2 Days After Urging to Bench Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd’s Claims Contradicted by Ex-USMNT Icon

The USWNT has not been at its best in the ongoing Women’s World Cup. Team leaders like Alex Morgan also haven’t been able to make an impact. Currently, the jury is out there on playing or dropping the striker and it has become a hot debate. Recently, a former USMNT icon stated that he couldn’t imagine Morgan losing her spot in the team at this stage. In a few days, the US will face Sweden in the Round of 16.

USA’s last game against Portugal was rather a disappointment. Prior to the game, a USWNT legend controversially stated that they should change things up and Morgan shouldn’t be starting. Vlatko Andonovski still started the striker, and the US scraped through with a 0-0 result.

Alex Morgan shouldn’t be benched claims an ex-USMNT veteran

Ex-USMNT player, Charlie Davies was recently on the ‘In Soccer We Trust’ podcast. They were doing a preview before USWNT’s next game against Sweden. Davies mentioned that he would have loved to see Sophia Smith take up the No.9 role. But he made it clear that he does not see it happening and Morgan shouldn’t lose her spot in the starting XI.

He continued, “So, Sophia Smith, Alex Morgan, and back to Trinity Rodman on the right. I think what’s been missing for this US team is the dominance in midfield. Winning the second ball, being a little bit better in terms of playing in between the lines. Having Sophia Smith, Alex Morgan, and Trinity Rodman in the front three create more, interchange, combine more”.

Davies went on to admit that the US had always dominated the midfield. That’s why they had become unbeatable winning two World Cups in a row. He continued, “We haven’t seen that. The US typically dominates the midfield whether it’s winning every challenge and being direct or controlling the ball and using every ounce of width on the pitch”.

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At this point, everyone is sharing their thoughts on how the USWNT could adapt. Some days ago, ex-USWNT star Carli Lloyd spoke in favor of dropping Morgan from the lineup, completely the opposite of Davies’ words.

Carli Lloyd’s take on the same debate

Prior to the USWNT’s disappointing draw against Portugal, Carli Llyod stated the importance of tactical flexibility. She admitted that Alex Morgan had ‘done well’ for the team but Lloyd wanted to try something new. She felt the need to create more width. The USWNT icon suggested that Sophia Smith should lead the line with Trinity Rodman on the left and Lynn Williams on the right.

In reality, Morgan started the game normally and played the entire 90 minutes. The San Diego Wave star has failed to directly impact the scoresheet in this World Cup. She has started all three games and only contributed a single assist. Apart from being disappointed, the fans were furious after the tie against Portugal and demanded an instant change with the interest of still winning the three-peat.

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Who’s tactical advice do you favor, Charlie Davies or Carli Lloyd? Or do you have something new to suggest? Let us know in the comments below.