OK it is has been almost a full week since I tried a new lineup/formation so it's time to scribble on the back of the napkin again.
This time I am going to close my eyes, and believe that the recent surge from Weah is the real deal and he keeps this level. If that statement holds true, it opens up some different thoughts since we would not need Gio to play on the wing any more.
My favorite all time formation is one that no longer exists in the modern game, but all formations tend to be cyclical in nature so this may work even it is no longer prevalent in the modern game.
4-4-2 Diamond midfield, with a true #10 at the point of the diamond
...............................................
..............................Steffen
Dest............X....................Brooks................Robinson
..............................Adams
.....Weston...........................................Musah
................................Reyna
.......Weah..........................................Pulisic
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* I won't quibble if some one wants to call this a false nine set up.
* Weah and Pulisic would be undersized strikers but with their well above average athleticism and foot skills, I think they would drive teams nuts, pulling defenders all out of shape. Clearly there is no target striker in this set up so hold up play is not going to be on the table and we will have to build an attack on the ground, but with the skill level all over the field, they should be able to achieve that style. Watching the McKenzie highlights again really makes my mouth water in regards to this point. Having 3 players like Adams, Brooks and McKenzie all be able to make a mid length, line breaking pass means that no team can just remove the one distributor of the ball.
* I like that this keeps the strong triangle of Weston, Musah and Adams together. If Musah does not join the party, Owen looks like he might be a decent fit here. Weston and Musah both are good enough two way players that they will help break down bunkers and also provide a strong defense against the better teams.
* The X will likely be a battle royal between Miazga, McKenzie, Long, and Richards, may the best man win. Having multiple choices here is good since Brooks has a shaky injury history for the US.