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The Dream Team: My USA Copa America Starting XI Projections
By Jeremy Strause
June 22nd, 2024
As the 2024 Copa America approaches, many fans across the Americas are buzzing with anticipation. The United States Men’s National Team has been the biggest question going into the tournament. As the host nation, many fans will have their eyes on this young and hungry side. With so many people looking at the United States soccer team, coach Gregg Berhalter has a tough challenge picking the best 11 to start in this tournament. In this article, I will put myself into Berhalter’s shoes and make my dream starting eleven for the 2024 Copa America.
Goalkeeper: Matt Turner
Matt Turner has to get the starting nod for me. After his move from being the backup at Arsenal to starting at Nottingham Forest, he has had a tough season conceding 28 goals in 17 starts. Turner also only recorded one clean sheet this season. Although he’s had a poor season, there isn’t really another goalkeeper that can play the role Turner does for the USA. He always shows up during international play, which you can’t say about many others. I think Chelsea third choice Gabriel Slonina has a lot of potential and will become the starting USA goalkeeper in the future. However, he’s only 20 years old and has only made one appearance for the USA.
(Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Left Back: Antonee Robinson
Antonee Robinson is a lock to become the starter at the Copa America. Robinson was named Fulham’s best player of the season, leading them to a mid-table finish. Over the season, Robinson started all but one match and played the full game in all but five games. Over these 37 matches, he created 33 chances and recorded seven assists. Robinson shined on the defensive end, making 93 tackles and 80 interceptions. With these impressive numbers, many big clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool and AC Milan are interested. Robinson is a lock to start, and he will do great things at the Copa America.
Getty Images
Left Center Back: Tim Ream
At 36 years old, Tim Ream is the oldest player making the starting eleven. Ream is no stranger to top flight football, playing for Fulham for nine years. Ream has struggled this season, only appearing in 18 matches for Fulham due to a calf injury he suffered over the holidays. After missing games due to the injury, he came back and was given very little game time. During the recent 5-1 loss to Colombia, Berhalter implied that after Ream’s departure, the game fell apart for the USA. He is a very high IQ player who has the experience and I think still has enough left in the tank to start and lead this USA team in the Copa America.
(Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Right Center Back: Chris Richards
In this position, there are many questions as to who is going to get the starting nod. You have experienced international players like Miles Robinson and Matt Miazga or players with less experience but more talent such as Chris Richards. Chris Richards has only made 16 appearances for the national team, but that is mostly due to injury. He is easily the most talented center back the USA national team has. He has also shown massive strides at Crystal Palace, starting in 23 games. When he did play for Crystal Palace, he was playing more of a center defensive midfielder role and he was extremely crucial to the team. I think Richards can easily transition to being a center back for the Copa America. The USA needs a center back who is confident with the ball at his feet, and Richards offers just that.
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Right Back: Timothy Weah
The right back position is usually played by PSV star Serginio Dest. However, he is out with injury, so the position is vacant. There are many options to fill the position, with players such as Yunus Musah, Tyler Adams, Weston Mckennie, and Timothy Weah all logging time at right back for their clubs. Joe Scally is Borussia Monchengladbach’s starting right back, and he is a very solid choice. I think to fill the void of Serginio Dest, you have to find a player who will constantly run down the wing, always looking to attack and is very good with the ball at their feet. Joe Scally doesn’t offer that as he is more defensive, so Weah slots in perfectly. Weah played 35 matches for Serie A side Juventus, recording only one goal and two assists. Although it was a disappointing season, he is very gifted and will help the USA in the Copa America.
Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Center Defensive Midfielder: Tyler Adams
Tyler Adams is a leader for this US Men’s National Team. He offers so much on the offensive end, with his great decision making and ability to keep things simple. He also can play an extremely accurate long ball. Adams shines defensively, too. He is incredibly smart, always being in the right spot and knowing when to step up and drop back. At AFC Bournemouth this season, he only made three appearances due to a back injury, but he has been cleared to play for the USA squad. When he does play for his club, he’s a huge threat and will be that for the USA in this year's Copa America.
