The current identity of the U.S. men’s national team can be summed up in three words: emerging young talent. During his time in charge, former manager Dave Sarachan may not have emphasized tactics in a meaningful way, but he did introduce many promising youngsters into the USMNT fold. In the first camp under new manager Gregg Berhalter, the USMNT has maintained its emphasis on young, emerging talent, while hopefully adding a level of tactical nuance not seen from recent versions of the team.



Though they’re not involved in January camp, two of the most important young players in the U.S. pool right now are Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie. Playing for Bundesliga clubs at only 19 and 20 years old respectively, it’s expected that Adams and McKennie will be pillars of Berhalter’s national team over the next several years. But is there an ideal way to play both of them together?



Both are flexible central midfielders, but they lack true...