MY USMNT COPA AMERICA 2024 SQUAD 📈 TIER LIST (MARCH)

[@JakeLandau]

WE'RE SO BACK.

[@tonyballsacaroni]

Back back?!?

[@JakeLandau]

@@tonyballsacaroni Haha I'm always here lurking. I'll likely be doing more of my own videos. It's tough when producing all of Men in Blazers stuff!

[@gabrielvelosa2597]

Woo-hoo!!

[@chrisluebke9837]

Let’s go!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@trandoncole3480]

Gio Reyna on the bubble?! Immediately closed the video… what on earth? 🤯😂

[@SanFranFan30]

Gio Reyna is always Oh Hell Yes, are you kidding me!?!?!?!

[@reymarharms6892]

Balo does have to go tho. I don't think it's an issue of him gelling into the system. Bc truthfully he's our most talented center foward carrying the ball and making runs wise. Berhalter does have to figure out how to find him in spaces more. Also, Reyna and weah. Even with there bad forms we know how they produce for the usmnt. They also have to be locks. We've seen Reyna come in with questionable form before and still be our most creative mid in our team

[@JakeLandau]

For sure. I was feeling feisty but Balo over Haji, Gio should be there.

[@NoCoastRaps]

Gio Reyna on the bubble 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@End2End_USMNT]

Ive been waiting for a usmnt youtuber to do a tier list video for the longest time, great job!

[@JakeLandau]

Glad you enjoyed Zach!

[@hengineer]

I think Weah's biggest problem is his playing style doesn't really fit Allegri, unfortunately. I thought he would be a like for like with Cuadrado (in terms of playstyle) but apparently its even more difficult. on a different note, would you give Fagundez a look? He recently obtained his US Citizenship.

[@LuisBlancoAustin]

Diego Fagundez is cap-tied to Uruguay.

[@hengineer]

@@LuisBlancoAustin he can file a switch

[@JakeLandau]

Fagundez probs in the naaaaah. Similar to the other MLS conversations, he's not exactly the best in his position in MLS.

[@hengineer]

@@JakeLandau fair enough

[@Deeznutz29828]

I disagree, I think he just isn't Juve level or even top 5 league level. The best he has to offer is speed and not so crosses.

[@dwreck1971]

Haji Wright has been starting regularly as a LW for Coventry (not always as an out and out striker). Just a heads-up. And welcome back.

[@JakeLandau]

Thank you for that!

[@Blkarican]

leaving mckennie out of top 3 in form is crazy lmao hes number 1

[@JakeLandau]

He's in the top tier! But fair, him, Puli, Dest, Jedi top 4

[@billyhonker3072]

im sure youve already been told this but as a coventry fan, Haji Wright has been playing exclusively on the wing for most of this season. absolute blinder against wolves in the fa cup too.

[@willgreig4077]

Gio for me is a instant starter in our 11 him as a 10 has show to make such a positive difference in our attack, we need his creativity to counter GGG boring system of death by 1000 crosses

[@JakeLandau]

Fair opinion for sure!

[@nessuno__]

Tim Ream is not having "another phenomenal year at Fulham." He hasn't played a single minute in a month, despite being healthy. If we are being both honest and forward looking toward the World Cup, Ream is, at best, on the bubble for Copa America. We need to give time and experience to center backs who are more likely to play 2 1/2 years from now.

[@e350mn]

Give the old man his due. Good leader in the locker room and can probably give you some minutes.

[@JakeLandau]

I would say he's had a great season, bad month. But your point is taken!

[@chrishenderson1262]

I'd keep him on the roster for now, but I agree with you. He's at the age where when your level of play starts to drop, it happens really fast. Beyond Copa America, I think we should be looking towards 2026, and it don't see any practical way that we should be relying on Ream by that point. The sooner we can determine who our top-3 CBs are, without Ream among them, the better. And we need to get those players as many opportunities to build chemistry and familiarity as possible. If CCV was on the Nations League roster, I'd say this process should start this week. Since CCV isn't with the team, I think Copa America (and the friendlies ahead of it) need to be the point where we pull off that band-aid. Play CCV and Richards as your pairing. Let McKenzie/Trusty/Robinson compete for the 3rd CB spot and whoever is winning out, give them enough reps with both CCV and Richards to have chemistry should one of them not be available. (Side note - if I were the coach, I'd also evaluate Maloney as a depth CB) And seriously cross your fingers that other young CBs like Jalen Neal continue on their trajectory so that we're well positioned for what happens after 2026.

