? See the top 3 defenders for the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers | HOW TO
Channel: ABD AST
Date: 2020-06-17

? See the top 3 defenders for the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers | HOW TO 

 USMNT: Top 3 centre-backs for 2022 World Cup qualifying

Gregg Berhalter is building a new era of the USMNT. But who are his best options at centre-backs ahead of the looming 2022 World Cup qualifiers? Here are the top three candidates at the position at present.
One of the positions that has suffered the most turmoil and turbulence under Gregg Berhalter is centre-back. The U.S. Men’s National Team head coach routinely shuffled through his pack with different starting pairs used throughout the year. That now leaves an extremely muddled picture at the position. There are many ways that Berhalter could go. Nevertheless, with the 2022 World Cup qualifiers looking at some stage in the distance, he must begin to find some clarity.

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So, here are the top three centre-back options ahead of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
1. John Brooks
While Long is the most consistent and reliable centre-back for the USMNT, John Brooks has the highest potential, if he can ever stay fit. He plays in a top-five European league, is a regular for Wolfsburg, and plays with a domineering swagger that is ideal for a modern-day centre-back.

Brooks suffered a pulled hamstring early in the season, but since his return in late-October, he has been a consistent presence in the Wolfsburg defence, starting 13 of the last 17 Bundesliga matches. He is a superb passer, stands at 6-foot-4, bringing terrific aerial dominance, and has the athleticism and range to cover ground in a high-pressing team.

Brooks’ only problem is injury. Since the start of the 2017/18 season, the year he signed with Wolfsburg, he has missed 37 domestic matches. More problematic, he has suffered issues with his knees, hamstrings, and tendons. These are the types of injuries that can reoccur.

2. Aaron Long
The most consistent performer for both club and country in recent years is Aaron Long, who’s surge up the USMNT centre-back pecking order is a testament to his superb form and consistency throughout the recent period.
Long had made only two appearances of the USMNT before 2019. He then played 14 matches across 2019, scoring three goals in the process. He was the ever-present figure in the heart of the defence and Berhalter is clearly an admirer of his distribution and defensive work.
Long was named the MLS Defender of the Year in 2018, his partnership with Tim Parker anchoring a historically great New York Red Bulls defence. Domestically, his form slipped a little in 2019, although the Red Bulls were not the same outfit, especially with Tyler Adams departing in the offseason.
The 27-year-old is also the ideal age for the upcoming World Cup cycle. With or without a European move, although the latter would be ideal for his development, he should be in the prime of his career and at the peak of his powers

3. Miles Robinson
Miles Robinson broke out in 2019. That much is very clear. The number two SuperDraft pick was seeing his career slip beyond his grasp. He struggled to gain playing time at Atlanta United under Tata Martino, and, approaching his mid-20s, he needed to find a spot for himself at a senior team. Then everything changed. Frank de Boer entrusted the Atlanta defence to the 22-year-old.
Robinson was superb last season. He anchored Atlanta to one of the best defensive records in MLS, including a run of five clean sheets in succession and the joint-most clean sheets on the season. He was calm and composed, authoritative when pressing the ball, and superb in possession. His performances were so impressive that Atlanta allowed lost Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, Florentin Pogba, and Michael Parkhurst in the offseason and only signed Fernando Meza as a viable replacement.

Robinson’s USMNT performances were extremely encouraging, too. While many of his teammates looked flustered and uncertain, hesitant with every step, he was assured, confident, cool and collected. He rarely made a mistake and showed awareness beyond his years. Robinson is not a starting option just yet, but he might be the end of 2020.
A third of all players in the EPL are Black. But despite their numbers on the field, it’s virtually impossible for them to become a decision-maker in the sport: None of the 20 teams in the English Premier League’s (EPL) has a single Black director or executive, and there’s only one Black head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo of Wolverhampton Wanderers.