Exploring the Top CONCACAF XI in 2021: Experts Debate North America’s Best Men’s Players
The World Cup has historically seen limited deep runs from North American teams. In fact, no country from the CONCACAF region has ever reached a World Cup final. However, with the 2026 tournament set to take place across North America, regional teams are formulating their most ambitious plans yet. Amid these evolving dynamics, soccer analysts Rhys Desmond and Sam (“Sam The Man”) share their perspectives by naming their ultimate best elevens from current CONCACAF talent. This article breaks down their selections, provides detailed analyses of player roles, and compares the strategies behind each team.
The Criteria: How the Best XI Was Selected
Selecting a “Best XI” in CONCACAF is not just about reputation. Both contributors focused on recent form, impact at club and international levels, versatility, and tactical value. With emerging young talents and established stars, their lineups feature a blend of players making headlines in Europe’s top leagues and those pivotal within their national teams.
Team Breakdown: Rhys Desmond’s Ultimate CONCACAF XI
Rhys Desmond’s team emphasizes balance between youth and experience, technical skill, and adaptability across the pitch. Here’s his chosen starting lineup and the reasons behind each pick:
- Goalkeeper: Keylor Navas – The decorated Costa Rican is renowned for sustained excellence with PSG and Real Madrid. Navas’ record Champions League success and individual accolades make him, in Desmond’s view, the region’s most reliable goalkeeper.
- Right Back: Sergiño Dest – At just 20, Dest’s composure in possession and ability to contribute in attack and defense set him apart. His progress at Ajax and Barcelona showcase his potential to be a long-term staple for the USMNT.
- Centre Back: John Brooks – Known for aerial dominance and Bundesliga experience, Brooks provides stability and intimidates opposition attackers. While not elite at building play from the back, his overall reliability is unquestioned.
- Centre Back: Andrew Gravillon – As an emerging talent on loan from Inter Milan, Gravillon offers much-needed pace and no-nonsense defending. Statistically, he ranks high in interceptions and blocked shots, showing promise for a future in top European leagues.
- Left Back: Alphonso Davies – The Bayern Munich star’s explosive pace, dribbling, and defensive improvement make him one of the very best in the world.
- Midfielders: Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie – Adams’ versatility and ability to cover wide areas are complemented by McKennie’s dynamism and adaptability at Juventus. Both provide defensive solidity and can contribute in attacking phases.
- Right Wing: Hirving Lozano – After a challenging spell, Lozano revived his form at Napoli, becoming a key figure both offensively and defensively for club and country.
- Attacking Midfield: Jonathan David – The young Canadian thrives at Lille, showcasing goal-scoring prowess and creativity to link up play as a second striker or attacking midfielder.
- Left Wing: Leon Bailey – Bailey’s improvement in end product and creative metrics at Leverkusen marks him as the standout left-winger in current form for the region.
- Striker: Raúl Jiménez – The Wolves frontman brings physicality, aerial threat, technical skill, and his absence at club level demonstrates just how vital he is to any side.
Rhys Desmond’s Substitutes
Guillermo Ochoa (GK), Zack Steffen (GK), Hector Moreno (CB), Oscar Duarte (CB), Antonee Robinson (LB), Atiba Hutchinson (DM), Jonathan Osorio (CM), Hector Herrera (CM), Carlos Vela (RW), Bobby Decordova-Reid (RW), Giovanni Reyna (AM), Christian Pulisic (LW)
Team Breakdown: Sam The Man’s Premier Picks
Sam’s selection leans toward consistency and offensive threat, supplementing experienced veterans with dynamic attackers. Here’s a closer look at his choices:
- Goalkeeper: Keylor Navas – Sam echoes the trust in Navas’ longevity and class, describing him as one of the few North Americans consistently in the world’s top ten for his position.
- Right Back: Sergiño Dest – Recognized for his rapid rise to Barcelona and his fit in possession-based systems; flexibility to play on either flank is a key asset.
