USMNT News: Michael Bradley and Gyasi Zardes should make their comeback in the first Berhalter formation

There's only a few months left to really judge Gregg Berhalter from the work he's doing with the US national team, especially after this summer's Concacaf Gold Cup, but first impressions are important, making the 39; opening 2019 of Berhalter very important.

No, it will not be a question of scoring a total goal against what is essentially a Panama C team, but rather to give long-suffering US fans clear guidance on Berhalter's USMNT style.

We hear continually about the tenants of the "Berhalter Way", the emphasis on the possession and circulation of bullets at aggressive wing play, but until we see an American team deployed in his system, doing what is expected of a Berhalter team, it will not be real and it will not seem like the long-awaited new era has begun.

The current team in the camp is a far cry from the USMNT full-choice group, but this collection of outstanding MLS figures is full of interesting questions. For example, what is the hierarchical order between the different central circles? Kellyn Acosta's early departure seems to indicate that the Colorado Rapids midfielder is lagging behind, with players like Russell Canouse and Cristian Roldan successfully defending their case in the current camp.

Then there are the wings, where Berhalter had only few flanking options and certainly less than what the coach would want, given how much he likes his teams play. Paul Arriola is the most natural solution of the Berhalter system, with his right wing, while the versatile Sebastian Lletget can handle the work left, although you can deduce that it might be better suited for a central role.

Does Berhalter go with the predictable pair of Michael Bradley and Wil Trapp at the base of a five-man midfielder? This couple would be a little exaggerated against an inexperienced team of Panama that would not offer much dangerous threats of attack. Meanwhile, Berhalter will want his first management game to be the one in which the team is in control, and a Bradley-Trapp couple would ensure that the Americans control the possession and sufficiently protect the central defenders to allow the central defenders. and wingers to go ahead and create chances.

If there is a young player who could be a surprise starting option, it's Chicago Fire midfielder, Djordje Mihailovic, who inspired the camp veterans' praise for his talent and skill. creativity. The 20-year-old was called with an eye on his potential as an option for the next qualifying team, but at a time when offensive midfielder options are rare, Berhalter might be tempted to see what Mihailovic can do in a training. with some veterans around him.

A start could be very demanding on Mihailovic, with Roldan becoming one of the players who settled in the Berhalter system. Roldan is not a mere offensive midfielder, but he can play a pivotal role ahead of Bradley and Trapp, and is able to pbad the third-place forwards, though Berhalter can also turn to Marky Delgado.

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The left back is again a problem, Greg Garza's injury having cost the team an option for veterans at this position. Daniel Lovitz is an underrated player, but has he done enough to deserve to start ahead of Nick Lima, who is not a natural back but who has experience at the post? Berhalter could decide to send a message about playing the players in their best positions and having natural positions in each role, which would imply starting Lovitz, but Lima had a good camp and is a good bet to be on the field, either on the left back with Reggie Cannon on the right, or on the back right.

Aaron Long and Walker Zimmerman are the most experienced centerbackers, even though they only have six combined selections. The Auston Trusty and Mark McKenzie duo of the Philadelphia Union impressed at the camp, but both are awaiting their debuts on the national team, which should not start yet.

On the front, Gyasi Zardes should be right, not only because he knows the Berhalter system, but also because he is the most experienced option of the team. . Christian Ramirez and Jeremy Ebobisse are both looking for their first selections. Ramirez is most likely both to take a start, but is more likely to get off the bench.