Thoughts on the Final 23

One thing is for sure: Jurgen Klinsmann has a LARGE pair of cojones.

Both cavalier and swashbuckling, Klinsmann may have taken on the role of a rogue in regards his surprising selections on Thursday afternoon. This roster selection provided more theatre than a Shakespeare play circa 1605.

The largest omission is undoubtedly Landon Donovan. The 'golden boy' of American soccer for the past decade, Donovan has accrued 57 goals and close to 60 assists whilst donning the stars and stripes.

I will go by unit-by-unit with my thoughts on the final selections.

KEEPERS (3):

Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Nick Rimando

No surprise here. Howard, at 35, is playing at perhaps the highest level of his career. He will marshall the back line with his vocal nature.


DEFENDERS (8):

Geoff Cameron, DeAndre Yedlin, Matt Besler, John Brooks, Tim Chandler, DaMarcus Beasley, Omar Gonzalez, Fabian Johnson

DeAndreYedlin is the notable inclusion. At 20 years of age, the Seattle Sounders man is very raw and green. I wouldn't say it's shocking he made the squad, but it's very surprising. Yedlin likely took the place of Michael Parkhurst. While Parkhurst is the steadier and more experienced option, Yedlin the big advantage in pace and athleticism.

Selecting John Brooks over Clarence Goodson is also interesting. Goodson has been a veteran on the USMNT for quite some time. He's started World Cup qualifying matches under Klinsmann, and is very good from an aerial perspective.

As was the case with Yedlin, Klinsmann opted for youth over experience. Brooks is only 21, but did start this past year in the Bundesliga for Hertha Berlin. Looking at the selected defenders, he'll be battling Omar Gonzalez for the third centre back spot, behind Geoff Cameron and Matt Besler.

Based on this list, here's my starting back line on June 16th against Ghana:

Fabian Johnson ---- Matt Besler ---- Geoff Cameron ---- Tim Chandler

The following is a young, but very athletic unit. Chandler and Johnson face quality week in and week out in the Bundesliga. Both (having been former German Youth internationals) will know Germany extremely well. Cameron also gets the starting nod centrally-- in his preferred position.


MIDFIELD (8):

Kyle Beckerman, Mix Diskerud, Jermaine Jones, Michael Bradley, Brad Davis, Alejandro Bedoya, Julian Green, Graham Zusi

It's an interesting mix of midfielders from within this group. Width could be a problem from within this group -- especially without Landon Donovan on the roster.

I do like the inclusion of Mix Diskerud to the side. I feel as if he's one of the most underrated players in the pool. Tidy and clever with the ball, Diskerud has shown the propensity to alleviate pressure with his deft touch and passing ability. I don't expect him to necessarily start, but he could provide quality off the bench.

Brad Davis is the interesting one. Being the only natural left footed player from within the group truly did help his cause. He's a specialist with his ability to cross the ball. I would be surprised to see him start in Brazil. His value will likely come as a substitute (if selected).

With no Donovan on the roster, I'm convinced we will see Green introduced in some capacity. The 18-year-old former German Youth International is very talented. However, he competed on the fourth tier of German football this past year. Alas, Klinsmann rolled the proverbial dice with his selection. It's heaping a lot upon the young player's shoulders, but he's got to perform well in Brazil.

With DaMarcus Beasley on the roster, it wouldn't be a shock to see Klinsmann potentially push Fabian Johnson up into the midfield (if need be).

Based on this list, here's my starting midfield on June 16th against Ghana:

Graham Zusi ---- Michael Bradley ---- Jermaine Jones ---- Alejandro Bedoya


FORWARDS (4): Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, Aron Johansson, Chris Wondolowski

Leaving Landon Donovan off the final roster was an incredibly ballsy move by Klinsmann. As many know, he's arguably the best American to ever play the sport.

When looking at the totality of the situation, it's not overly surprising. For one, Donovan has looked out of sorts during his recent play with the Los Angeles Galaxy. Donovan has universally been known as a clinical performer. Of late, he's lacked sharpness on the pitch. Knee concerns have zapped Donovan of both consistency and pace.

Simply put, he's not the Landon Donovan of 2010.

I am surprised Terrence Boyd isn't on the roster. Along with Jozy Altidore, Boyd would be thought of as the big, brutish forward with the ability to hold up the ball up. Instead, MLS heartthrob Chris Wondolowski snagged the final forward spot.

"Wondo" is a goal poacher. He doesn't have exceptional skill, nor physical ability. What he does bring is a nose for the goal. He's very good at exploiting small pockets of space from within the box. He's constantly working to get open. I'm sure Wondolowski's work ethic and drive got him on the team.

Despite being plagued by abhorrent form at Sunderland, Altidore will assume the role as the target striker. I would guess Clint Dempsey will be deployed as a false 9 behind Altidore. He likes to play centrally, and with his recent form, it'd be hard to take him out of the starting XI.

Based on this list, here's my starting striker corps on June 16th against Ghana:

Clint Dempsey ---- Jozy Altidore



FINAL THOUGHTS:

Klinsmann has more than rattled the proverbial cages...and I personally find it refreshing.

Many people expected Donovan to be on the roster. In fact, most probably envisioned Donovan starting out on the flank against Ghana.

Give credit to Klinsmann for this fact: he didn't submit to the public pressures of having Donovan on the team. A day ago, Tim Howard publicly lauded Donovan as being one of the best players on the team. Will this hinder the chemistry on the team? Donovan has long been a stalwart on the team. Will resentment creep in with regards to someone like the youngster Julian Green?

These are all questions Klinsmann will have to answer.

The media outcry over this decision will also be vast. Klinsmann will bear the brunt of second guessing and questioning -- which will be intensified ten fold if the USMNT doesn't get out of the group stage. It's the single most fascinating storyline heading into the second week of camp.

In terms of the roster, it's quite interesting. Klinsmann has compiled a youthful and athletic side. The only quibbles I personally have reside in regards to Wondolowski over Boyd. I would have liked to see Boyd in the mix, with his size and finishing ability.

Klinsmann is putting his cards out on the table. This roster selection is clearly an eye to the future -- when speaking about Copa America 2016 and the World Cup in Russia in '18. With the recent contract extension, Klinsmann may feel as if he's got some security. It could help to explain the additions of young players such as Brooks, Green and Yedlin.

He's also shown he's not afraid to make the tough decisions. Remember, he was under immense pressure during his time with both Bayern Munich and the German National Team.

This latest chapter in the Klinsmann book will be a memorable one. The next one should be even more tantalizing.