Ibrox versatility has put Sands back into the picture for US World Cup squad
Former United States internationalist believes defensive role at Rangers has given head coach food for thought
ALOST weekend without football means one fewer opportunity for those with World Cup aspirations to stake their claim.
Malik Tillman and James Sands fall into that category. Events of the past week may have damaged the Rangers pair’s prospects of forcing their way into United States contention but the door still remains ajar for both.
Neither showed themselves in the best of lights in front of watching head coach Gregg Berhalter in last weekend’s Old Firm derby – a match that, paradoxically, improved the chances of Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers – but both still have qualities that could yet earn themselves inclusion.
Berhalter will this week name his squad for September friendlies in Europe against Japan and Saudi Arabia and, realistically, those who haven’t already cemented their places will need to be included for this one if they are to have a chance of claiming a seat on the plane to Qatar.
Versatility could be the greatest asset that both men possess. Sands has been utilised by Rangers in central defence this season but is primarily seen as a defensive midfielder by the US and can also fill in at right-back. Even with a 26-man squad, having a player who can slot in at three different positions is definitely going to go in his favour.
The New Yorker has seven full caps after making his debut last summer and, if not a likely starter these days for the United States, is someone still very much in the frame.
“James was out of the picture for a while, but because of his versatility he now maybe has a shot,” said Janusz Michallik, the former US internationalist now working as a soccer pundit for ESPN and Sirius XM.
“He’s normally a defensive mid, but he’s shown he can play centre back for Rangers and we also know he can play right-back.
“Carter-Vickers is probably ahead of Sands at the moment. He’s playing consistently and he’s got recovery pace which is important. The US plays a high line as that’s how Gregg wants to play. So you need players who can recover.
“I’d say Carter-Vickers goes to the World Cup but Sands maybe has a shot, too. Gregg knows him although he’s not played for the national team for a while. But his versatility and the fact he’s starting and is playing against Liverpool, Ajax and Napoli in the Champions League probably puts Sands back in his thinking.”
Tillman is another still having to convince Berhalter he deserves to go to Qatar. The forward only made his US debut in May having switched allegiances from Germany. That was a real coup for the United States although his lack of time with the squad goes against him, reckons Michallik.
“I’ve watched Malik in some of the big games and he may have a chance,” added the 44-times capped former defender.
“He’s got great pedigree coming out of the Bayern Munich system. And he’s getting massive exposure being in the Champions League against Liverpool, Napoli and Ajax.
“He’s getting a chance to show that he can do it on the big stage. But he’s not been around the America squad that much. He came on against Morocco for his debut and got just one more cap after that.
“So it’s not just about being hot right before the World Cup. It’s about knowing the system. Every manager, but Berhalter in particular, is big on that.
“This is it for Malik. Continue to play well for Rangers and he might have a chance. But if he’s not going to be called up for these games this month the chances are he won’t be going to the World Cup.”
The US remains unsure just where and how to best use the 20 year-old. Competition is rife again for the sole starting striker spot while established figures occupy the three berths in behind that. Tillman’s versatility again could work in his favour but there are no guarantees.
“Two or three months ago in the United States everyone was wondering who was going to be our centre forward,” added Michallik. “Nobody was playing well. Then out of nowhere you have Haji Wright with Antalyaspor in Turkey doing well, Josh Sargent reborn at Norwich City, and Jordan Pefok doing well at Union Berlin.
“This is what Malik has to deal with. Normally with the start he’s had to the season, everyone would be paying attention to him. But now we’re paying attention to all these other guys who are in red-hot form.
“At Rangers he’s been playing as a second forward rather than a No. 9. But if the US is going to play with one striker then the three behind are pretty good players.
Assuming everyone is healthy you’re talking about Brenden Aaronson at Leeds and he’s not dislodging him.
“Christian Pulisic is Christian Pulisic. Even if he’s not playing for Chelsea he’s playing for the US team. Then you have Gio Reyna who will be given the benefit of the doubt until that last moment. Plus you have Tim Weah who’s injured at the moment.
“The roster size is 26 so with three more places you might take another young player. At the moment Malik is an outsider looking in as he’s only been with the team once. But out of nowhere he’s starting and doing well so he could yet get a chance to make it.”
Having a player who can slot in at three different positions is definitely going to go in his favour