Why Julie Ertz Had To Be Included On The USWNT Roster

It’s no secret that the US Women’s National Team has been different without Julie Ertz’s presence at the base of the midfield. Vlatko has had to convert to a double pivot that uses Lindsay Horan deeper in the midfield next to a rotating cast of midfielders anchored next to her.

The Taylor Kornieck as a 6 discourse was fun but she obviously doesn’t want to play there nor does it suit her strengths, Andi Sullivan did well at times but none of these combinations suited the skillset in this roster’s ability to dynamically bounce forward.

So, if USWNT can’t replace Julie Ertz, just bring back Julie Ertz.

Ertz pressence on the field is incredible and it allows Vlatko to utilize more of a 4–1–4–1 that better utilizes their strengths.

The US is strongest when it can both control the midfield and advance down the pitch through quick, crisp, passing and overlapping movement.

Obviously, this is a team that can still win big competitions like the SheBelieves Cup, that can still outscore their opponents in multiple ways, but we saw last year that they will struggle against the Englands of the world without the ability to control the center of the pitch.