jurgen Klinsmann called up what is arguably his strongest squad. This has led to many discussions over just what the German is trying to do with the squad.

However, U.S. fans are expecting a very good showing against Colombia and are excited about seeing such a strong lineup on the pitch.

In this article, we will take a look at how the USMNT should line up against Colombia, as well as discussing their chances of winning the international friendly.

As always, feel free to get involved in the discussion in the comments section below, and let us know who you think should be starting for America!

Defense

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With Tim Howard out of the picture, it will be up to Brad Guzan and Nick Rimando to fight it out for the starting role at keeper. Klinsmann cannot go wrong with either player, but he can only choose one.

Guzan has done a fine job recently, but Rimando may have a bit more of a push heading into this game. For that, we give him the nod for the starting role, though it is certainly up in the air.

Additionally, it would be great to see younger keepers, such as Bill Hamid or Sean Johnson, get a run out as they have also been called up for the USMNT.

Standing in front of the keeper will be a very staunch defense against Colombia.

With DeAndre Yedlin and DaMarcus Beasley in the squad, the outside defenders are already settled. The pair has looked great dating back to the World Cup and will be vital to keeping the Colombian attack at bay.

In the center of the back line will, of course, be Matt Besler, who has become a very big leader for this American team. His presence alone makes the defense better, and fans can count on him putting in consistent performances game in and game out.

That being said, Besler still needs a partner in the center of the defense. John Brooks is the perfect man to complement Besler, and a match against a foe such as Colombia would be the perfect chance for this center back pairing to build communication and familiarity.

Geoff Cameron is also available for the U.S., but with Brooks needing more minutes for the national team, someone will need to make way for him.

The defense looks very strong for America heading into the future, but Beasley won’t be around forever. Look for Fabian Johnson to possibly get some minutes off the bench as he competes for a more regular role under Klinsmann.

Midfield

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Assuming that the USMNT utilizes their formidable 4-2-3-1 formation against Colombia, Klinsmann will have to rely on two very capable holding midfielders.

Luckily, the German coach has called up his favorite pairing of Jermaine Jones and Kyle Beckerman.

Heading into this match, it is difficult to see this double-pivot unit being changed up. Their familiarity with one another is invaluable, while it is also an important tool to stop the Colombian attack.

That being said, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Lee Nguyen get a few minutes alongside New England Revolution teammate Jermaine Jones as he has received his first call-up since 2007.

Seeing as Michael Bradley is not available for America’s friendlies, Klinsmann will have to turn to someone else in the midfield. At first glance, Mix Diskerud makes the most sense to play in front of America’s double pivot.

Diskerud has been gaining momentum since the World Cup due to his exciting play off the bench and tremendous work rate. He has been battling hard for a more consistent place in the lineup and would be wise to take advantage of his chances against teams like Colombia.

With a midfield trio of Jones, Beckerman and Diskerud, Klinsmann has a strong wall in front of the defense but also the ability to get forward and create chances in a plethora of ways.

Forwards

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Chris Wondolowski may have been called back up to the USMNT, but don’t think that means he will feature heavily in these friendlies. With Jozy Altidore injury-free and ready to lead the attack, he will certainly start as the team’s center forward as Klinsmann looks to build partnerships up-front.

Altidore will have plenty of help in attack as America will boast tremendous wing play. Julian Green looks like a lock to start beside Altidore, while Alejandro Bedoya is the perfect complement on the opposite flank.

While Green offers an attacking and creative presence, Bedoya is able to track back defensively and provide services from crosses and dangerous passing. Altidore will have all the help he needs up-front, and fans should be expecting big things from their star striker.

A few other forwards will likely get a run out against Colombia this Friday, but Klinsmann’s big three need as much time on the pitch together as they can get. If America wants to beat Colombia at Craven Cottage, these three will be absolutely vital.

Final Look

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It is very odd that Klinsmann would call up such a strong side for international friendlies when he has a ton of young talented stars waiting for their chance to shine. However, this is the decision he has made, and all signs point to his fielding the strongest 11 possible.

The match against Colombia will be a gauge for U.S. fans to see where they are right now in the team’s development. Playing such a strong opponent is no accident; Klinsmann and Co. are looking to build, and matches like these are the perfect opportunity to push yourself harder.

America has already proven that their best formation is the 4-2-3-1. It gives the team a solid defensive presence, as well as the capability to attack down the wings. Don’t expect many changes to the formation, but the personnel may soon begin to alter.

For this match, America will be out for blood against Colombia. Klinsmann’s best lineup should start or else it makes little sense why he would call up most of these players.

Will the USMNT be victorious on Friday? With a lineup like this, winning is a very real possibility, although things will be far from easy.

Projected Lineup: Rimando, Yedlin, Besler, Brooks, Beasley, Jones, Beckerman, Diskerud, Green, Altidore, Bedoya.