The United States Men’s National Team has played two friendlies this summer in preparation for the upcoming Copa America tournament. In that process, some crucial things were learned about the squad. There has to be a starting XI for the Copa, and this is the best one that can help lead the USA to our first-ever major international trophy.
Projecting the USMNT’s best starting attack for the Copa America
There is absolutely one lock in the USMNT starting XI, and that is the captain Christian Pulisic starting on the left-hand flank. The only ever American to win a Champions League slots in perfectly for the USMNT after a revival at AC Milan this past season in Serie A. Pulisic had that wonderful 2019-2020, season breaking out during the infamous lockdown part of the footballing world. He then followed that up with the UCL win, but the move to Milan was well-needed and the captain is back to being himself.
Up top at the striker position, the USMNT will likely go with Folarin Balogun. His ability to drop in and link up play, his off-ball movement, and his ability to finish inside the box are far above what we have seen from USMNT striker play in a long time.
He did not have the best season at AS Monaco after he got his move from Arsenal, but we have seen the level that he reached at Reims and he displayed that level in the two friendlies. He was superb in both games, the one he started and the cameo he made off the bench in the draw against Brazil. He elevates the squad in order to compete with these top 20 teams in the world, so he should make the starting lineup.
On the right wing, Tim Weah makes it. This is going to be a 4-3-3 formation — pretty standard stuff. But Weah makes it as the traditional left-footed right winger. He can hold width well with his pace and use his ability to take on his man and put crosses into the box for Balogun.
