USMNT - Projected 2022 World Cup Starting XI
Predicting the Starting XI & Bench for the United States Men's National Team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
It seems like October 10th, 2017 was just yesterday. For any USMNT fan this will forever be a date that will live in infamy amongst the red-white-and-blue faithful. Fast-forward 3 years & 4+ months later, and today is Saturday, February 20, 2021. To the vast majority of casual U.S. Soccer observers there is nothing significant about today’s date. In fact there really isn’t anything significant about today in terms of the United States Soccer calendar. Major League Soccer is slated to begin play in just under two-months, there are no USMNT/USWNT fixtures today, outside of a concerning injury to Jordan Morris on-loan at Swansea F.C. (here at Club&Country Weekly we are wishing Jordan the very best) there are no fixtures, or headlines that really jump out at you. To the naked-eye of a casual observer it might not seem like an action-packed weekend, but what about for those USMNT fanatics? Why does today Saturday the 20th of February, 2022 carry any significance?
It’s likely that if you’re a subscriber to this publication then you might consider yourself an avid observer of all things US Men’s National Team. It is also likely that you have been tracking the progression of the USMNT player pool since that 2-1 defeat to Trinidad and Tobago which knocked the USMNT out of 2018 World Cup contention. So what I am I getting at…what makes today the 20th of February special…? I’ll give you a minute to ponder my question…another minute to subscribe to my publication…and once you have your best guess…continue reading below…
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The answer might not be in a headline, but rather on a score-sheet. Over 250+ American name(s) are featuring for European club’s this weekend. These American soccer players abroad are at all different skill levels. The players overseas are playing in varying divisions of European Soccer, have a multitude of professional experience, but most importantly all have one-thing in common. Yes they are American…but more pertinent to this article…they make up the player-pool for the United States Men’s National Team & ultimately the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Today the USMNT has the luxury of choosing from an increasingly rich player pool of talent. That being said just like in anything else, there will always be certain people, or in this case players, who rise to the top. Specific well-known players may find themselves ‘no-brainers’ for the 2022 USMNT 23-man roster. Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Giovanni Reyna, Sergino Dest, etc. are a few names that most certainly come to mind for the 2022 roster, but I am here to give you my list. Below is my projected starting XI and final-23 for the USMNT 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
So without Freddy Adu…here is the XI:
GK: Zack Steffen | 25 | Manchester City
This shouldn’t come as a surprise. The starting keeper’ for the USMNT in 2022 will be Zack Steffen. Zack is a 25 year-old ‘brick-wall’ for the USMNT. The Manchester City back-up is slated to be the last line of defense in December 2022. Steffen has taken his career to new-heights in just over five years as a professional. The Coatesville, PA native was the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year (2018), MLS Best XI (2018), and an MLS All-Star (2018) before going on loan to Fortuna Dusseldorf in the German top-flight Bundesliga. Manchester City’s backup returned to the ‘Sky Blues’ for the 2020-2021 Premier League Season and currently finds himself the league leaders number-two keeper under Pep Guardiola. Whether Zach is a starter for Man-City in 2022, or making saves elsewhere in Europe, Zack has earned himself the goalkeeper position in my starting XI.
LB: Antonee Robinson | 23 | Fulham
With only 8 caps’ to his name for the USMNT, Antonee Robinson will most certainly be the starting left-back at 2022 World Cup. Robinson is only 23 years old and is periodically featured in the starting XI for the Premier League side, Fulham F.C. A player who spent his youth career in the Everton Academy, Robinson has seen success playing in the Championship for the Bolton Wanders & Wigan Athletic before moving to the EPL club Fulham for £2 million on August 20, 2020. Having been born and raised in Milton Keynes, England to an American father from White Plains, New York, Robinson was eligible to play for both England and the United States. With his recent form, and progression, to a day-to-day starter for Fulham, Robinson will certainly be a solid choice for the USMNT ‘Back-Four.’
