Formation change: Should U.S. play a 4-2-3-1 at the World Cup?

I was making my regular internet rounds today, when I spotted this intriguing U.S. formation lineup at ESPN:

—————Howard——————
Spector—-Gooch—Demerit—Boca
——–Bradley——–Edu————
Holden—Dempsey(attacking mid/ low lying FW)—Donovan
————–Altidore——————

Explains MickMackDaddy, the commenter that proposed the lineup: “A 4-2-3-1 in my opinion gives the U.S. the best possible chance for success at the World Cup,” he says, shunning the current 4-4-2. “It solidifies everything the U.S. does well: Defend and counterattack. It gives Dempsey the chance to find space with piercing runs through the defense. And if he loses the ball, which he sometimes does, he has two defending midfielders right behind him.”

In other words, the lineup marries our depth at midfield with our lack of formidable forwards. Although I feel comfortable with the 4-4-2 (it’s the most played formation for a reason), this seems like an appropriate last-minute audible, given our offensive injuries.

Concludes Mick, “Please Bob Bradley, if or someone on your staff somehow sees this post, give a look at the 4-2-3-1 formation.”

May 12, 2010
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