USMNT: Evaluating Jurgen Klinsmann's Roster Moves and How They Fit

The United States men's national team split a home-and-home series of World Cup qualifiers against Jamaica over the past week, and the results left the Americans tied for the lead in Group A of the CONCACAF semifinal round.

Those two very different performances raised questions about which team is the real U.S. They also shed some light on the ideas manager Jurgen Klinsmann has for the team moving forward, ideally into the final round of qualifying and for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Since being appointed as the 35th head coach in U.S. history in July 2011, Klinsmann has used a number of lineups and handed chances to numerous players—both new and old—as he searches for the right combination.

What's working? What's not working? What should Klinsmann do when the U.S. returns to qualifying in October? We'll look at Klinsmann's record and try to answer those questions below.

Defense

We start with the defense because Tim Howard is unquestionably the first-choice U.S. keeper. Bill Hamid, Sean Johnson and Nick Rimando have all appeared for the U.S. this year, but none are likely to replace Howard anytime soon.

Carlos Bocanegra, now 33, remains the captain and a mainstay in defense. He missed the first Jamaica game, presumably due to a lack of match fitness, but started and played the full 90 in the rematch.

A number of candidates have emerged to partner Bocanegra in central defense. Geoff Cameron, who recently signed with Stoke City of the English Premier League, debuted under former U.S. coach Bob Bradley in 2010 (a very brief second-half cameo) but made his first start in January and is quickly becoming a regular under Klinsmann.

Other options include Oguichi Onyewu, Clarence Goodson and even Maurice Edu, who can play either central defense or defensive midfield.

If Cameron continues on this path, it's feasible he will serve as Bocanegra's first-choice partner in the final round of World Cup qualifying (should the U.S. reach that stage). What's uncertain is whether Bocanegra will remain a starter and captain if the U.S. reaches the 2014 World Cup, when Boca would be 35.

For now, the return and ascension of Cameron are two feathers in Klinsmann's cap.

Steve Cherundolo remains indispensable for the U.S. at right-back. Michael Parkhurst started there in the first match against Jamaica and played well enough, but Cherundolo offers unmatched—in the U.S. talent pool, at least—width and crosses from the right.

On the other side, Fabian Johnson has emerged as first choice at left-back. He's another Klinsmann find, having made his U.S. debut last November after FIFA granted his change-of-association request. Before playing for the U.S., Johnson earned a winner's medal with Germany at the 2009 U-21 European Championship.

Michael Orozco Fiscal received a second chance under Klinsmann after debuting under Bradley in 2008. Besides scoring against Mexico at Azteca Stadium, his return has largely failed to impress.

A first-choice U.S. defense might feature Bocanegra, Cameron, Johnson and Cherundolo. Two of those players, it should be noted, are Klinsmann finds.

Midfield

This is where the picture becomes really fuzzy. What is Klinsmann's favored formation? Is it a 4-3-3? A 4-2-3-1? Something else?

We can safely assume—especially after watching the Jamaica matches—that Michael Bradley and Landon Donovan will remain in Klinsmann's plans for the foreseeable future. Both were sorely missed against the Reggae Boyz.

Jermaine Jones, who also represented Germany at the youth level, started all six matches at the 2011 Gold Cup and has become a favorite of Klinsmann's, much to the annoyance of a vocal segment of supporters.

Danny Williams, another German-American who made his debut under Klinsmann, excelled in the holding role Tuesday against Jamaica and with his versatility, he figures to receive more playing time in upcoming qualifiers.

Like Jones, Jose Torres has drawn widespread criticism for his recent performances. But unlike Jones, he seems to be another Klinsmann favorite. It's unlikely he'll be dropped entirely anytime soon.

Kyle Beckerman, on the other hand, faces an uncertain future with the team after his poor performance in the first Jamaica game. Edu, who can play defensive midfield and central defense, should remain in the picture.

Graham Zusi debuted Jan. 21 and scored four days later against Panama. On Tuesday, he reinforced his growing international reputation with a sterling performance on the right.

Other midfield options include recent debutant Joe Corono and Brek Shea, among several others.

And, of course, there's the Clint Dempsey question.

Forwards

Is Dempsey a midfielder or a forward? What is the best place for him to play?

Dempsey is currently the best and most important American field player, and his presence on the field in key matches is imperative.

He operated as a withdrawn forward Tuesday against Jamaica, with Herculez Gomez playing more advanced. Will that be Dempsey's primary role as qualification continues?

Gomez's recent performances have put him firmly in the picture for a starting spot. Another option up top is Jozy Altidore, who has struggled to recreate his form with Dutch club AZ Alkmaar.

Terrence Boyd, yet another German-American who made his debut under Klinsmann, is still only 21 and appears to be an option for the future.

Chris Wondolowski, 29, has scored 52 MLS goals for the San Jose Earthquakes over the last three seasons, but he has received limited chances under Klinsmann.

Putting It All Together

Klinsmann has tried out several players and formations since July 2011. Some have worked out while others haven't. Most notable are the rise of Cameron and Johnson in defense and Zusi in the midfield. The verdict is still out—though the early returns are positive—on Williams in the midfield and Boyd in the attack.

But how does it all fit together? The U.S. back line is taking shape, but the composition of the midfield remains a question mark.

Seven players appear to be regular starters: Howard, Cherundolo, Bocanegra, Johnson, Bradley, Donovan and Dempsey. Gomez and Altidore are probably Klinsmann's two favorites up top, Cameron seems to have the inside track in central defense and the midfield remains unresolved.

The U.S. returns to World Cup qualifying in October, and if the results are positive, the final round of CONCACAF qualifiers loom in 2013. By then, Klinsmann should have a solid view of his squad as it (hopefully) heads to the World Cup.

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