Bob Bradley has a dilemma. Robbie Findley, the starting striker in the US’ first two games, is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Even if Findley was available, it has become clear that he’s not ready for starter’s minutes. What is the US head coach to do? The answer may be in the second half against Slovenia: Clint Dempsey.
Dempsey is a natural left winger. He prefers that position, but with the Algeria match being the US’ make-or-break point in the 2010 World Cup, all bets are off. MLSSoccer.com reported yesterday that Bradley is considering slotting Dempsey into to the striker role, making the prospect all the more likely. It is hard to argue with Bradley given Dempsey’s recent performances as a striker. Where Bradley really has a dilemma is replacing Dempsey the midfielder.
The immediate answer is Benny Feilhaber. Feilhaber has proven he can handle the midfield role at the international level, and played well as a second-half sub. The problem with Feilhaber is he has usually been a central midfielder, the role he played against Slovenia. It went largely unnoticed, but when Feilhaber and Maurice Edu entered the pitch, Edu actually slotted in as a defensive midfielder, allowing left back Carlos Bocanegra to push forward with more free will. Bocanegra essentially replaced Dempsey while Edu floated.
If not Feilhaber, who? Jose Torres could be an option, but after his timid performance against Slovenia it is unlikely he’ll see the pitch for the rest of the tournament. DaMarcus Beasley brings experience to the position, but his lack of playing time the last few seasons makes him a liability the US cannot afford right now. Stuart Holden is the most like Dempsey as far as play style, but his lack of experience and recent recovery from injury makes his fitness a concern as well.
Perhaps the best option is to leave Dempsey at his natural position and give Edson Buddle the chance to start. Buddle proved his worth against Australia in the final tune-up match, scoring twice. He clearly has the finishing ability (9 goals in 9 MLS games this season), and knows the ins and outs of Landon Donovan’s game. His experience is a question mark as well. Bradley may be saving Buddle as a second-half spark; however, Herculez Gomez is better suited for that job.
Whatever Bradley decides will likely cement his legacy as the USMNT head coach. Should his choice prove effective and lead to a win over Algeria, Bradley will just the third person to lead the US out of the group stage in the World Cup. Should his choice fail, the “Fire Bob Bradley” crowd will only get louder. For my money, Buddle is the best option. As we saw against Slovenia, Dempsey can always move up top later in the match. Hopefully the game isn’t out of reach if that happens.
Adam Soucie is the author of Soccer, Not Football, a blog focused on the American game. If you’ve liked this piece, check out his other work. If you haven’t liked it, he promises there’s better stuff on his site.