The US had an impressive win over the Czech Republic today. For the majority of the first half, the Americans dominated possession and dictated the tempo of the game. After a series of six subs at the start of the 2nd, the Czechs gave the US quite a scare, but once the team gelled, they were able to cruise relatively easily until the final whistle. This is just the result Klinsmann needed, and for five players, this is just the performance they needed in order to get future call ups to the US and to challenge for starting spots. Here’s a look at the five best players for the US against the Czech Republic.
Joe Gyau
He was the US’s best player going forward, especially in the first half. He has superb technical ability and for someone so young, he already knows how to use his physique well. This is the first time I’ve seen Gyau play, and I felt the same way when first watching Julian Green play for the US- they are both players who are great with the ball at their feet, they just need to get more experience and playing time. Gyau must improve in certain areas as well. He needs to work on his decision making and also tracking back in order to be a top class US player. If he does, and can get himself a starting spot, his creativity will be an excellent addition for the USMNT.
Mix Diskerud
He didn’t get a game in Brazil, but his chance today he took well. Klinsmann said Diskerud needed to be more physical, and Diskerud wasn’t afraid to do that during this game. His distribution was excellent, and he was a dominating presence in the center of the park. The one negative is he should’ve scored, but he did well in reading the game and robbing Darida, which led to the US’s goal.
Alejandro Bedoya
He performed a lot better in this match than he performed in the World Cup. He, like Diskerud, wasn’t afraid to be more physical than usual and did well with the ball at his feet. He popped up at the right place at the right time to score cap off a great performance. Bedoya and Diskerud both ran the show from the middle of the park, and that bodes well for a US team that often struggles to retain possession.
Tim Ream
Although he looked a bit nervous at times, overall he was solid at the back. He hasn’t played since 2011, but has done enough in his friendly to get called up again. Once tipped to be the next star center back for the US, if he keeps playing for Bolton and taking his form to the US, he can again make a claim to be a regular in the US squad. He made several key clearances when he came on, and put in a good shift.
Nick Rimando
Many are expecting Brad Guzan to be the undoubted starter now that Howard is taking a year off, but Rimando didn’t do his chances any harm with his second half performance. He made an outstanding save from close range, and also barely deflected the ball wide on a breakaway. Unfortunately for Rimando, it may take more poor performances from Guzan than outstanding performances from himself for the RSL man to play. But being the man of the match in the first post World Cup friendly is a great way to start challenging for the starting spot.
