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Jeff Carlisle
multiple authors
List of important players US men’s national teamThere are few who rank higher than this psv eindhoven guard sergino destination.
AC Milan‘S Christian Pulisic Automatic, given what it means for a US attack. for similar AFC Bournemouth‘S tyler adamsGiven the importance of how the team defends. Weston McKenneyLooking at his current form, he is in the same category no matter where he plays.
But Dest is the USMNT’s ultimate attacking wildcard, and he has vision going down with a hamstring injury In PSV’s 2-1 win AZ Alkmaar Saturday was grim to say the least. In the 55th minute, when he fell down holding his left leg, pain was visible on his face. He had to be helped off the field by two members of PSV’s training staff, and could only put a little weight on his leg.
Of course, there is a possibility that Dest recovers in time for the World Cup. But InstagramDest was definitely putting on a brave face, saying, “I’m out for a while to do what I love most! But one thing’s for sure this is not the end of the season! I will do everything in my power to make sure I’m back at the right time as soon as possible! Thanks for the messages won’t let you guys down!”
But hamstring injuries are extremely difficult injuries to recover from. Setbacks are common, and there is no guarantee he will return to fitness in time to suit up for the USMNT. world cup opener against paraguay On June 11th.
If Dest does not return, his loss will be profound, given his tendency to produce unpredictable results. His ability to beat opponents off the dribble adds a surprising element to a player, as he is clearly listed as a defender, as evidenced by the timing of his runs. He also has the ability to cut inside and take shots with his left foot.
It doesn’t take much scanning in the mind’s eye to remember how devastating his forays into the attacking third can be. That was the important goal he scored against costa rica in a home World Cup qualifier, in which he came in from the wing and unleashed a piledriver of a shot that beat no one but Ticos‘Great goalkeeper, Kelor Navas. In the group stage final against Iran at the 2022 World Cup, it was Dest’s perfectly timed run that allowed him to deflect McKennie’s pass across the box to Pulisic for the only goal of the game, enabling the US to advance to the knockout rounds.
To be clear, Dest’s defensive shortcomings are well documented, and explain why he is not a lock to start at right back or right wingback. But that kind of ability to contribute offensively is important, whether starting or off the bench. If he is not available, it will be one less dynamic element on the field for the US, and allow teams to focus more of their attention on Pulisic when it comes to shutting down the USMNT attack.
American manager Mauricio Pochettino will have few options if Dest is not able to go.
alex freemannow with LaLiga Side VillarrealHas made a quantum leap in the past year from breaking into the starting lineup Orlando City SC Frequent call-ups with the USMNT. Freeman’s passing ability is a little more standard than Dest’s, but he showed his goalscoring ability last November, when he scored twice in a 5–1 friendly win. uruguay.
joe scali There is another player who can move forward. While he has spent most of his career with borussia monchengladbach As an outside back in a four-man backline, he has played plenty of minutes as a wingback this season, and even scored a rare goal against FC Augsburg On January 11th.
McKennie has played as a wingback on several occasions juventus This season, but given the U.S. team’s needs elsewhere, it doesn’t seem like he would be a good fit there for the World Cup.
Might be the biggest beneficiary of all marseille‘S timothy weah.
Like McKennie, he has been the designated Swiss Army Knife for his team this season, playing in a variety of roles including wingback. Since Pochettino often prefers to play in a 3-4-2-1 formation, there is no easy slot for Weah, especially given the competition at the wingback position. But Weah’s speed going forward is an asset the U.S. doesn’t have much of, and given the player’s time with Marseille, as well as the fact he has World Cup experience, Dest’s injury could give Weah a chance to shine in the role for the USMNT.
With the March international window approaching, and Dest certain to miss, it looks like the positional battle will be between Freeman and Weah, with the hope that either of them can contribute at least some of the attacking threat that Dest previously provided.