LCB: John Brooks | 28 | VfL Wolfsburg
One of the only true veterans on this roster it would be a major headline if John Brooks was not part of the starting XI in 2022. Brooks is best known for scoring in the 2014 World Cup for the USMNT against Ghana. A strong and powerful center-back, Brooks has been consistently one of the most feared defenders in the Bundesliga over the past 7+ seasons. On May 31st, 2017 when Brooks signed with Bundesliga side Vfl Wolfsburg, he made waves across the Atlantic as the €20 million transfer fee was a record for an American soccer player at the time. John Brooks is typically one of the more consistent center-backs in the Bundesliga. Many USMNT fans however wish they could say the same for his play with the United States. Outside of his goal vs. Ghana in 2014, Brooks has been hit-or-miss during his time with the USMNT. Given that we are a couple of years out from the 2022 World Cup and Brooks is one of the only veteran player’s amongst our star-studded USMNT roster, I foresee his level of play not improving for the USMNT. Brooks will be a key-player for this USMNT XI at the 2022 World Cup.
RCB: Matt Miazga | 25 | Anderlecht
Matt Miazga is best known for his shock 2016 move to Chelsea F.C. for £3.5 million. A New York Red Bulls Academy product, and Clifton, NJ native, Miazga…like Brooks…is known for his physicality. The 25 year-old center-back has multiple European stints since his move to Stamford Bridge 5 years ago. Miazga has featured for five different teams (Chelsea F.C. included) since he made the move across the pond. A starter for Vitesse in the Eredivisie, a quick stint in Ligue 1 for Nantes, consistent play in the Championship for Reading, and now, featuring for Anderlecht in the Belgium First Division A, Miazga has been all over Europe in a short period of time. Matt’s innability to stick with a team can be looked at one-of-two ways; A) it means that Miazga isn’t good enough to be recalled to Chelsea F.C. from the grasps of their ‘Loan Army,’ or B) it just simply means that Miazga has a wealth of experience and is arguably the most experienced USMNT players in terms of earning first-team minutes during his stay in Europe. Either way Miazga is a talented player. I am confident that his aggressive style of play will earn him a role in the USMNT XI at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
RB: Sergiño Dest | 20 | FC Barcelona
The first American player to feature for FC Barcelona’s first-team, Dest is somewhat of an anomaly for the USMNT. The quick right-back is very skilled on the ball and possesses abilities that are rarely seen from American players. Born in Almere, Netherlands, Dest made a shock decision to choose the USMNT over the Netherlands on October 28th, 2019. Following 38 caps’ for the Dutch giant’ AFC Ajax, Sergino Dest agreed to a transfer to FC Barcelona for a €21 million fee. Signing a five-year contract with one of the biggest club’s in the world, Dest opened many American eyes to his creativity, confidence, and unique playing style on the field. Dest made his senior debut for the United States on September 6th, 2019 vs. Mexico. Given that he is a fringe-starter for the Spanish La Liga giants at only 20 years old, Dest is ‘Dest-ined’ (you see what I did there) for greatness. For all of these reasons above he has earned a position in my projected USMNT XI at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
CDM: Tyler Adams | 22 | RB Leipzig
The captain of this 2022 World Cup squad will most likely be Tyler Adams. Like Miazga, Adams is also a product of the New York Red Bulls Academy. Still in the Red Bull soccer family for Red Bull Leipzig, Tyler Adams is a starter for the Bundesliga side week-in-and-week-out. The 22 year old made the jump to Germany back in January of 2019. In just over two-years, Adams has over 53 caps’ for RB Leipzig. On August 20th, 2020 Adams scored the game-winning goal for Leipzig against Atletico Madrid, helping his team advance to the UEFA Champions League semifinals for the first time in RB Leipzig’s history. Earning 12 caps’ and counting for the USMNT, Tyler Adams is known for his high passer-completion rate. A player with an incredible work-ethic, and knack’ for winning defensive challenges, Adams is a sure-starter at CDM in 2022 for the USMNT.