(Photo: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Center Midfielder: Weston Mckennie
Weston McKennie is a lock to start for the USA in the Copa America. He is, in my opinion, the second most talented player on the field. McKennie is currently the starting midfielder for Turin side Juventus, who have once again qualified for Champions League football. McKennie has been a crucial part of that, playing in 29 matches and dishing out 10 assists. McKennie has incredible vision, poise on the ball, and can hit a great pass. Defensively, he has an incredibly high motor, always working to get the ball back. This motor is shown off the field, as Berhalter praised McKennie for getting back into Juventus’ squad saying, “He didn’t have a parking spot, now he is one of their most important players.” Hopefully, he brings that energy to the USA squad this summer.
Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire/Imago Images
Center Attacking Midfielder: Giovanni Reyna
Although the Reyna family and Berhalter haven't gotten along, I think Reyna should and will receive the start at the Copa America. I think Reyna is one of the USA's best players. He is a player that can make so much impact with just one touch of the ball. He’s got a great mix of flair, skill and speed that make defending him almost an impossible task. Coach Berhalter seems to agree with me, saying in an interview after Reyna’s two assists against Jamaica “Reyna’s talent is unquestionable, and he will remain a key piece to us.” In Reyna’s 2023-24 campaign, he only played in 24 matches, 14 for Dortmund and ten for Nottingham Forest, and only had one assist. This was mostly due to injuries on his fibula and just being out of favor from coaches. However, talent stays forever, and he is one of the most talented on the USA team.
Uwe Kraft/IMAGO
Left Winger: Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic is guaranteed to start at this year’s Copa America . Ever since Pulisic made his first USA cap at 18, he has been a star. . At only 25 years old, Pulisic is already one of the most experienced players for the US national team. After a tough stint at Chelsea, he has bounced back at AC Milan this year. At AC Milan, Pulisic played in 50 matches, snagging 15 goals and 11 assists. He was also featured on the Serie A Team of the Season. Pulisic has an incredible mix of speed and control of the ball, making him an unstoppable force. He’s also extremely smart with the ball, knowing when to make the simple passes or when to go long. This will be a huge Copa America for Pulisic, as he needs to be a leader for the USA.
(AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Striker: Haji Wright
The striker spot is the spot that has the most people fighting for it. The starter Folarian Balogun has been struggling this season for Monaco. This opened up a chance for players to make their arguments. Josh Sargent has played well in the Championship, and so has Haji Wright. You also have PSV striker Ricardo Pepi, who has been a great ballplayer for a while now. This is when the decision gets tough, but I will go to Haji Wright. Wright has been a key piece in a Coventry side that made the FA Cup Semifinals. Wright actually scored in the last minute to bring the game to extra time. Wright has played in 50 total games this season, scoring 19 goals and assisting eight. He has been the player with the most improvement, which has to be accounted for. Along with the improvement, he has been incredibly clutch, has a great knack for finishing, and has a good feel for the ball. This makes me think he is the guy for the job, but I’m keen to see who Berhalter selects.
Mark Atkins/Getty Images
Right Winger: Yunus Musah
I think Musah will be the right winger for the USA. At 21 years old, Musah is the youngest player in my starting 11, but he has as much talent as any of the other 10 guys. He is extremely gritty, always sprinting towards the ball, and constantly being physical with his opponents. He has been a little disappointing this season, securing 40 appearances but only scoring twice. He hasn’t produced much in the AC Milan jersey, but he has such high potential. Hopefully, being in a more at home setting will unleash Musah, so I will give him the start in the Copa America.
Dermot Corrigan/Getty Images
Hopefully, this is the squad that Berhalter chooses for the Copa America. I think that this tournament is a true make or break tournament for him. If he chooses my starting 11, I bet he will keep his job.
I am intrigued to see who Berhalter puts out for the USA’s first game against Bolivia on Sunday in AT&T Stadium.