Alexi Lalas just revealed what he thinks should be the starting lineup for the USMNT in the 2024 Copa América. He might’ve been spot on.
The U.S. men’s national team are only five weeks away from making their debut in this summer’s hosting of the Copa America and will most certainly try to shake off the squad’s doubters with their best performance in the tournament yet. Gregg Berhalter wants the gold.
However, injuries such as starting right-back Sergiño Dest who will be off the pitch until next year and the on-going battle of who is the best national team striker available has left the best USMNT starting XI up for debate. Alexi Lalas has made his picks.
Alexi Lalas reveals his best USMNT starting XI for the Copa América
Let Alexi cook, ladies and gentleman.
The USMNT legend has made his picks for Berhalter, and made some interesting switches in the national team’s habitual lineup for this summer’s bicontinental tournament.
Here’s his lineup:
What are your thoughts on @AlexiLalas' Starting XI for the USMNT this summer at Copa América?
Full Pod ➡️ https://t.co/fMferz9k9g pic.twitter.com/aG66BTkMxl— Alexi Lalas' State of the Union Podcast (@SOTUWithAlexi) May 16, 2024
The former U.S. player made three changes from the team’s Nations League Final clash against Mexico, placing Cameron Carter-Vickers, Tim Weah and Josh Sargent.
Carter-Vickers has had a marvelous season with Celtic, winning the Scottish Premiership for the third time in a row and would be the replacement for veteran Tim Ream who has had a clear decline in performance this season with Fulham. Lalas also picked Tim Weah to go back to playing at the right-back position (familiar with the role during his Ligue 1 championship stint with Lille) to cover Dest’s absence.
Sargent, who has had an incredible season with Norwich in the EFL Championship scoring 16 goals and providing two assists, was picked to take the spot over Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco), Haji Wright (Coventry City) and Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven).
Do you agree with Alexi?