[@SanFranFan30]

Two things can be true, Ream has regressed at club level, but also he's still currently are best performing CB at national team level. Copa America is probably his last truly competitive tournament.

[@Agtsmirnoff]

Jake you said Tim Ream is having an amazing season, you realize he’s been benched at Fulham for quite a while now, and is unlikely to see regular game time going forward, except in cup matches, or in case of injury? Nothing personal against him from Fulham, he’s just being phased out for younger players.

[@Packy8421]

Agreed. Dream Team Ream has to be on the bubble. But I'm taking him over JAB.

[@JakeLandau]

As I said to another commenter - Ream has had a great year, bad month. So if I'm going on form for other players yeah maybe he slips to bubble.

[@mrmr5580]

With Robinson I'd say he's had a very good season so far, outside of being in a top 3 side, I can see him going elsewhere in the summer, I don't know anything, it's just a gut feeling, he could work at a higher level than Fulham, he has had a very good season

[@JakeLandau]

I think rumors were that Liverpool were interested because Robbo was injured but never followed through.

[@mrmr5580]

@@JakeLandau I don't think it'll be a top, top team just because of how the big teams are setting up nowadays (they're starting to copy Pep and have effectively 4 CB's at the back) but I think he'll possibly go to a bigger club than Fulham, when it comes to transfer rumours in Europe take them with a pinch of salt (especially here in Britain) the tabloids are notorious for just making things up to fill column inches, unless Fabrizio Romano or someone with a similar reputation says it, don't take any of it as gospel

[@willgreig4077]

Id bring Haji since hes been crushing it for Coventry on the Wing as well as obviously being able to play ST

[@JakeLandau]

Yup yup!

[@lcutri]

Hey Jack. Haven’t seen you in a while. Good to have you back.

[@JakeLandau]

Cheers!

[@PhilSpitzer]

Gio should not only not be "on the bubble", he should be in the "oh he'll go". We need creativity in the central midfield to unlock defenses! MMA doesn't have quite enough, so for me Gio should start over Musah.

[@chrishenderson1262]

I feel like we collectively panic and give up on GKs too quickly. There was a time were it was generally accepted that most GKs don't reach their peak until age 30 or later. Yet we have guys like Steffen who are pretty much relegated to no longer having a shot. Look at some of our greatest USMNT GKs. Guys like Friedel, Keller, and Howard. Their careers all give examples of the types of struggles during their mid-20s that we seem to now use as disqualifying circumstances for some of our current prospect GKs. Howard actually didn't become the regular starter for the USMNT until the 2009 Confederations Cup, when he was 30 years old. I think it's super important to keep a guy like Steffen involved and to not strictly consider where he's at right now and over the past couple of years as where he might be 2, 3, or 4 years from now.

[@loganhill6601]

Gio goes he is clearly one of our most talented guys I think you have to call guys based on a mix of form, raw talent, eye test, and past USMNT performances

[@JakeLandau]

You make a good point about the mix of form and talent. I agree - I probably went a bit too ham on form.

[@keeperman4]

Jake! I'm so glad to see my buddy!

[@JakeLandau]

Presto hope you’re doing well man!

[@keeperman4]

@@JakeLandau Doing well, pal! I'm working on getting me and my family over to Europe so I can study for my PhD.

[@JakeLandau]

@@keeperman4 Whaaaaaat that's sick! It's happening?!

[@Packy8421]

Jake good to hear your voice on MiB this week! Good roster with a few controversies. Gio? On the bubble?! Our precious baby?? Love looking at the depth of our pool in this format. A few interesting inclusions that I didn't recognize too. Good format.

