Tim Ream Making the Team was Unexpected, but a Wonderful Surprise
For much of the recent World Cup qualifying matches and Gold Cup games, defense has seemed like the weakest position group for the USA with Qatar looming soon. Tim Ream, the seasoned 35-year-old CB, from Fulham, was not getting call ups to the USAMNT and has just 46 caps for the United States. This makes his inclusion on Gregg Berhalter’s roster a definite outlier, but a positive one and pleasant shock.
With eight other defenders on the World Cup roster, Tim Ream definitely has his work cut out for him if he wants the starting CB position. Not only are there nine players fighting for four spots, but many experts believe that if healthy, Sergino Dest, Antonee Robinson, and Walker Zimmerman have already locked up their spots in the back four.
Ream’s Connection with Antonee Robinson Could Make the Difference
Miles Robinson was the last presumed started prior to him tearing his Achilles while playing in a match for Atlanta United. He would have fit in nicely as a speed back to put alongside Walker Zimmerman, who is an effective, 6’3” strong CB. With Miles Robinson no longer in the picture, Aaron Long was a thought at the other CB spot, but he has struggled this season in both club matches and USA caps. If Berhalter feels comfortable with two CBs who are not plus-speed guys, Tim Ream should be the clear choice.
At Fulham this season, Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream have started 12/14 games together and have a close connection on that back line already. With Robinson seemingly locked for the LB spot, seeing a familiar face right next to him in Ream could be incredibly useful for Gregg Berhalter. Tim Ream has also played all 90-minutes of all 14 matches this season for Fulham and has just one yellow card this year. He is as reliable and consistent as it gets, and he deserves to be starting for the red, white, and blue on November 21st against Wales.
