Podcast: Howard vs. Guzan, USMNT friendlies, transfer deadline
Jurgen Klinsmann made a pair of declarations prior to the USA's first of two September friendlies, and they are cause for discussion on the latest Planet Fútbol Podcast.
Klinsmann has tabbed Brad Guzan as the U.S. men's national team's No. 1 goalkeeper over the returning Tim Howard through at least the Confederations Cup playoff match vs. Mexico at the Rose Bowl in October. Is that the right call to make? Does the U.S. goalkeeper choice even matter, or should we be focusing on the bigger issues the team has?
One of those is the defense, and Klinsmann anointed DaMarcus Beasley and Fabian Johnson as his top options at left and right back, respectively. Should the U.S. still be so reliant on the 33-year-old Beasley? What about the center backs? Which players make for the best combination in the heart of the back line?
We wrap up by recapping the closing of the summer transfer window in Europe, where David de Gea somehow remains with Manchester United and Anthony Martial set the new standard for a fee paid for a teenager. What other moves stood out from the window? Have any changed the landscape of the major leagues across the continent? Is DeAndre Yedlin's loan move to Sunderland a good thing for the U.S. speedster?
Listen to the new Planet Fútbol Podcast below (and subscribe to us on iTunes here):