The U.S. men’s national team is staring down a massive test against Australia in its second World Cup match, but the biggest storyline heading into the match isn’t just the opponent — it’s the fitness of Captain America himself.
If Christian Pulisic is sidelined, the USA faces a massive tactical void on the wing. On “World Cup NOW,” FOX Sports’ Alex Scott, former national team manager Bob Bradley and veteran defender Walker Zimmerman weighed in on who gets the nod in a “next man up” scenario.
While both agreed the roster boasts incredible depth, they offered two fascinating, distinct perspectives on how to solve the Pulisic puzzle.
The Case For Tim Weah
For Bradley, the answer is simple: You lean on proven experience and raw attributes. The former USA boss didn’t hesitate to tag Tim Weah as the immediate successor to Pulisic’s spot on the pitch.
“I probably would go with Tim Weah,” Bradley said. “That’s just based upon the fact that I think he’s shown in the past that he’s going to step up. He competes, obviously. He’s got big experience and he’s been part of that group. I think the other players trust him. He’s fast, so I think that would be the choice.”
Tim Weah has seven goals in 52 caps for the U.S. men’s national team. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Zimmerman pointed out Weah’s lack of familiarity with the current squad.
“I think the familiarity is what might concern me with Tim Weah,” Zimmerman explained. “If you have him on the right, but then you have Sergiño [Dest] and Antonee [Robinson] on the identical aspect on the left and I like their talents on reverse sides… the best way that they will get ahead.”
It’s a sound strategic query. The overlapping chemistry between the wingers and out of doors backs is essential to the USA’s attacking id. Transferring items round to accommodate Pulisic’s absence might inadvertently disrupt the rhythm of stars like Dest and Robinson.
Regardless of the tactical questions, Zimmerman was fast to level out Weah’s resume, reminding followers of his World Cup objective in opposition to Wales in 2022.
‘Plethora Of Choices’
Finally, Zimmerman views Pulisic’s potential absence as a chance for arguably probably the most proficient USA roster, quite than a worst-case situation.
“The excellent news is there are a plethora of choices of gamers who’re hungry and so they’re prepared and so they’re saying ‘that is my probability to go make an influence’” Zimmerman mentioned. “They are going to be able to go, whoever’s identify is known as.
Whether or not it is Weah or if Pulisic is wholesome sufficient to go, the mentality stays the identical. Whoever will get their identify known as in opposition to Australia will probably be deadly, ready, and able to roll.
