TIME FOR MICHAEL TO MOVE UP?:

How the U.S. Can Be Successful Against Algeria (Austin Lindberg, 6/19/10, Bleacher Report)

What Bradley can do is give his defenders more support from midfield. The U.S. has looked most composed when Michael Bradley is allowed to push forward and be relieved of some defensive responsibilities.

As exciting as the prospect of pairing Bradley with Benny Feilhaber or Jose Torres is, the fact is that leaves the U.S. defense exposed. When Bob Bradley has used Ricardo Clark, and at times Maurice Edu, the midfield appears much more purposeful at both end of the pitch.

It may not be pretty, but Ricardo Clark might well be the key that unlocks the U.S. midfield in this World Cup.

Second, Landon Donovan must get involved. Donovan has stepped up for the U.S. and has the swagger of a player ready to put his team on his shoulders. His time is now. The only question is, how can Bob Bradley get the most out of U.S. Soccer's crown jewel?

The best answer is flexibility. Bradley needs to field wingers and forwards who can be interchanged. Being able to interchange Donovan and Clint Dempsey on the left and the right has proven to be a valuable asset for the U.S.

The U.S. looked its most creative against Slovenia when Bradley allowed Donovan and Dempsey free reign alongside Altidore, while Maurice Edu anchored midfield with Feilhaber and Bradley distributing from central areas.

If you're goiung to move Bradley forward and have Edu and Clark in front of Onyewu and DeMerit then why play a back 4? Drop Bocanegra and play a front three of Donovan/Dempsey/Altidore with Bradley/Feilhaber distributing as forward midfielders then the defensive box behind them and Cherundolo as the other defender.

Posted by Orrin Judd at June 21, 2010 6:16 AM