Sorry if it has been awhile since I last posted something on here, but I'm back. And I'm here to bring you series that I've decided to come out with since it seems like the right time, ahead of the Gold Cup. Which is one of my favorite international tournaments. The Gold Cup will be in June, this post can serve as kind of a players to watch sort of thing, even though the tournament is 6 months away.
I'm going to give you my All CONCACAF team, 18 players, a starting lineup, with 7 bench players. To qualify for this list you will have to of played for your national team within the last year and a half. I may seem a bit biased due to my USMNT fandom but I promise I will try to be fair.
The Lineup (traditional 4-4-2)
Strikers
Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez (Mexico)
Chicharito is a no brainer for this team. The Mexican striker has had an amazing year for club and country. His 2 goals for Mexico in the World Cup were crucial in Mexico's run to the Round of 16. For club, he was a big part of Chivas de Guadalajara's attack, his impressive goals caught the eye of Manchester United who bought him during the summer. He has fit in nicely at United and has scored goals when he has been given opportunity.
Bryan Ruiz (Costa Rica)
"El Escoba" is on the list mostly because of his club form with Champions League side FC Twente but many Americans will remember Ruiz for his 2 stunning goals he scored against the Yanks in Washington DC. By many Ruiz has been called one of the hottest strikers in Europe, as he has flourished in the Dutch league and was a big part of why Twente won the Eredivisie title for the first time. At 25 years of age, expect El Escoba to own this cycle with the national team.
Midfielders
Landon Donovan (USA)
He is in my opinion, the best player in CONCACAF. No CONCACAF player has owned the World Cup like Landon Donovan. He has scored 4 career World Cup goals and has caused 2 own goals in the World Cup. His playmaking abilities carried the US to the Round of 16, and his loan with Everton showed the world that he could play in the best leagues in Europe. He had 2 goals in 10 appearances with the Toffees. Everton did everything they could to get him for full time duties but couldn't due to financial issues. For the LA Galaxy, Donovan assumed the role of playmaker as he set up his teammate Edson Buddle for many crucial goals down the stretch.
Michael Bradley (USA)
It's hard not to include an American in the central midfield. Many of you probably want Jermaine Jones but I'm not going to until he plays more games with the USMNT. On Michael Bradley or MB90 as he is known by, his play in the World Cup was absolutely spectacular as a 23 year old. His goal against Slovenia was a Golazo, and his overall play in the midfield was the last piece the US needed in getting to the knockout round. For his club team Borussia Mochengladbach, Bradley has become a mainstay in the Gladbach lineup and has played well for the Bundesliga side.
Wilson Palacios (Honduras)
The 26 year old Honduran ace was a big part of the Catrachos qualification to the World Cup. His play in the midfield has been comparable to Italian midfielder Genaro Gattuso, his vision and destroyer like qualities have served him well at Champions League side Tottenham Hostpur. The 26 year old is in his prime and will have to lead his team to qualification again for 2014 where the Catrachos will be back again.
Clint Dempsey (USA)
I had to find a place for him somewhere on this list. To leave Dempsey off would be a crime as his club form was better than anyone in CONCACAF. His play for Fulham was a big part of why Fulham made such an amazing run to the Europa League Final. Dempsey's goal against Juventus was absolutely sublime, the best club goal an American has ever scored without a doubt. For the national team, his play in the World Cup produced a goal and he should've had a couple more. He was a bright spot in the USA attack where he put in great performances in every World Cup match.
Defenders
Carlos Salcido (Mexico)
The Mexican favorite takes the left back spot as he is far ahead of the other left backs in CONCACAF. His ability to get forward for Mexico was a crucial part of Mexico attack on the flanks during the World Cup. For years he has shown great cover as well as the uncanny ability to go forward at the right time. His club form for PSV Eindhoven led to a transfer to Premier League side Fulham, where he has fit in nicely to the English game.
Oguchi Oneywu (USA)
Now I know Gooch hasn't had his best year for club and country, but on form he is easily one of the best center backs in the region. His impressive play during the Confederations Cup led him to a transfer to Italian giant AC Milan, where he has trouble getting playing time mostly due to his broken leg. Despite that he played for the USA in the World Cup where he wasn't at a 100%.
Rafa Marquez (Mexico)
Love him, or hate him. He is no doubt one of the best center backs in the region he's without a doubt one of the best foreigners to ever play for Barcelona and has led Mexico for the past decade. You can't snub Rafa from this list, even though as an American fan I don't care for him.
Steve Cherundolo (USA)
This was a tough call for me it was either Cherundolo or Efrain Juarez and I chose Cherundolo mostly because of his club form being better than Juarez'. Cherundolo was a proven leader during the World Cup and his veteran form helped the American backline. For Hannover, Cherundolo has been a big part of why Hannover is 2nd in the Bundesliga.
Goalkeeper
Tim Howard (USA)
This should come as no surprise. One of the best goalkeepers in the world without a doubt, and a huge part of the USA's run to the Round of 16 in the World Cup. For Everton, he has been very reliable coming up with amazing performance after amazing performance.
Substitutions
Carlos Vela (Mexico)
The Arsenal striker has gotten better for the Gunners recently. And he has shown good form for the national team as well.
Maurice Edu (USA)
The American central midfielder was impressive throughout the World Cup and Edu has played very well for his club Glasgow Rangers.
Giovani Dos Santos (Mexico)
He may have been in the starting lineup of this list if this was done a year ago, but he had a decent World Cup but his club form has been underwhelming.
Efrain Juarez (Mexico)
The Celtic defender may be on some people's list to start but I have him on the bench. He is without a doubt a rising star.
Carlos Bocanegra (USA)
The old man in the back for the USA is still reliable and his veteran performance during the World Cup earns him a spot on this list.
Jozy Altidore (USA)
Tough to keep him on here, especially with his sub par performances with the Yanks but with no one else being any better he keeps his spot.
Maynor Figueroa (Honduras)
His club form and need of another left back get him a spot on the roster. The Wigan left back plays well enough to earn a spot.
Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico)
Almost considered giving the backup Goalkeeper to Brad Guzan but his lack of first team appearances gives the job to Club America's number 1.
Well that's my team, there may have been some snubs, please give me your thoughts.