CM: Weston McKennie | 21 | Juventus F.C.
The 2020 U.S. Soccer Player of the Year, McKennie has earned himself a solid reputation domestically & abroad for Juventus F.C. One of the most exciting USMNT player’s at the moment, Weston McKennie has constantly been featured in Juventus’s starting XI since his move to ‘the old lady’ back in August of 2020. With 28 total caps’ and counting for the Italian giant’s, McKennie is on the brink of being permanently acquired from FC Schalke 04 following this season. Given that McKennie will most likely be a key-starter for Juventus F.C. in Serie A. he is arguably more deserving than any other player on this list to be a starter at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
CAM: Giovanni Reyna | 18 | Borussia Dortmund
The son of USMNT legend’ Claudio Reyna, Gio Reyna is projected to be even better than his father. Named to The Guardian’s “Next Generation 2019,” Reyna is a constant starter for Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga. The 18 year old phenom is the youngest player on this starting XI, but nevertheless is one of the more secure starters at his day-to-day professional club. With over 48 caps’ with Borussia Dortmund, Reyna was the youngest American aged 17 years and 66 days, ever to appear in the Bundesliga. This appearance for Reyna broke the record previously set by Christian Pulisic. On December 22, 2020, Reyna was voted the U.S. Soccer's Young Male Player of the Year. In my opinion he could be the best U.S. Soccer player on this list. There is no ceiling for this young superstar. Remember the name. Gio Reyna will not only be a starter at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but he will also be considered as one of Europe’s top 20 players in the near future.
LW: Christian Pulisic | 22 | Chelsea F.C.
‘Captain America,’ Christian Pulisic is slated to be the most prolific player for the USMNT for years to come. A Hershey, PA native, Pulisic (like Reyna) made his European debut for Borussia Dortmund on January 16th, 2020. Since the date of his debut for Dortmund, Pulisic has taken the soccer world by storm. Chelsea’s #10 when in-form is regarded as one of the most-elusive winger’s in Europe. Drawing comparisons to other Chelsea F.C. greats like Eden Hazard, Pulisic is projected to continue to big things in Europe. This 2020-2021 campaign for Chelsea F.C. hasn’t been Christian’s best, but it is evident that when healthy he is Chelsea’s best player. Christian’s future with Chelsea F.C. is to be watched closely now that he is player under ‘The Blues’ new coach, Thomas Tuchel. Despite the lack of consistent form, and playing time this season, I am confident that Pulisic will turn things around. The 21 year old is too young and talented to not shine at Stamford Bridge, or for another large European club.
RW: Timothy Weah | 20 | OSC Lille
The son of the 1995 Ballon d’Or winner’ and Liberian President, George Weah, Timothy Weah (unlike Reyna) might struggle to be a better player than his father, but that doesn’t mean that the 20 year old still won’t be a great player for the USMNT. Timothy Weah (like Adam & Miazga) was a member of the New York Red Bull’s Academy during the 2013-2014 season. Relocating to France in 2014, Weah joined Paris Saint-Germain’s Academy system. Quickly rising through the ranks, Weah made his senior debut for PSG in a Ligue 1 fixture against Troyes on March 3rd, 2018. Since that date of his first appearance, Weah has been a constant first-team player, now playing his soccer for OSC Lille in Ligue 1. At the time of writing this article Weah is enjoying an unbelievable run-of-form. Weah has scored in multiple recent fixtures for Lille OSC. Timothy Weah can be featured as either a striker or winger, but in this projected XI, I will slot Weah into the RW position. Weah’s pace, scoring abilities, and positional instincts make him a solid choice as the RW in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
ST: Josh Sargent | 21 | Werder Bremen
Last..but certainly not least, Josh Sargent. One could argue that the best striker for this USMNT has been Jozy Altidore for nearly a decade, but in an effort not to cause too much controversy, I am going with the 21 year old striker from O’Fallon, Missouri. The only red-head on this 23 man roster, Sargent has become a fan favorite during his time at Werder Bremen. Being a prolific striker for one of the Bundesliga’s worst sides is not easy, and it is fair to say that Sargent’s lack of goals could be attributed to just that, weak service. In my mind Sargent has a nose for goal. The young American striker will make a move to another European club before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Don’t be surprised if Josh finds himself as one of Europe’s better young strikers before the start of this tournament. With 5 goals in 12 caps’ and counting for the USMNT, Sargent will lean on his time with the red-white-and-blue to show off his goal scoring abilities. If Josh can find himself in a good run of form come 2022 then it is his position to lose.
