Canada Men's National Team Squad Prediction: September friendlies

After a looong break between posts, we thought the upcoming Canadian men’ national team camp was a good opportunity to get going again. With all eyes on the final 26-man squad that will be representing Canada at a World Cup for the first time since 1986, the two upcoming friendly matches against Qatar and Uruguay offer John Herdman an opportunity to consider some on-the-bubble players who have played themselves into consideration, while continuing to build the squad togetherness that is so key to his approach.

Canada v Costa Rica crowd, Edmonton, November 2021 (c: YKSC)

With that in mind, we’ve put together what we see as a likely 26-man squad for the two late September friendlies in Vienna. Read on..

Goalkeepers (3): Milan Borjan, Maxime Crépeau, Dayne St. Clair

No surprises here, as these 3 have been fairly ubiquitous members of Herdman’s squads. There are two questions here, though: will one of Crépeau or St. Clair get a start in one of these games? And, is Crépeau still the clear #2?

It wouldn’t surprise us if Borjan does get both starts, as it would help keep the backline comfortable with the keeper who will undoubtedly start every match in Qatar, but there is a chance that Borjan gets the Qatar game off. If that happens, there could be some debate among supporters about which of the others are between the sticks. Both are having great seasons, with Crépeau’s LAFC sitting top of the western conference at the time of writing despite a recent purple patch, and St. Clair’s Minnesota side sitting in 5th in the west, albeit on the back of two 0-3 losses in a row. Statistically, Crépeau sports a 1.07 average goals conceded/game compared to St. Clair’s 1.63, while St. Clair leads in save percentage, 69.5% to 67.4%. Pretty close when you notice St. Clair has faced 39 more shots! But for Herdman, he’s likely to stick with what he knows - so Crépeau it is, if Borjan gets a break.

Centrebacks (5): Kamal Miller, Scott Kennedy, Derek Cornelius, Alistair Johnston, Joel Waterman

At the back we’re expecting a mix of the usual suspects and a couple of guys that deserve an opportunity to impress. But first, we have to acknowledge a couple of big names missing from our list: Steven Vitória and Doneil Henry. These are guys Herdman knows well, and he can likely leave at home for this camp. Vitória in particular is getting up there in years, has just joined a new club, and can probably take advantage of the break while knowing he will no doubt be in Qatar. Doneil Henry is… Doneil Henry, and there’s not much for Herdman to gain by flying him to Austria, in our opinion.

Kamal Miller and Alastair Johnston have solidified themselves as go-to’s for Herdman in a three-man backline, and their form for Montreal confirms they’re likely to continue to be starters for Canada, even though Johnston has been deployed more recently in his traditional wide position. Scott Kennedy is another player that’s been used consistently by Herdman, although less as a starter than some others. After two seasons of being a regular starter (when healthy) for Jahn Regensburg in the 2.Bundesliga, he’s been used most often off the bench this year. This camp could be a good opportunity for Herdman to assess his condition going into the fall, and potentially get some good game time in.

The other two names on our list have been largely overlooked thus far, but their form makes them impossible to overlook. First off, Montreal’s Joel Waterman. From a defensive standpoint, he ranks second on Montreal (to Rudy Camacho) this season in both percentage of headers won and interceptions, and the latter has often led to opportunities for him to use his offensive instincts to push higher up the pitch. It’s this side of his game that makes him a unique weapon for Canada, and makes him impossible for Herdman to ignore. Waterman ranks 5th in the entire MLS in passes completed - including being 6th among defenders in accurate long balls and 3rd among defenders in successful short passes - and has 4 assists (and a goal) this year to boot. Herdman likes defenders who can play the ball out, and Waterman fits that role perfectly. If Waterman doesn’t get called up for this camp, Herdman is deserving of some criticism.

The other new(ish) name is Derek Cornelius, which is odd as he’s actually been around the Canada scene for almost 5 years now. Falling out of favour in Vancouver, he’s just started his second season on loan at Panetolikos in the Greek top tier, and is continuing his strong form for the club into the new season. Forming a strong CB partnership with Jacob Une Larsson, he’s played every minute for the club this year as they’ve started with a respectable 1-1-1 record. He last joined up with Canada for the March World Cup qualifiers, without seeing the pitch in the 3 games. This is an opportunity for Herdman to assess one of our most in-form centrebacks who doesn’t play for Montreal.

Wingbacks (4): Sam Adekugbe, Raheem Edwards, Richie Laryea, Zachary Brault-Guillard

Sam Adekugbe and Richie Laryea have been two of the standouts of Canada’s World Cup qualifying campaign, and there’s no doubt that both will be heading to Qatar. It’s likely that both will be involved in this camp, with Adekugbe a short flight away, and Laryea already having shown he’s capable of doing minutes right after a trans-Atlantic flight. Who joins them as capable wingbacks will be the interesting question.

