Klinsmann Announces Roster for France, Slovenia Friendlies
Jurgen Klinsmann continues to use his pipeline to Germany for talent with his latest roster selections for the United States games against France and Slovenia. No less than five players born in Germany are on the roster, including newcomer Alfredo Morales who received his first senior team call up.
U.S. Roster
Goalkeepers (2)
Bill Hamid (D.C.United) – It certainly appears as if Klinsmann has appointed Hamid the successor to Tim Howard. The only question is when he receives his first cap.
Tim Howard (Everton) – The clear cut number one.
Defenders (7)
Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers) – The captain is closing in on cap number 100, something he will achieve if he plays in both friendlies.
Timmy Chandler (Nürnberg) – Has the U.S. finally found a left back?
Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96) – Mr. Dependable had a tough night against Ecuador and is no longer a lock at RB.
Clarence Goodson (Brondby) – Having a very good season at Brondby, very much deserves a look.
Alfredo Morales (Hertha Berlin) – The new guy, all signs point to a quality player who can play RB and CDM.
Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis) – Don’t understand this pick over a Omar Gonzalez who has had a monster season for the Galaxy.
Oguchi Onyewu (Sporting Lisbon) – The big guy has fought his way back to full strength. Would like to see another quality performance from Gooch, consistency is key going forward.
Midfielders (9)
Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake) – Klinsmann loves Beckerman and who can blame him. The guy knows his role and is willing to do the little things that matter.
Michael Bradley (Chievo Verona) – Bradley is getting plenty of playing time for Chievo – only question is if Klinsmann deploys him in the central midfield, in an advanced attacking role, or even at right midfield.
Clint Dempsey (Fulham) – Best player on the United States roster.
Maurice Edu (Rangers) – Getting plenty of playing time for Rangers and has become a regular for Klinsmann.
Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim) – Back from injury will get another look from Klinsmann.
Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04) – Fought his way back to the starting eleven for Shalke after a disappointing spell in which he was not getting any playing time. Klinsmann is rewarding him for his efforts and for fighting his way back with his cub team. See a trend here?
Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew) – With the Crew out of the MLS playoffs it makes sense to get him into camp. Rogers is a guy who could very well benefit the most from the Klinsmann hiring.
Brek Shea (FC Dallas) – What a week, will follow up the friendlies with a training spell at Arsenal for a month before returning to Dallas in December.
Danny Williams (Hoffenheim) – Played will in his first two caps for the United States so expect Klinsmann to continue his look at Williams. My sense is Williams could become a staple for the USMNT.
Forwards (4)
Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar) – Having a great season at AZ Altidore continues to be criticized for not scoring goals for the USMNT.
DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla) – MVP is a term thrown about to describe his season in Mexico. Amazing rebirth for Beasley who’s senior team career was left for dead.
Edson Buddle (Ingolstadt) – Scoring goals for his club team has given Buddel another chance with the USMNT. He needs to impress quickly as his time is running out.
Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy) – Interesting that Donovan is listed as a forward and Dempsey as a midfielder. I would like to see Dempsey and Donovan paired up front at some point in time.
Schedule
November 11, 2011
USA vs. France
3 PM ET
Stade de France, Paris
ESPN2, ESPN3, Univision, Univision.com
November 15, 2011
USA vs. Slovenia
12:00 PM ET
Stozice Stadium, Ljubljana
ESPN2, ESPN3, Galavision
