Job Openings: U.S. Mens National Team Positions and Roles

With two international exhibitions coming up there are several pressing issues facing the US Men’s National Team ahead of the 2010 World Cup. While Bob Bradley and his staff seem to have picked a core group of players, key positions and roles still need to be filled. Here’s a look at what Bradley and his staff are still looking for:

Left Back

It seems like ages since the US has had a solid left back, or any true wing back at all for that matter. Right now, the leading candidate for the job is Jonathan Bornstein. Bornstein has—despite his small stature and propensity to make mistakes—been a favorite of Bob Bradley.

Bornstein is likely not strong enough to battle the world’s greats though, perhaps opening the door for Heath Pearce (although not called up for Slovakia) or newcomer Edgar Castillo. Castillo could certainly take the spot with one or two strong showings, and although his defensive ability at the international level has yet to be tested, his performance in the Mexican league speaks volumes.

If all else fails, Bocanegra can move to left back, allowing Demerit and Onyewu (depending on his knee injury) to hold down the center. The right back position has come down to a battle between Spector and Cherundolo, both of whom seem to be solid choices, receiving regular playing time in Europe.

Defensive Midfielder

Michael Bradley will deputize in the middle, but his tendency to go forward leaves gaps for opponents to attack. This means the US need a disciplined central defensive player to fill the holes. Ricardo Clark had a solid showing at the Confederations Cup, and seems to be the likely candidate here. However, it’s tough not to question his ability against quicker, more skilled opponents. Benny Feilhaber has had a few strong showings as well, but like Bradley, has a tendency to get sucked into attack and forget about his defensive obligations.

Perhaps the best choice is the less capped Maurice Edu. Despite being injured of late, Edu has shown with Rangers that he can control the middle of the park with his skill, but more importantly, with his strength. Edu should receive a call-up as soon as he returns from injury. If not, Bob Bradley will likely be sticking with Clark. It is also worth mentioning that the Germany-based Jermaine Jones has yet to receive a call-up.

Forward, Goal Scorer

This issue seemed null and void with the combination of Altidore-Davies cranking into full gear this past summer. But due to the tragic Davies accident, and the demise of Altidore’s club performance, the American strike force is completely up in the air.

Jozy will still be in the squad, but his starting position is in jeopardy. Conor Casey has impressed in his last two international appearances, but we haven’t seen enough of him to make conclusions about his ability on the international stage. Eddie Johnson may be back in the picture after getting the call-up for the Slovakia game. Johnson has been playing regularly for the Fulham reserves in the EPL and has been given a chance to prove himself to Bob Bradley and American fans once again.

The wildcards of the group are Kenny Cooper and Jeff Cunningham. Cooper has been in decent form, and consistently works hard to create chances when given the opportunity. Strangely though, Cooper is not in the roster for the upcoming European match. Jeff Cunningham ran amok in the MLS this past year (golden boot winner) and was rewarded with his first call-up to national team duty in four years. A strong outing in the Slovakia and Denmark matches could be a sign that our goal scorer has arrived, just in time for 2010.

By no means is this list all inclusive. Overall, the US squad looks pretty open to change. Aside from the obvious Howard in goal and Donovan prowling behind the forwards, few roles are set in stone. The matches against Slovakia and Denmark might not be overly important, but they should serve to sort out some of the vital personnel issues.