Why Aron Johannsson Should Start for USMNT in World Cup Opener in Brazil

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: February 5, 2014

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Since filing his one-time international switch from Iceland to the United States men’s national team this summer, Aron Johannsson has been on fire in front of goal, scoring 20 goals in all competitions for AZ Alkmaar in the 2013-14 campaign thus far.

In 2013, Johannsson earned six caps for the U.S., playing in every game after his switch except the World Cup qualifier against Mexico. He also earned his first international goal for the U.S., hitting a late strike from distance to seal the U.S.’s win over Panama in October.



When the USMNT kicks off the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, it will be doing so against heated-rival Ghana, who has knocked the U.S. out of the last two competitions. It doesn’t get any easier after that, with Portugal and then Germany to follow in the remaining group-stage games.

The U.S. will need to be in top form in Brazil to escape its proverbial “group of death” and Jurgen Klinsmann needs to give serious consideration to starting Johannsson for the U.S. to do so.

In Klinsmann’s preferred 4-2-3-1, there are essentially four attacking positions up for grabs. At this point, the likely starters in those four positions are Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Graham Zusi and Jozy Altidore. Altidore’s troubles with Sunderland are well-documented at this point, although manager Gus Poyet recently praised Jozy’s value to the team.



Altidore has done well in recent weeks with his hold-up play and willingness to battle up front as the lone striker, something the U.S. could well need in the World Cup, playing against superior competition. But the worrying thing about Jozy’s form so far in the English Premier League is his lack of goals—just two in 30 games for Sunderland this season. Altidore admits that his confidence right now is low and told the Sunderland Echo on Tuesday, “I’m freezing up in front of goal....
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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