Picking the USMNT Copa America roster

Everyone loves USMNT speculation.

It usually engenders debate, hopefully opens minds, and if nothing else gives people the chance to get excited about the upcoming friendly or tournament. Everyone seems to have their friendly and generally speaking no one ever is completely wrong (unless it is that dastardly Jurgen Klinsmann).

So with the Copa America just about to get underway talk of the international tournament is just about to hit a fever pitch. With players wrapping up their club seasons in Europe and Major League Soccer about to take a short break the eyes of all football supporters seem to be transitioning towards the Copa. Even rampant allegations of corruption and football officials being indicted for fraud and racketeering could not hold back the Copa America Centenario.

Before play can begin United States Men’s National Team coach Jurgen Klinsmann will need to trim his roster from 40 players to 23. Although that might sound like an easy process (look at the most recent rosters used during World Cup Qualifying and one can get a good idea where he is going with this) it is actually a bit complicated.

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First, one has to consider that the USMNT is at a very interesting time in their development. With the national team no longer vying for a spot at the 2016 Olympics (the under-23 side lost out to Colombia in a two-legged playoff in February) Klinsmann has to consider if now is the time for a changing of the guard. With two years left before the 2018 World Cup now is the time that international coaches look at their roster and decide if it is time for some players to go and others to take their place.

Second, what is the exact value of this tournament? If Klinsmann and the USMNT brass consider this tournament to be a top tournament then they should come in with their best roster. However, if this tournament is considered to just be a glorified cash grab then it may make sense to give some top players a rest.

What makes this situation ever more complicated is Klinsmann’s current status with the USMNT. Given the recent run of poor form it would make sense for him to bring out his best roster and give it the old college try. But if the World Cup is the only barometer being used to measure his success then he is under no pressure and can continue to tinker. That may anger the supporters but it may what’s best for Klinsmann.

To make things easy on us all let’s assume that Klinsmann will want to select a roster aimed at getting past Colombia, Costa Rica, and Paraguay. Let’s also assume that Klinsmann will have a bit of an eye on the 2018 World Cup so he will likely try bringing in a couple of younger players and give some other players one last chance.

So what will the roster look like? Let’s check it out!

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