Not really explained at all! At least they are more positive though. I dont mind the USA team, has some players I like
Jurgen's been using a 4-2-3-1 formation quite a bit but in the Brazil game went with 3 holding midfielders (Jones, Edu, Bradley). Didn't really agree with it to be honest as it was just too defensive for me. He's been using younger players a bit more than (Bob) Bradley did and like NewYorkSpurs said he does seem to get us passing it on the floor a bit more and seems to like to press a up field.
Our strength right now seems to be in midfield so it makes the most sense to go with 5 in there. At the moment we have quite a few options in the attacking midfield roles (L/C/R) and none seem to be like for like. Brek Shea is a young one to play down the left (big, strong, tricky, head-up wide player*). Dempsey can play either wide left or through the middle behind the striker (different than Shea, more of a goal threat whereas Shea will more often look for a through ball to the striker). Jos?® Torres is another young attacking midfield player who i'd liken to Mata. Not as good mind, but great in possession, and a tricky player who can get others involved. Down the right we usually either go with Donovan or Holden. Both obviously bring different skill sets.
Its getting exciting again to be a USA fan because we're beginning to see glimpses of that passing, 1-touch style thats easy on the eye. Add to that the fact that we're starting to see more young players who have a better technical ability on the ball, its a breath of fresh air really. Jurgen's doing a great job of progressing our game away from the holding, defense-minded, only score on set-pieces mentality that we once had.
The squad I'd like to see us move forward with is:
Forwards: Altidore (22), Boyd (21), Agudelo (19)
ACL: Shea (22), Fabian Johnson (24) - ACM: Dempsey (29), Torres (24) - ACR: Donovan (30), Holden (26)
DM: Edu (26), Bradley (24), Jones (30)
Defence: Chandler (22), Ream (24), Spector (26), Lichaj (23)
Looking at those ages it really highlights some of the excitement we have in our young forward prospects. Altidore isn't the most exciting, but he's definitely got some time to add to his game. Boyd's been tearing it up for Borussia's reserve team (20 goals in 32 apps), and Agudelo is another young one who's shown glimpses of what he may one day be.
The team looks to have a good young spine to it with Ream - Bradley and Edu - and a mix of young options at striker and Jurgen seems to be doing a great job in getting them all to believe in his system.
*by this I mean he's not one to get the ball and barrel head down to the line and send in a cross. He varies his game quite well.
