U.S. Men's National Team: Reasons for Concern but Some Positives

During his tenure as Germany manager, Jürgen Klinsmann, among other things, saw his team lose to South Korea, struggle to beat China 1-0, and get hammered by Italy 4-1. After that defeat by Italy in a March 2006 friendly, the words "Germany shrinks to a dwarf" appeared in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper. 

But those bumps in the road were forgiven when Germany reached the semifinals of the 2006 World Cup. So it's ridiculously early for U.S. supporters to be concerned about the team's struggles in Klinsmann's first three matches at the helm. The first matches that really matter are World Cup qualifiers next year, and besides, the U.S. will possibly play four friendlies in the next two months, so Klinsmann will have more opportunities to experiment with his squad.

Not that there aren't reasons to be concerned. Klinsmann still has to figure out the right formation for the team, and whether it includes a lone striker. Despite Klinsmann's desire for the U.S. to play an attacking style of football, the U.S. has played with only man up front in his three matches as U.S. manager. Edson Buddle, Jozy Altidore and Juan Agudelo haven't distinguished themselves (although the latter has shown glimpses of being dangerous). At times, Altidore and Agudelo have played well together when partnered up for the national team, so that might be an option for upcoming friendlies.

The team is still searching for a left back. Edgar Castillo started in the position against Mexico and Costa Rica, but he's no long term answer. Timothy Chandler played left back in yesterday's match against Belgium, and had his moments. But left back is not his natural position. And perhaps the biggest concern is one goal scored in three matches under Klinsmann. The less said about that the better.

But there have been two big encouraging signs so far in Klinsmann's tenure. Brek Shea is seriously establishing himself as a regular in Klinsmann's starting lineup. At times, his crosses do leave a little to be desired but they were much better against Belgium. Shea has been the most dangerous U.S. attacker in the three most recent U.S. friendlies (he set up Robbie Rodgers' goal against Mexico), and has played with a lot of confidence, often willing to take on defenders.

In addition, Jose Francisco has shown he deserves some more looks. He struggled a bit under Belgium, but he performed solidly against Costa Rica. He stymied several Costa Rican attacks, and his passing launched several attacks. He could serve to be a bit more aggressive in the attacking third but hopefully, his through balls out of the back and midfield will spark more chances.          

So the U.S. and Klinsmann have plenty of work to do, but enough time to get the ship sailing in the right direction.