Bob Bradley Should Focus on Defense for United States’ Friendly With Chile

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: January 12, 2011

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With Bob Bradley's selection for his January camp, he's chosen youth development at the beginning of 2011.

It's a shrewd decision as he will certainly need to replace a few aging U.S. players by 2014, and since the midfield is saturated with the most talent the U.S. has ever possessed in this area of the pitch, Bradley will concentrate on his attacking options and up-and-coming defenders.

Bradley has invited Zenit St. Petersburg striker Eugene Starikov and called up Juan Agudelo from the U-20 camp, so it looks as if his eyes are turned towards goal.

An understandable decision considering the dearth of goals scored by forwards in this last World Cup, but it may not be in Bradley's best interest to spend the bulk of his time searching for forward answers. When it comes to the world-class striker, the player isn't hiding underneath a rock or quietly honing his skills in the USL. If an elite American striker was available, he'd already be playing overseas.

What's most likely to happen over the next four years is something similar to what happened during the last qualification cycle (barring an automobile accident): a few viable options will emerge that complement the core of the current team.

A best case, realistic scenario is the emergence of a player with the ability to energize the attack and offer skills opposite Jozy Altidore in much the same way Charlie Davies did temporarily.

Perhaps that's Bradley's plan: Invite as many options into camp, get a number on the field during friendlies and see what emerges. A healthy competition never hurt anyone.

Unfortunately, the coach has a much more pressing matter. He must cultivate a pool of young defenders over the next four years. 

An individual could look at this dilemma as one of predilection. Should the coach concentrate on attackers, thereby creating an attack-minded team, or build a defense for a more defensive approach...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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