[@JakeLandau]

Haha we needed some callers and I'm always producing never get to ask my own questions :)

[@sharpcheddah9385]

Pretty much only thing I would change is putting Chris Richards in the "Oh he'll go' category, by far our best CB playing well at multiple positions for Crystal Palace, if you are going to put Trusty in the "on the team" space for being on a team in the premier League you should definitely have Richards more of a locked in player.... And the Balogun "on the bubble" is ridiculous

[@johnanaya4394]

I like the boldness of your roster selections. the only thing I thought was crazy was having 3 CDMs but only 3 FBs total. Trusty can be the backup LB I suppose though. I'm assuming you would employ a 4-3-3 based off how you were talking about the midfield, is there a specific reason you like that better than the 4-2-3-1?

[@JakeLandau]

Yeah I’m with you. 3cdms not needed but Johnny can play an 8 as well. Formation would be more off of who our opponent is. Playing with two pivots against Argentina/Brazil makes sense but being more aggressive 433 against others.

[@e350mn]

Missed you brother!

[@JakeLandau]

Missed u 2

[@cstew8656]

Good to see you back, Jake.

[@JakeLandau]

Thanks cstew!

[@sethland]

Love your stuff. Hard disagree on how you evaluated form. It’s not great that Balo, Gio, Weah, Musah, Ream, and Turner are benched. But context is so important. They are benched in the top leagues in the world. We have to ask whether they suddenly lost their talent or whether there are other explanations. Some are in poor club situations (Gio, Turner - he needs to level down and gain his confidence back). Really only Ream is in decline. Their fundamental talent hasn’t gone anywhere (Balo, Weah, Musah). We can’t over inflate form in the Eredivisie and Championship. We have to evaluate performances against quality teams. Dest is clearly too good for the Eredivisie and he looks comfortable in the UCL. Tillman dominates the Eredivisie but seems uncomfortable in the UCL. I have noticed the Championship is physical and intense, but there are also many error prone defenders and goalies. So it’s great to have Sargent completely dominating, Haji doing well, and even Dike looked promising. Sargent has played at a higher level before so we’re more confident he could start in the right Top 5 league club. The others, not so sure.

[@JakeLandau]

Toooooootally fair! Another commenter talked about bringing a mix of form, talent, team history and I probably went too far on form and playing time.

[@loganhill6601]

I've seen where Spain was in contact with Diego Kochen and want him to join Spain so we may need to cap tie him earlier than we should if we want to make sure we keep him

[@JakeLandau]

Yeah I know we need to get on our bike a little bit with Kochen but I don't know if he's ready to be #3 yet

[@loganhill6601]

@@JakeLandau I don't think he is but I wouldn't know, I'm not tapped in enough to see how the Barca B team goalie is doing.

[@LancePuns]

Bear-rak-tear-a-vic this is what I've heard from Revs faithful so I assume this is right. I've just been calling him Esmir 😂

[@JakeLandau]

Thank you! I'm gonna go with Esmir for now lol

[@KevinAdams06]

I want to see Sargent and Peppi on the field. It might be time for a 4-4-2. I agree, Balogun doesn’t make the team at this point.

[@JakeLandau]

Hard decisions we’ve never had to make prior to 2020 for USMNT

[@JorgeCastillo-kx8nb]

Welcome back!

[@JakeLandau]

Cheeeers Jorge

[@bernman23]

Hi, Jake. Miles shouldn't be on the bubble. He's performed solidly for the nat'l team even in bad form, which he's not in now. There's a clear top 3 he's part of. The partner for Richards should be an age/style call.

[@JakeLandau]

For sure. Miles has a place on this team. Kind of in a Weah phase where his contributions to the team in the recent past add some weight to him being with the team.

[@loganhill6601]

I really don't see him being that good for the usmnt or MLS and he can't play on the ball for shit, all of CCV, Richards, and Ream are better for sure and Trusty is starting in the EPL and is left footed. I don't mind Miles but he's not it and just the fact he chose to stay in the MLS where he is comfortable and not push himself to improve I'd take Mckenzie over him and he makes mistakes when called to usmnt and I'd definitely take Brooks over him as well even though we all know GGG has blackballed him out. I just think the times of Miles and Zimmerman should be coming to an end

[@HarveyWallbangers2]

Gio, Balogun, and Weah should still be locks.

