Three MLS Midfielders the United States Needs
Since Jürgen Klinsmann’s defenses and forwards are better now than any time during his tenure, the midfield needs better personnel. The United States has more talented midfielders than recent rosters have shown, and these three midfielders are well-known names for anyone who watches MLS.
Sebastian Lletget- Attacking Midfielder/Wing
Sebastian Lletget has showcased a much higher level of technical skill and creativity than most American soccer players have showcased. Playing for the LA Galaxy is the biggest media stage in MLS as the Galaxy are more popular and widely watched than either New York MLS team. Lletget’s skillset are bolstered by not only his speed and quickness but also his shielding ability and physicality. Quality attacking play and creativity are in short supply for the U.S. national team, and Lletget would complement the likes of Christian Pulisic. With these players playing behind of alongside a center forward, Clint Dempsey’s void can be filled with worthy replacements. Lletget is a triple threat in his ability to dribble, pass, and score, and he doesn’t need to be coached to aggressively attack. His recent play with the LA Galaxy has shown his endurance and ability to cover lots of territory.
Dillon Powers- Attacking Midfielder/Central Midfielder
Dillon Powers won MLS Rookie of the Year several years ago for a good reason, and the Colorado Rapids midfielder combines the skill of an attacking midfielder with the endurance and athleticism of a box-to-box midfielder. Whether he plays as an attacking midfielder or more of a Number 8, Powers can help the United States right now with his passing ability and ball winning ability. With Michael Bradley, Darlington Nagbe, and Powers, the United States would have three central midfielders who can recover possession and keep it. Powers’ technical ability as an attacking midfielder also makes him a player that the U.S. needs because the team has almost no playmaking.
Kelyn Rowe- Attacking Midfielder/Wing
Kelyn Rowe is an attacking midfielder as well, but he also excels as a wing or a second striker. Rowe is less of a box-to-box midfielder than Powers, but Rowe plays that position well. Rowe is needed more for his attacking ability, vision, and quickness than for his two-way abilities, so he and Powers are similar in some ways and different in other ways. The U.S. has several center forwards who know how to score, but Rowe would be helpful for his playmaking and attacking support, as the strikers will likely not have enough scoring opportunities without real playmakers.