Sergiño Dest had a solid game against Paraguay, but the right-back was still playing out of position. He also produced a poor first touch when he was through on goal. Mauricio Pochettino deployed him on the right wing, and it could be wise to use a more attacking player against Australia.
Predicted USA team to face Australia
Goalkeeper and defenders
Matt Freese (GK)
Matt Freese is the undisputed number one ahead of Matt Turner for the USMNT right now. There was not much he could have done about Mauricio's goal for Paraguay.
Alex Freeman (RB)
There is a danger that Pochettino could drop Dest back to right-back at the expense of Alex Freeman. However, the Villarreal player did very well against Paraguay and set up Gio Reyna's goal. Therefore, Freeman deserves to keep his place in the USMNT lineup. Against Australia, Freeman would need to be on form to deal with their danger man, Nestory Irankunda.
Chris Richards (CB)
It is good that Tim Ream has some younger legs around him. Chris Richards is also a threat from set-pieces.
Tim Ream (CB)
Ream may now be 38, but he is still captaining the USMNT and putting in a great shift. His ability to play the ball forward is key to the Stars and Stripes' build-up play.
Antonee Robinson (LB)
The Fulham left-back has great chemistry with his former club teammate, Ream. Antonee Robinson was also able to contribute very well in an attacking sense against Paraguay.
Midfielders
Tyler Adams (CDM)
Tyler Adams is one of the leaders of this USMNT team. Providing that he stays fit, Adams should start every game.
Malik Tillman (CDM)
Malik Tillman was a great partner for Adams in midfield. With Adams being the more disciplined holding midfielder, this allowed Tillman to get forward and set up one of Folarin Balogun's goals.
Weston McKennie (AM)
Weston McKennie is one of the most versatile players in soccer, but Pochettino should stick with playing him through the middle for now. He set the USMNT on their way against Paraguay by forcing Damián Bobadilla into scoring an own-goal.
Forwards
Gio Reyna (RW)
Reyna came off the bench against Paraguay and scored one of the goals of the tournament so far. His finish with the outside of the boot sealed the victory. It was also a redemption moment, considering the drama that unfolded around him after the 2022 World Cup.
The Borussia Monchengladbach player has lacked game time recently. However, he would be full of confidence with his goal against the Paraguayans. It is harsh to drop Dest, but the USMNT needs more natural attackers against Australia.
The Socceroos shocked many as they defeated Turkiye 2-0 in their opening game of the tournament. They managed to nullify Arda Guler, which was key to their victory. Pochettino needs players who can unlock Australia's defence, and this is why Reyna must start.
Folarin Balogun (ST)
Balogun scored a brace against Paraguay and would have had a hat-trick, but for a goal ruled out for offside. He is currently the top scorer at the World Cup and has a chance at winning the Golden Boot.
The AS Monaco player made the right decision in choosing to play for the USMNT. If he had stuck with England, then he would have just been a backup to Harry Kane.
Ricardo Pepi did well when he came on, but Balogun will continue to start after being amongst the goals.
Christian Pulisic (LW)
There is huge pressure on Christian Pulisic to deliver at the World Cup. He had a great start, providing an assist for Balogun. However, he will want to get amongst the goals soon.
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