Saturday, May 31, 2014
#USAvTUR Friendly: Preview on United States
Jürgen Klinsmann’s focus is to bring forth a fluid style of play from our USMNT. The key is to maintain possession and execute effective passing. This can only be successful if there is a strong midfield present. Midfielders like Michael Bradley, Mix Diskerud, Alejandro Bedoya, and Jermaine Jones will establish a solid link-up with the backline and attack against Turkey. What makes these individuals stand out is their high work-rate. Klinsmann will most likely implement a 4-4-2 diamond formation in this friendly since we’ve recently seen him experiment with this formation against Azerbaijan and Mexico. Our defense is something Klinsmann must focus on against our friendlies against Turkey and Nigeria since that is where we look the most vulnerable.
Since Clint Dempsey has recovered from a groin injury, I suspect he’d be incorporated in the starting XI. I also believe Klinsmann will play Aron Jóhannsson up front alongside Dempsey. Jozy Altidore didn’t display a spectacular performance against Azerbaijan so I believe he’d be benched. As far as midfielders, I would like to see Klinsmann integrate Michael Bradley and Mix Diskerud since these two players always standout. They will all provide great service to the backline and the men up front. In the backline, it would be interesting to utilize newcomer Yedlin. Although we haven’t seen much of him, I believe he has a lot to offer.
The ability to adapt to various situations is crucial in these friendlies. The purpose of adaptation is to help players counteract difficult or stressful circumstances on the pitch. For instance, this squad will need to think on their feet when handling stronger opponents like Portugal or Germany in the World Cup. If our team is better able to adjust to opposing teams, this will work to our advantage. Going into this game, I believe the US will have no problems securing a win.
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| Via Tumblr |
Since Clint Dempsey has recovered from a groin injury, I suspect he’d be incorporated in the starting XI. I also believe Klinsmann will play Aron Jóhannsson up front alongside Dempsey. Jozy Altidore didn’t display a spectacular performance against Azerbaijan so I believe he’d be benched. As far as midfielders, I would like to see Klinsmann integrate Michael Bradley and Mix Diskerud since these two players always standout. They will all provide great service to the backline and the men up front. In the backline, it would be interesting to utilize newcomer Yedlin. Although we haven’t seen much of him, I believe he has a lot to offer.
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| Via Tumblr |
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| Via Tumblr |
Written by: Laxmi Patel
Follow me on Twitter: @OfficialLaxmi
#USAvTUR Friendly: Preview on Turkey
Although Turkey did not qualify for the upcoming World Cup in Brazil, they are a team with bright stars and undeniable talent. The most recent wins against Kosovo, Republic of Ireland, and Honduras emphasize Fatih Terim’s vision on further developing a strong unit. The next challenge will be facing Jürgen Klinsmann and the USMNT.
Turkey’s strength lies in the way they utilize the flanks. Caner Erkin and Gökhan Gönül are two critical pieces of the puzzle. The fullbacks elevate Turkey’s game with their ability to cross the ball into the box. The attack thrives off of these final passes in dangerous areas, which is the most damaging against opposition. The performance against Honduras showed how Turkey can effectively press and create space using time on the ball.
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| Via AP Photo |
As far as weaknesses go, Turkey will have to be mindful of turnovers. They are the most vulnerable when they lose possession of the ball. Defensive lapses will need to be avoided. When Turkey move with the ball, they risk playing a high-line. This leads to defenders getting caught out of position, which increases the likelihood of errors. Another improvement Turkey will need to consider is dictating the tempo throughout the game. They will need to carry out a sharp, passing style and simultaneously match USA’s stamina in the midfield battle.
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| Via Barry Cregg, Sportsfile |
Key players to watch out for are Onur Kıvrak, Caner Erkin, Gökhan Gönül, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Nuri Şahin, and Mevlüt Erdinç. First off, Onur is a very capable goalkeeper who is no stranger to making quality saves over and over again. His athleticism and composure are two of his biggest assets. Caner and Gökhan play one of the most demanding positions, but fulfill their duties with ease. They have an eye for picking out players as well as controlling the flow of the game. Hakan is one of most creative individuals Turkey has to offer. Primarily an attacking midfielder, he has immense potential. On the other hand, Nuri is the link between defense and attack. His experience and solid passing keeps the midfield together. Last but not least, Mevlüt is a strong forward with an impeccable work-rate. His mobility allows him to be in the right place at the right time.
Ay Yıldızlılar facing off against the Stars and Stripes will be reminiscent of 2010. USA won the friendly 2-1 last time, so Turkey will be looking for sweet victory this time around.
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| Via Washington Post |
Written by: Goral Patel
Follow me on Twitter: @goralpatel