CAMERON CARTER-VICKERS received an unexpected start in his country’s final group stage match of the World Cup.
Gregg Berhalter had remained consistent with his back line, with Tim Ream and Walker Zimmerman the trusted pairing in central defence for the first two games of the World Cup.
Carter-Vickers received his start because the manager felt he’d be effective while playing against a team playing a low-block. The America defender faces teams that have 11 men behind the ball on a weekly basis at Celtic Park, often having to pick out a killer pass to break through the opposition.
I asked Gregg Berhalter about the decision to start Cameron Carter-Vickers & he pointed to his experience playing vs. teams set up in a low block vs. Celtic in the Scottish Premiership as something that made him well-suited for the task today vs. Iran.#USMNT pic.twitter.com/FVhoipRrIw
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) November 29, 2022
Playing in the SPFL has aided his development, and ultimately got him the start in the squad, with his consistent minutes at Celtic aiding him with a call up.
He impressed throughout the match, and has definitely given his national team boss something to think about heading into the round of 16.
USA will play their round of 16 match against Holland on Saturday December 3rd in a 3 pm kick off.
