Who Is Our 2nd Full-Back?
A Burning Question for the USMNT
Over the past couple of months, the USMNT’s back 4 has started to take shape. John Brooks and Sergino Dest are both having great club seasons, and it seems highly likely that they will be lockdown starters at center-back and full-back respectively. Chris Richards(CB) is also enjoying a breakout season on loan from Bayern at Hoffenheim. Many fans are uneasy with the uncertainty surrounding the second full-back in the backline. With the Nations League and World Cup Qualifying on the horizon, let’s dig into some insights on a few players that I believe could augment a promising backline.
With Dest proving to be an offensive threat and steady defender in both the left and right positions during recent friendlies against Jamaica and Wales, he is a strong first-choice contender for both left and right-back. Let’s dive in and identify a few potential players that could account for the position Dest would leave open.
Antonee Robinson (LB, Fulham)
First up, Robinson finds his squad in a relegation battle during his first season in the English top flight. USMNT fans critique him, saying that he can be shaky on the defensive side and lack the final ball in the final 3rd. Fulham’s relegation battle and their defensive priorities have forced Robinson to improve his defensive abilities. Check out some KPIs and his percentile score compared to other full-backs from the top European 5 leagues on the left.
Robinson is comfortable with the ball at his feet and isn’t afraid to get stuck in to win the ball. He would add more physicality to the backline, however his ability to connect with others during build-up play needs work. Coach Berhalter wants players who can play out the back and Robinson’s passing ability doesn’t help his case for the starting role. He has his strengths on both sides of the ball and tests himself against tough competition every week which makes him a very viable option.
Reggie Cannon (RB, Boavista)
Cannon’s transfer from FC Dallas into Liga NOS has helped him elevate his game. Since arriving at Boavista he has appeared 25 times (24 starts) and has become an integral part of their backline. When the defense is in a low block, he’s able to read offensive threats well. He has proven this by averaging 1.7 interceptions/90 min this season. Cannon possesses the speed needed to be a threat down the wing and to keep up with attackers, but he sometimes offers attackers too much time and space, especially during a counter-attack.
[See video for context] Cannon (#20) is able to catch up with Andre Gray and gets goal-side of the ball. In doing so, he gives Gray too much time to find Lowe running through between Acosta and Richards. It is clear that he’s trying not to over-commit and just wants to cut off Gray’s passing angles, but Cannon has to apply more pressure here. He may have been trying to buy time for the rest of his teammates to get back on defense, but it’s up to Cannon to make Gray play backwards or force a sloppy through-ball that can be picked off. Even in his last season with FC Dallas, Cannon ranked in the 3rd, 10th, 76th percentile for pressures applied, tackles, and # of times dribbled past respectively according to fbref.com. Overall, he is a solid right-back that needs to be more aggressive when defending the transition.
Deandre Yedlin (RB, Galatasaray)
Yedlin is a player that many USMNT fans want to move on from, but as one of the only players with World Cup experience in this current pool, he still has value to offer. He just recently transferred to Galatasaray after spending 6 years in England with mainly Newcastle. One skill that Yedlin undoubtedly provides is pace. His work-rate and ability to make runs up and down the right side is something that makes him stand out. His speed is useful when it comes to clearing the ball and making quick back-post runs in the final third.
Now that he’s on a top team in Turkey, Yedlin has had more freedom while penetrating the final third. He was even able to get himself a goal in his 8th appearance against Rizespor, but also got sent off late in the 2nd half. He started to decline at Newcastle due to his weak passing ability and defensive discipline. Berhalter’s set-up on the defensive side is rigid and any errors at the back could be costly, especially against world-class attackers. In his next call-up, if Yedlin can show that he has the technical ability to play from the back and also be a threat on the attack, he can make Berhalter’s lineup decision even tougher.
Honorable Mentions: Sam Vines(LB, Colorado Rapids) and Bryan Reynolds(RB, Roma), Julian Araujo(RB, LA Galaxy)
These three are on the doorstep. They had decent showings in their first call-ups but still need more experience either at the club or national team level. The failure to qualify for the Olympics harmed Vines’ and Araujo’s stock so they will be looking to bounce back during the MLS regular season. Reynolds is slowly working his way into the Roma squad and building his confidence.
Verdict
My Rankings
- Antonee Robinson
- Deandre Yedlin
- Reggie Cannon
- Bryan Reynolds
- Sam Vines
- Julian Araujo
Robinson has been a bright spot for a Fulham team that has struggled this season. His balance of aerial ability, speed, and aggression makes him my top-choice starter at left-back.
Deciding between Yedlin and Cannon for the 2nd spot was difficult, but after creating this radar chart with relevant KPI’s for full-backs(duels won, progressive runs, etc), I think it’s clear that Yedlin should be the first one off the bench. Among these 5 players, Reynolds seems like he has the highest ceiling and could surprise us this summer if he is called up. As long as he continues to make progress at Roma, he could be a wildcard.
Let me know what you all think, feedback and shares appreciated! Follow me at @FCAyushNarayan on Twitter.