USMNT World Cup 2022 roster: Predicted lineup vs Netherlands and star players

Zack Steffen was surprisingly left out, giving Matt Turner a clear path to start. Berhalter had preferred the Manchester City keeper, who is currently on loan at Middlesbrough, before injury issues gave Arsenal's summer signing an opportunity.

And Turner has justified the decision since arriving in Qatar, having not given up a goal from open play in the tournament's first three games. The only goal scored against him came from the penalty spot as Gareth Bale finished after being fouled in the box.

Other than that, Turner has been faultless, even with his often-criticized distribution.

Sean Johnson and Ethan Horvath have had the back-up responsibilities.

A few months ago, few would have imagined the U.S. looking like this.

One reason is the resurgence of Tim Ream, a player that wasn't even involved in qualifying. Now, the Fulham man is undroppable, having started all three games in the group stage.

He's been paired with both Walker Zimmerman and Cameron Carter-Vickers, with the former starting the first two group stage games and the latter getting the nod against Iran.

As for the fullbacks, it's been as expected, although the performances have been better than most could have imagined as both Sergino Dest and Antonee Robinson have taken their games to new heights.

Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams have started all three games, with Adams, in particular, establishing himself as the team's most important player.

Brenden Aaronson has been the first sub off the bench while Kellyn Acosta has also been involved as a substitute.

But the MMA midfielder remains untouched and could very well be together for years to come.

Chelsea star Pulisic has lead the USMNT attack at the World Cup in Qatar, even if the versatile attacker has been struggling somewhat at club level.

Pulisic has a goal and an assist, with the goal being the one that fired the U.S. to a 1-0 win over Iran. He did pick up an injury in the scoring of that goal, though, as Pulisic suffered a pelvis injury that could impact his game against the Netherlands.

His assist, meanwhile, came on the USMNT's only other goal of the group stage, a finish from Tim Weah, who has started all three games.

Up top, the U.S. has started both Josh Sargent and Haji Wright, although the former is dealing with an ankle injury.

One surprise, though, has been Gio Reyna, or rather the lack of Gio Reyna. He's featured just once off the bench after being seen as a likely starter pre-tournament.

Adams has no doubt been the USMNT's best player in Qatar, having proven himself worthy of being hailed as one of the premier young defensive midfielders in the game. In every situation, Adams has been there, dominating all three games while Leeds look like geniuses for signing him this summer.

In the attack, Weah has been the standout, although Pulisic remains the main man. The Chelsea star's injury status is a concern but, if he plays, the U.S. will be a much more dangerous team.

And defensively, keep an eye on Ream, the 35-year-old veteran central defender that has come from nowhere to be a vital piece of this U.S. group.

With Turner in goal, Berhalter is likely looking at a back-four of Dest, Zimmerman, Ream and Robinson in front of the Arsenal goalkeeper for the Netherlands match.

Musah, Adams and McKennie should form the most solid midfield base, behind the attacking trio of Weah, Sargent and Pulisic, if the latter two are deemed healthy.

That leaves the likes of Reyna and Aaronson on the bench, with the creative trio a great option to come on and make a difference late in the game.

USA XI (4-3-3): Turner; Dest, Zimmerman, Ream, Robinson; Musah, Adams, McKennie; Weah, Sargent, Pulisic

Crystal Palace defender Chris Richard's World Cup dreams came to an abrupt end in early November as he announced the leg injury he suffered in late August would keep him out of the tournament.