[@JakeLandau]

fair fair Harvey Wallbanger

[@Jstoney127]

Dest starting RB and Robinson starting LB. Dest back up LB and Scally back up RB. How I see it. And your crazy about Gio, he is definitely on the team. And Folarin is on the team too...though he is having a sophomore slump, he is still going to finish the season with double digit goal contributions for Monaco in France.

[@e350mn]

I’m good with your Haji over Balogun call. While Haji hasn’t translated to the national team yet, neither has Balo. Haji has earned another shot and Balo needs to raise his game. I’m still hopeful Balo does. The good news is when have we EVER had difficult choices for the 9 call ups?

[@JakeLandau]

It’s really great we have these choices to make. I love Balo I think he’s one of the most talented in our 9 pool but… the others deserve the spot.

[@loganhill6601]

But Haji has had his breakout year playing on the wing most of the time and being there penalty taker, if Flo was good at PKs he would have nearly the same amount of goals in a better league and he is just clearly more talented.

[@e350mn]

@@loganhill6601 that’s a good point. He’s been playing winger.

[@Packy8421]

But Haji has WC goal bro! One of the prettiest ever...

[@sarahr3076]

I think a lot of US fans underrate how Balogun has done for the US team so far just because he hasn't been the savior that a lot of fans built him up to be in their heads. He has 5 goal involvements in 8 appearances. We were absolutely screaming for that much contribution from any US striker until very, very recently.

[@e350mn]

I’m high on Calendar. I live in FL so watch a lot of Miami games and he’s good and good with his feet. I am also comfortable with Hovrath if Turner flames out.

[@JakeLandau]

Agree I really like him. Seems to bail out Miami often.

[@SanFranFan30]

Josh Sargent should be in the Olympic roster as an over-age player because I think he could really dominate and he's miles better than Duncan McGuire. Balogun is the number 9 he's making the roster even though he hasn't had an amazing debut season.

[@gbouton2011]

Balogun, Gio and weah are on the team

[@JakeLandau]

Good opinion for sure

[@Freshnewz10]

Gio should be called for Olympics and copa America to get more playing time before he gets a new club

[@JakeLandau]

Actually a good point... could be his road to playing time.

[@e350mn]

I’m not sold on Cardoso yet. I need to see more. I know I’m in the minority on that. My biggest big picture concern is weakness at CB. We don’t have any young and upcoming CBs. We need depth there. Big hole right now.

[@JakeLandau]

Yeah kind of wild where we have big performers in every position except the ones we’ve historically had. CB and GK

[@hengineer]

we have Neal, he's out injured at the moment but he is a promising young CB

[@loganhill6601]

​@@hengineerwe have some young guys that could pan out like Neal, Wynder, Tompkins, Dietz and a few others

[@loganhill6601]

And we don't have a 6 right now better than him that's healthy he is right behind Adams and that may change as he is better on the ball just not quite as good defensively. Who would you possibly take over him as a 6?

[@rmzweig3972]

Johnny > Tyler

[@SanFranFan30]

Yedlin is entirely uneccesary in the Olympic roster, there's already a good amount of fullback depth in that age group with Reynolds, Harriel, Wiley, and Tolkin.

[@edwardmiller3308]

Balogun is on the team..... period

[@JakeLandau]

I wish he made it easier for us

[@colinreese]

Here's my preferred roster than no one asked for: KEEP IN MIND THAT WE SUCK AND CAN'T PASS AND CAN'T CREATE SCORING CHANCES TO SAVE OUR LIVES (USUALLY) Turner, Steffen, Horvath; Dest, Reynolds, Jones, Wiley; Farrell, Richards, Miazga, Wynder; Adams, Musah, McKennie, Lletget, Reyna, Mihailovic; (LDLT is not good...) Pulisic, Luna, Booth, Weah, Pepi, Vazquez. Notes: Chris Richards & DeJuan Jones are the back-up DMs after Yunus Musah who is the backup DM to Tyler Adams DeJuan Jones is a RB/LB. I have him as the starting LB over Antonee Robinson with Farrell as the starting RB, despite being listed as a CB Timothy Weah is a STRIKER, second striker, and wing. Lletget, Mihailovic are back-up 10s and/or wings/second strikers. Andrew Farrell is listed as a center back, BUT I also want him as the starting RB. It's hard to say if his bombing runs down the sideline and lockdown defending on the left wing is a better use of him or his speed, skill, & defending as a CB. Laugh if you want, but our defenders are bad and Peru wanted Farrell to play for him. (He's only 30).

