The Berhalter debate is ultimately one over ideological playing style vs. pragmatism

What direction should the US move forward with?

Most discussions about Gregg Berhlater result in a conversation about how he got the USMNT Head Coaching gig, and about how he’s an “MLS guy.” While I strenuously and openly challenged the “search” process at the time, his hiring is now years in the rear-view mirror and not a valid talking point anymore. As for being an “MLS guy,” Jürgen Klinsmann tended to pick more MLS-based players for critical roles than Berhalter does (or Bob Bradley did), so I never quite got the desire to discuss this.

But the real issue with Gregg Berhlater as the Head Coach, is his ideology when it comes to tactics. Does a possession-oriented style (which relies heavily on attacking fullbacks) suit the United States? Does the United States need a distinct style of play? Is possession-based football a thing that can only be done well by the best clubs in the best leagues in the world? Is international football in 2022, more suited to pragmatism and counter-attacking?

These are all points I will consider below.