KEY SUBS’ - FRINGE STARTING XI PLAYERS FOR THE USMNT IN QATAR
ST: Jozy Altidore| 31 | Toronto F.C.
With over 100 caps’ and 42 goals for the USMNT, Jozy Altidore will be on this roster. The potential all-time-leading-scorer for the USMNT, Altidore does nothing but score goals for the United States. Say what you want but this roster needs a solid back-up striker & veteran presence.
RW: Yunus Musah| 18 | Valencia CF
Yunus Musah is an interesting prospect. If Musah chooses to represent the U.S. over the likes of England, Ghana, or Italy, he could potentially be a starter for this team. The 18 year old is extremely talented. Breaking into Valencia’s first-team this season, Musah (if he decided to play for the USMNT) could be an attacking force for this squad and featured as a RW over Weah.
RB: Reggie Cannon| 22 | Boavista F.C.
The F.C. Dallas Academy standout made the move to Portugal’s Boavista F.C. in September of 2020. Since his arrival Cannon has been an integral player for the Portuguese side, and with consistent starts for a Top-6 European league, Cannon is deserved to be a back-up to Dest at RB.
RCB: Aaron Long| 28 | New York Red Bulls
This American defender was rumored to be a shock move to Liverpool F.C. during this past winter’s transfer period. Despite not making the move, the attention from a European giant like Liverpool F.C. shows that Long is deserved to be on this roster.
CAM: Brenden Aaronson| 20 | Red Bull Salzberg
Having moved to the Austrian-side RB Salzberg following a Supporter Shield winning season with the Philadelphia Union, Aaronson has been turning heads in Austria with his play thus far. The crafty midfielder is known for being compared to the ‘energizer bunny,’ constantly running around, and out-hustling almost any opponent. Aaronson would be the perfect solution as a super sub’ late in a match for the USMNT off the bench.
LW/RW: Konrad de la Fuente| 19 | FC Barcelona
Konrad de la Fuente is another really intriguing player for the USMNT. Konrad has featured this season for FC Barcelona in non-league play, but he has yet to make a first team appearance in La Liga. If Konrad de la Fuente can find himself being a role-player for FC Barcelona (or any large European side) then he could potentially find himself being a starter/or close back-up on this USMNT XI.
GK: Ethan Horvath| 25 | Club Brugge
Ethan Horvath flies under the radar. The 25 year old American keeper’ has only 5 caps’ with the USMNT. That being said he is a rotational player for one of the Belgium First Division’s best teams. If Horvath can become a starter elsewhere, or at Club Brugge, then he will find himself as the backup keeper’ for the USMNT at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
‘ROUNDING OUT THE REST OF THE 23-MAN ROSTER
LB: Deandre Yedlin| 27 | Galatasaray
ST: Jesús Ferreira| 20 | FC Dallas
RW: Jordan Morris| 26 | Swansea F.C.
GK: Matt Turner| 26 | New England Revolution
So that does it for my starting XI and complete 23 man roster for the USMNT at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. I know that some of you have different players in mind, so please don’t be shy, comment below. Be on the look-out for the corresponding YouTube video to this article. I look forward to hearing from you.
Chris Richards?