[@Packy8421]

Can you please send me whatever it is that you're smoking. This is a MENTAL roster shout!

[@bryanbenaway5411]

Lletget, Wynder, Vazquez, Luna, Jones, Reynolds, Farrel??? Is the strategy to not show our hand before World Cup by throwing Copa in a group stage wipeout?

[@MaceWindoo]

Idc what anyone says, Gio and weah are indispensable regardless of club game time. Weah provides a lot of pace down the line, and Gio is the only person on the team with the vision to create plays down the middle. Controversial but I like Gio, Wes, and Tyler as our best midfield instead of musah.

[@nerychristian]

Greetings from Los Angeles, the most beautiful city on Earth.

[@JakeLandau]

Greetings earthling

[@nerychristian]

@@JakeLandau I come in peace

[@mdca8773]

great to see you again!!! Here's my criticism... Seems like everyone forgot the Calendar of last year and this year he's getting looks because of the team he's on.... and a specific teammate of his... but I don't rate that keeper... No where near this teams' level...

[@dark5niper1]

My man!

[@JakeLandau]

pots and pans!

[@haydengray2315]

Oh my this is like a fine glass of footballing wine

[@IKARUS542]

That's nearly impossible Balogun do not make the final call list 👀

[@jacklewis8695]

I personally think you are taking club form into account a little too much. Club form vs National team form are very different and should not be conflated. Just because a player does not gel for his club system doesn't mean he isn't PERFECT for how the national team setup is (Weah is a great example). Picking a National team squad for a tournament is more than just picking the most in-form club players and/or most talented players in the player pool....the coach needs to establish a specific system and pick the players that fit into it the best. The system needs to be established WELL before the tournament because it will take time to solidify & try to mold the players into it, which will take longer than the average fan thinks because of how far apart & how infrequent International Breaks are.

[@bryanbenaway5411]

Your Gio take did not age well as he, ironically, saved GGG against them Reggae Boys and was man of the match. The game changed the minute he finally took the field. He is our best midfielder, most creative and maybe best overall player when it comes to breaking teams down in the final third.

[@JakeLandau]

I def made a mistake with Gio. He’s in the team.

[@tacticalmanagerbabymommaak5825]

I like horvath more than turner

[@JakeLandau]

At the moment probably has a shot at the #1

[@thomashamilton2506]

Balogan has 15 goal contributions in a top 5 league for the second year in a row. WTH

[@asnark7115]

I've been tuned out for awhile. Are those idiots still trying to use Pulisic as something other than the 9? If so, has he found an assist yet against a non-Caribbean Island team, or made the second-to-last pass on a goal?

[@josh0g]

I don't think I've ever disagreed with you more than when you say MMA is still our best midfield. Gio over Musah surely. We need that creator, and the others don't bring that at the same level. Weston creates chances, but not like Gio.

[@josh0g]

Too reactionary dropping Balo as well. It's not been a great season, but not THAT bad.

[@JakeLandau]

Musah had an incredible game and was one of the best transition players for US. But Gio def needs to be in this team.

[@jacquesmalan5950]

you need a lot of mental gymnastics to put Tillman above Reyna

[@MHongera]

arob cardoso mckinnie is a strong midfield

[@Roman-oh7xc]

Tim west is for sure going

[@Jake-wh9hw]

You are usually very sensible but you really missed the mark on this one imo. You can not leave players like Reyna and Balo at home. Players with this much talent relative to the rest of the program are worth the risk of taking them even when they aren't as sharp as they could be. It's not ideal that they aren't playing as much as we would like but that doesn't mean they can't play well for the national team, we've already seen Gio put in crazy performances while out of favor at club. It would take more than a few months of poor form or not much playing time to justify not taking your best talent. I think you are putting way to much value on form in lower leagues like the Eredivese and Championship. Unless you disagree that they are some of the most talented players in the pool ceteris paribus in which case thats a different argument.