- Centre Back: John Brooks – Cited for an uptick in form due to improved fitness, Brooks is the defensive cornerstone of Sam’s back line.
- Centre Back: Hector Moreno – Veterans like Moreno add stability; although he plays in Qatar, his international experience is valued for balance alongside Brooks.
- Left Back: Alphonso Davies – Sam highlights Davies’ enhancement as a defender, though notes there’s still room for growth defensively.
- Midfielders: Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie – Adams’ ability to act as an auxiliary centre-back and McKennie’s all-around quality make them essential for controlling midfield and supporting wide play.
- Right Wing: Carlos Vela – Vela’s record-breaking seasons in MLS and unique creative flair make him a natural pick for added offensive ingenuity.
- Attacking Midfield: Jonathan David – Like Rhys, Sam prizes David’s form, especially his off-the-ball movement and unselfish play in supporting other attackers.
- Left Wing: Christian Pulisic – Pulisic’s consistent impact at Chelsea marks him, in Sam’s estimation, as the future superstar of CONCACAF.
- Striker: Raúl Jiménez – Again, Jiménez is considered untouchable at center forward due to his multi-dimensional threat.
Sam The Man’s Substitutes
Guillermo Ochoa (GK), Zack Steffen (GK), Jesus Manuel Corona (RB), Diego Reyes (CB), Carlos Salcedo (CB), Antonee Robinson (LB), Hector Herrera (CM), Andres Guardado (CM), Rodolfo Pizarro (AM), Giovanni Reyna (AM), Hirving Lozano (RW), Leon Bailey (LW)
Key Player Comparisons and Strategic Contrasts
Both teams share a strong backbone—Navas in goal, Brooks at centre-back, Adams and McKennie in midfield, and Jiménez as striker. However, their most notable differences come in their approach to wing play and attacking support.
- Right Wing Choice: Rhys selects Lozano for his current form and defensive output, while Sam picks Vela for creative prowess and elite MLS performances.
- Left Wing: The choice of Bailey versus Pulisic reflects a debate between recent form and established reputation at the highest club level.
- Centre Back Partner: Rhys opts for emerging youth and pace with Gravillon; Sam prefers the steadiness of Moreno.
Full Team Lineups in an HTML Table
| Position | Rhys Desmond’s XI | Sam The Man’s XI |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Keylor Navas | Keylor Navas |
| Right Back | Sergiño Dest | Sergiño Dest |
| Centre Back 1 | John Brooks | John Brooks |
| Centre Back 2 | Andrew Gravillon | Hector Moreno |
| Left Back | Alphonso Davies | Alphonso Davies |
| Defensive Midfield | Tyler Adams | Tyler Adams |
| Box-to-Box Midfield | Weston McKennie | Weston McKennie |
| Right Wing | Hirving Lozano | Carlos Vela |
| Attacking Midfield | Jonathan David | Jonathan David |
| Left Wing | Leon Bailey | Christian Pulisic |
| Striker | Raúl Jiménez | Raúl Jiménez |
About the Analysts
Rhys Desmond is the founder of TheMastermindSite.com and a passionate educator within the football community.
Sam The Man brings expertise in CONCACAF soccer, data analysis, and remains a dedicated Toronto FC supporter.
Listen and Explore More Episodes
For in-depth tactical discussions, behind-the-scenes opinions, and more best XI debates, be sure to explore The Mastermind Site Podcast and related episodes. Featured podcast topics include analysis tools, building coaching philosophies, and player-focused insights.
Final Thoughts: Who’s Your Best XI?
The debate over the best CONCACAF XI underlines the region’s improving quality and diversity of talent. Whether you favor proven experience or rising stars, these two teams highlight the progress made across North American soccer.
Which combination do you believe would perform best on the biggest stage? Share your thoughts and enjoy more expert content from North America’s rising soccer voices.
