US National Team: Which Formation Is the Way Forward for Jurgen Klinsmann?

After seven games, Jürgen Klinsmann has used four different formations and the results haven't been what media and fans expected. There's been a lot of criticism surrounding Klinsmann's decisions, so let's take a look at the formations and score of each friendly match: 

Mexico: 4-2-3-1 (draw 1-1); Costa Rica: 4-3-3 (lost 1-0); Belgium: 4-3-3 (lost 1-0); Honduras: 4-1-3-2 (won 1-0); Ecuador: 4-1-3-2 (lost 1-0); France: 4-1-3-2 (lost 1-0), and Slovenia: 4-4-2 (won 3-2).

Two victories, four defeats and one tie; it's clear that the squad is going through transition. We're seeing new players—youngsters who need to step up and take leadership roles. In 2012, the team needs to find the way back to the winner's circle and start working for the 2014 World Cup.

To accomplish the feat, Klinsmann needs a strong formation. Maybe Bob Bradley's 4-4-2 wasn't so bad. Yes, it's not the ultimate strategy, but it has been successful and suits the team. Jürgen needs to understand something—attack and midfield have always been the cornerstones of the USMNT.

With the 4-4-2 formation, Jozy Altidore/Landon Donovan will have support. Playing with a lone forward didn't pay off in the first six matches (two goals), while they scored three times on the last one.

The strikers are fast and skilled, but they need support from the midfielders, who must also have attacking roles like Clint Dempsey.

Before using the 4-4-2, Klinsmann had three midfielders. They managed to keep the ball and move it around (against Costa Rica, USA had a 64.7 percent ball possession), but they left spaces and their rivals took advantage of them.

Moreover, when Bradley was the manager, the defense was solid—four men guarded the goal and the best and most lethal part of it was that as soon as they had the ball they plotted a counterattack.

It's time to stick to basics and make adjustments gradually. This team is going through a transition more than a crisis, but with the right formation and balance between youngsters and experienced footballers the squad will make it through.