USMNT Interim Coach B.J. Callaghan Taking Risky Approach with Revamped Midfield Ahead of CONCACAF Gold Cup
Midfield talisman Weston McKinnie is not part of the 23-man squad. (Credit: AFP/Getty Images)
U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) interim head coach B.J. Callaghan picked his 23-man roster ahead of the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup earlier this week as he looks to retain the title. The squad is designed to be a mix of youth and experience, but Callaghan has surprisingly decided to leave out many of the stars that took part in the 2022 World Cup.
The squad in itself still has strong attacking talent such as Jesus Ferreira and Jordan Morris. However, it’s the midfield where USMNT fans need to start worrying. Callaghan has opted to completely revamp the midfield, with only Cristian Roldan remaining from the World Cup roster. Of course, this is partly in reason due to the European soccer season ending last weekend and many of the stars currently taking part in the CONCACAF Nations League, but it is still a huge concern ahead of the Gold Cup.
Callaghan has also lost USMNT captain and enforcer Tyler Adams to injury with the midfielder undergoing surgery on his hamstring in March. However, the emergence of New York City FC wonderkid James Sands has softened that blow, with the midfielder putting in a string of recent stellar performances. Sands will be expected to partner with Roldan in a midfield double pivot come Jun. 24, when the U.S. take on Jamaica in their opening game. This would bring defensive stability to the midfield, but what it currently lacks is mobility and creativity.
Yunus Musah earned high praise at the World Cup for his dynamism in midfield, and his absence might be a key factor in how far USMNT progress. The Leeds United duo of Weston McKinnie and Brenden Aaronson has been the main creative force from midfield for a while now, but with them missing, it’s hard to see who creates the chances for the likes of Ferreira and Morris to score. The absence of these key players is compounded by the fact that neither Christian Pulisic nor Giovanni Reyna have been picked either, both of whom would have provided a creative spark in attack.
Instead, Callaghan has decided to rely on AZ Alkmaar playmaker Djordje Mihailovic. The midfielder came up the ranks of the Chicago Fire youth academy and made his name with the Fire and CF Montreal in the MLS before earning a move to AZ last season. He registered 14 assists in the 2020-21 season, but has not yet been able to replicate that kind of form since then.
Another option would be to start San Jose Earthquakes star Cade Cowell as the attacking midfielder. Cowell showed glimpses of his talent while playing in the hole behind Ferreira against Mexico back in April. This tournament will be an opportunity to prove his worth to Callaghan and announce himself as another potential star in a long line of American talents.
Callaghan has been bold in his squad selection as he looks to retain the Gold Cup. The biggest positive in this squad is the amount of younger players who are being given a chance to prove themselves. Winning the tournament could be a huge step for Callaghan in becoming the permanent head coach of the USMNT. Hopefully, it pays off.