The United States Men’s National Team‘s latest World Cup test comes as they take on Belgium in Seattle in the early hours of Tuesday morning (UK time).
Mauricio Pochettino’s men have excelled as co-hosts so far, beating Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32 having topped Group D — their only defeat 3-2 against Turkey in a match where they’d already qualified and heavily rotated.
Now, however, they will face a much sterner test as they come up against Belgium.
Yes, the Red Devils’ golden generation has all but faded away, with the last remnants — Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Thomas Meunier — coming towards the end of their careers. However, they’ve repeatedly shown at this tournament that they can grind out results despite poor performances.
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Belgium came from behind to draw against Egypt and took a point against Iran despite playing the final 24 minutes with 10 men. Then they dismantled New Zealand 5-1 with a second-half attacking masterclass.
But Rudi Garcia’s biggest result so far was the stunning 3-2 comeback win against Senegal in the last 32 with Youri Tielemans and Lukaku scoring three goals combined from the 86th minute onwards after the African side had taken a 2-0 lead.
Despite being ranked ninth in the world, Belgium are very beatable. But focus on that too much and they still have the quality to cause real damage.
Kevin De Bruyne, in particular, needs to be accounted for, with the Napoli man averaging 2.99 chances created per 90 minutes at this tournament. KDB is joined by the Senegal match-winner, Tielemans, as well as the likes of Amadou Onana and the experienced Hans Vanaken in an engine room that needs shutting down.
Luckily for Pochettino, the Stars and Stripes have the perfect midfield blend to do just that.
Pochettino’s perfect USMNT midfield mix
Pochettino has set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation during this World Cup, with Tyler Adams and Malik Tillman most often operating as the two central midfielders.
The pair complement each other perfectly, offering contrasting styles to ensure the USMNT are covered for all eventualities.
Adams has averaged 2.33 tackles, 2.33 interceptions and 1.3 fouls per 90 minutes at the tournament so far, placing him second among USA players with 100+ minutes in the former two categories, and sixth in the latter.
Tillman certainly doesn’t shy away from his defensive responsibilities. However, the fact that he is first among USA players for possessions won in the attacking third (1.69) and second for chances created (2.03) — not to mention boasting a goal and an assist — illustrates how the Bayer Leverkusen man operates in a more advanced role.
Of course, Adams and Tillman are helped significantly by the presence of Weston McKennie.
The Juventus man has been lining up as one of Pochettino’s dual 10s at this tournament. But where his partner — Christian Pulisic when fit — has been given free rein to attack, McKennie has been asked to work hard out of possession and support the two behind him.
McKennie is third among USA players for tackles per 90 (2.03) and fourth for interceptions (1.53). But he’s also first for through-balls completed (0.56) and second for chances created (2.03).
The 27-year-old — one of the real leaders in this squad — blends much of the defensive solidity of Adams and attacking threat of Tillman, alongside the unrelenting work rate of both.
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And if something goes wrong in this midfield dynamic, Pochettino can also introduce Sebastian Berhalter, who is one of the best in his position in MLS right now and put in a goal-and-assist performance in the 3-2 defeat to Turkey.
When it comes to raw talent, you have to favour Belgium. De Bruyne alone probably accounts for more than 50% of the quality on the pitch between these two sides.
However, the Red Devils are an ageing force, and the USMNT midfield’s mixture of dynamism and craft has all the potential to run Belgium down in the most important area of the field.
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