There are many moving parts involved in assembling a roster for a national tournament. There are many factors that go into assembling a roster for a national-team tournament. Timing is another issue.At first glance, the CONCACAF Gold Cup might seem to be exempt from club managers' whims since it is a championship. There are rules and then there's reality. This is why Gregg Berhalter, the U.S. men’s national team manager, leaned heavily on his domestic player collection when he put together his roster for 2021.Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie will not be there, as Tyler Adams was not even on the provisional roster. Rest is important for all players. Players also need to be able to keep their clubs in good standing. Preseason in Europe started at the right time. Berhalter cited Bryan Reynolds' situation at AS Roma, where he was under Jose Mourinho, as an example. But there are other examples, such as Julian Green, Greuther Furth midfielder.Berhalter stated that they felt it was more important to have them in preseason with the team and to give them a chance to make a positive impact on their new coaches or their club than to be in Gold Cup. It was difficult because it was difficult to get a team that will compete for the Gold Cup.Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. Only)- ESPN+ viewer's Guide: Bundesliga, Serie A and MLS, FA Cup, and many moreThis tournament will give playing time to selected veterans such as Walker Zimmerman of Nashville SC, Sebastian Lletget from the LA Galaxy, and Cristian Roldan of the Seattle Sounders. It will also look at younger players who performed well in the first part of the MLS season.He stated, "We believe there's enough strength in this group." "We believe there is enough veteran leadership within this group to win the Gold Cup."There are many promising prospects among the younger players on the roster. Gianluca Busio, Sporting Kansas City's midfielder, has impressed throughout the season, even though there have been rumors of him being transferred. New York City FC defender James Sands, and Portland Timbers midfielder Eryk Wilson are also included. They were all omitted from U23 rosters that did not qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.Berhalter explained the reason for Sands' and Williamson's big jump. Sands was injured in the last stages of last season. Otherwise, he would have been able to participate in both the December camp and the January camp. Berhalter said that Williamson was hindered by a high ankle strain sustained at the January camp. Both players are now back to their best.Gianluca Busio highlights a new wave of promising MLS players who will be playing for the U.S. at Gold Cup. Gary Rohman-USA TODAY SportsWhat about Busio? Berhalter stated, "It's all about form, and his turn has come."After undergoing an appendectomy, Caden Clark of the New York Red Bulls will be able to play again.Berhalter stated, "He was a man I was really looking forward working with." "[He] is a very good player, [with] really high spatial awareness, really good balance with turning the lines, really great vision from final pass, and ability to score a goal. We are going to continue to monitor this kid when he travels to Leipzig. It is really sad how things turn out sometimes.These are just a few of the weaknesses in the roster. After talking to Zimmerman and Miles Robinson, Berhalter admitted that the team was thin at center-back. Sands and D.C. United’s Donovan Pines will need to step in to provide depth.Berhalter also raised concerns about the winger positions. He stated that "I don’t believe we have true wings in this group." The closest matches are D.C. United's Paul Arriola, and the Colorado Rapids’ Jonathan Lewis. Berhalter however expects Schalke 04’s Matthew Hoppe to be close and SC Caen’s Nicholas Gioacchini, both strikers by trade, to get some time out there.Julian Araujo, LA Galaxy right-back, is the only player not on the roster. Berhalter stated that Araujo, who holds dual Mexican citizenship, was not ready to commit fully to the team. Araujo would have been cap-tied to the U.S. if he had played in the Gold Cup. With the U.S. team experiencing a bit of a logjam at right back with Reggie Cannon, Sergino Dest and veteran DeAndreYelin, it seems that Araujo is keeping his options open. Berhalter said that he highly rates the Galaxy defender.He said, "We think Araujo [is] an outstanding player and we believe he can make it a run at becoming a starter on the team." He said that while a lot will depend on his form and development, he is a talented young player and has a bright future with the team.The challenge now is to get far in the tournament with the available players and prepare for bigger battles.Berhalter stated, "We get to work with another group." "We can solidify the pool so that we know where everyone stands when we go to qualifying."