[@JakeLandau]

Definitely not disagreeing with the form convo. I recognize goals in Eredivisie is different from Ligue 1 or PL but at the same time how I can I rate a player when they don't see the field? I did go a little too hard on form in this instead of a mix of raw talent and team history added.

[@Jake-wh9hw]

@@JakeLandau do you see what I mean now

[@JakeLandau]

@@Jake-wh9hw Reyna yes Balo no but Reyna was cookin

[@MHongera]

pulisic weah(9) sargent as front 3 is strong

[@IKARUS542]

How about Sabbi and Fossey ?

[@RemingtonHinshaw-zi1jx]

@itscalledsoccer I typically agree with your analysis on your videos … however Balogun, Reyna, AND Weah on the bubble… 🤦🏼 I can’t give you that man. Three players in the championship over three players in three of the best leagues in the world … Weah, Reyna, and Balogun would destroy it in the championship. I’m sorry, but I feel like you’re insinuating that Weah, Reyna, and Balogun would be on your team and better off playing in the Championship, I can’t agree with that. (not trying to put words in your mouth so I apologize if that is not what you’re insinuating it’s just how it came across to me)

[@asnark7115]

Serginho Dest is a system product-decent player- and a shadow of what Fabian Johnson was in relative terms and on team impact.

[@Packy8421]

Fabian Johnson may be the most underrated USMNT player ever. Serg has that sauce tho. Looking forward to seeing him level back up after this season.

[@KennyMGG]

Gio on the bubble?! You might want to redo this video or something 😂

[@epworthington]

So I actually turned this video off after hearing you explain why Gio was on the bubble for Copa. I was already uncomfortable when you considered....TIM TILLMAN?!? as on the bubble. You explained he could have been in the bottom tier too, but you put him where you put him and I'd already been primed at that point to tune out of your video. The dude has had a grand total one callup, he shouldn't be called into such a big tournament barring catastrophic injuries. Then the Gio take...after how many other US players have gone through poor/non-existent club form...for you to have that take blew my mind. Just had to come back after Gio's man of the match performance. Good luck to you though.

[@DWill2022]

Dang man were you been

[@JakeLandau]

Workin like a dowg

[@DWill2022]

@@JakeLandau How’s your career going in your managerial role and how’s the club?

[@JakeLandau]

@@DWill2022 Haha my high school team missed out on playoffs last season, but my day job is producing video for Men in Blazers and that takes me away from this!

[@_booth7992]

...and he'll play

[@stevenneutron5070]

I thought u had forgotten about us

[@JakeLandau]

never ever Steven

[@Grantchay]

You started losing me when you put Tim Tillman in on the bubble and said Booth has had an amazing season. Booth has largely had a poor season outside of a 2/3 game purple patch. Tim Tillman is absolutely in nah. He has been average at best for LAFC. By your own logic, you need to be one of the best players in MLS to make the senior roster. He is far from thag

[@colinreese]

Booth is really good...

[@Grantchay]

@@colinreese did I say he wasn’t? Stick to sucking off Lletget

[@Packy8421]

Agreed on T. Tillman. But Booth looks NICE when healthy...

[@rmzweig3972]

Timo, Gio & Balo on the bubble? 😂😂😂

[@JakeLandau]

Am I wrong?!

[@rmzweig3972]

@@JakeLandau Yes. All 3 have performed better than most for USA, regardless of club, fitness, drama. Timo: club situation is typical for him; he can play anywhere. Gio: he makes USA a different team. Creative vs comatose. Stop with the hand-wringing. Balo: down year at club, but he's fit. The risk is GGG isn't competent enough to know how to use him.

[@jlb74a]

Gio is on the bubble? After NL performance? c’mon…

[@JakeLandau]

This was before, he has now moved up to Oh he'll go

[@LuisBlancoAustin]

Tim Ream is a bench player.

[@JakeLandau]

going to bubble then

[@ladraff9702]

Y just y gio is the must

[@Basedmursenary]

GGG needs to go

[@bok1201]

Ream and Brooks both too slow

[@tekspec]

GGG OUT