The United States took on Italy and beat them for the first time in US Soccer history 1-0 thanks to a clinical finish by Fulham star Clint Dempsey. Although this has been noted as the biggest win of the US during the Klinsmann era; a question begs as to whether or not his new playing style is the best fit.

First we must see what Klinsmann likes from his team. He enjoys a proactive technical game. This sort of style means that the United States presses for possession, holds possession for long periods of time, make smart runs and lots of them, and just to attack with vigor. This is a very European style, one which you can’t blame Klinsmann for since he was a starting striker for Germany in his day, not to mention someone as strong as Tottenham.

However, during this time of the game, the US was far more likely to give up a goal rather than score one themselves. It wasn’t until the US reverted back to its Bob Bradely type style; scrappy, defensive and hard-nosed in-house style that the United States actually started to play their best.

So the best option for Klinsmann may not try to beat everyone with a style that is not their own. He wants to totally rewrite how the game is played for the National Team. Rather, the best option is to refine, rather than reinvent the style of the US MNT.