Is the U.S. team any closer to finding a reliable left back?
The U.S. team’s quest for a steady left back option seemed to potentially lead to Jonathan Bornstein after some respectable World Cup performances, but his shambolic effort against Brazil in August once again raised those same questions.
This brings us to Chicago-area natives Jonathan Spector and Eric Lichaj, who could both get looks at left back on Saturday. Both are more natural right backs, but both are capable of playing on the left. Spector is struggling for playing time at West Ham, and Lichaj has yet to play for Aston Villa this year, so it can’t be assumed either of them will be in form, but Bradley will have a chance to see both on the left against Poland before likely giving Heath Pearce a look there against Colombia on Tuesday.
How will Jermaine Jones fit in?
There is little doubting that Jones has the talent to be impact national team player, but as he prepares for his U.S. national team debut what is still not known is how will he fit in on a squad he is completely unfamiliar with.
Jones joins an already deep stable of central midfield options, but it can be argued that when he’s at his best he could be the best of the bunch. Bradley isn’t likely to rush Jones along, but after waiting more than a year to see him in a USA uniform, Bradley just might be as eager to see Jones operate as most U.S. fans are.
Given how well Michael Bradley and Maurice Edu are playing on the club level, Jones might have to settle for a reserve role in his first U.S. appearance, but there is also the possibility that Bob Bradley takes a long look at the trio of Jones, Bradley and Edu in a midfield trio.
Ives Galarcep is a senior writer for FoxSoccer.com covering the U.S. national team and Major League Soccer.