Much-maligned Raheem Edwards has had a rejuvenating season at LA Galaxy - second on the club in both assists and tackles - and after much supporter encouragement he was brought into the ill-fated June squad for CONCACAF Nations League matches, and promptly failed to see the pitch in a (somewhat) surprising move by Herdman. His performances have come back down to Earth to a degree, having not recorded an assist since late May, but he continues to be a regular starter and is deserving of a look-in for the national team.

On the right side, Zachary Brault-Guillard has suffered for both club and country from the impact of Alastair Johnston, but he still brings an injection of pace and directness that is unique to Canada’s right side. He hasn’t seen a lot of game time for Montreal this year, especially in recent times, but he’s produced when he has, so this could again be a good opportunity for Herdman to see where he’s at.

Central Midfielders (5): Stephen Eustáquio, Samuel Piette, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Ismaël Koné, Liam Fraser

Our predicted squad for the Qatar and Uruguay matches is filled with familiar names that have played some sort of role in the qualifying campaign, though only Eustáquio has been an ever-present starter. As he finally begins to establish himself in Porto’s lineup (completing 90’ on the weekend with 2 assists against Gil Vicente), it’s clear that he’ll be the main cog in the midfield for Herdman in Qatar.

Aside from Eustáquio, there’s room for two veterans who have most recently been used off the bench for Canada (if at all) in Samuel Piette and Mark-Anthony Kaye. Kaye only returned to game action for TFC this weekend for the second half against Montreal, after more than a month off injured. There was some definite rust there, so this camp will be an opportunity to get back to speed as the Toronto season draws to a close. Kaye’s had an interesting season - stupidly sent off in Costa Rica, and then dealt from Colorado to his hometown TFC mid-season before suffering the injury three games in. His usage by Herdman in the Nations League games in June was minimal - just over 30 minutes in the loss to Honduras - so it’ll be interesting to see where he sits with the gaffer going into November. He brings a box-to-box profile mixed with offensive instincts better than most of our CM’s, and with potentially no Osorio and Hutchinson at this camp he’s guaranteed to get a chance to shine.

Piette has been even less-used by Herdman in recent times, only starting once since the Gold Cup loss to the US last July (in the 1-1 draw at Jamaica). Despite this, he’s arguably playing his best all-around football for Montreal this season, often teaming up with Victor Wanyama in the centre of the park. Notably, an offensive side to his game has appeared, highlighted by 3 consecutive matches with an assist last month (including this beautiful switch). He also leads Montreal in passing percentage (and is among the top tier in the whole league). This month’s camp might be an opportunity to see if Piette and Eustáquio could operate together, similar to the partnership with Wanyama.

Rounding out the centre of the park could be Piette’s 20-year-old Montreal teammate Ismaël Koné, and familiar face Liam Fraser. Koné came close to joining Sheffield United in the summer transfer window, an indication of his meteoric rise this season which has included a first cap for Canada in the loss at Panama. Offering an offensively dynamic profile combined with a 6’2” stature, Koné brings something unique to Canada’s squad and is likely a real consideration for Qatar. Fraser is more of a deep lying midfielder, combining a playmaking ability best evidenced by this assist with excellent ball retention. Playing for Belgian 2nd tier side Deinze, this camp will be a good opportunity for Fraser to show himself against higher-quality opposition (well, for Uruguay at least).

Wingers (6): Alphonso Davies, Tajon Buchanan, Liam Millar, Theo Corbeanu, Jacob Shaffelburg, Luca Koleosho

There’s no doubt that Alphonso Davies will be joining up with the squad, but we do expect some different names to be joining him in the group of wide attackers. TSN has reported that Club Brugge’s Tajon Buchanan will be linking up with the squad regardless of whether he’s healthy enough to play or not, and hopefully he’ll be on the mend as he hasn’t appeared for Brugge since a friendly in mid-October. Basel’s Liam Millar is another squad ever-present who’s guaranteed to be at this camp. Having already made 12 appearances this season for the Swiss side, Millar’s arguably the most in-season European-based squad member, but Basel has seemed to sacrifice its domestic form for Conference League progression. Millar’s side sits 8th in the league and he has no league goals or assists yet despite plenty of time on the pitch, so this camp could serve as a confidence-builder for him leading into the fall.

In terms of the less-certain faces on the wings, one player who is surely drawing John Herdman’s attention in the early-goings of the European season is Theo Corbeanu, on loan at English Championship side Blackpool. At the time of writing he’s scored 3 goals in the past 4 games from a left wing position, most recently this composed finish that secured 3 points against Huddersfield. The 20-year-old hasn’t appeared for Canada since the Gold Cup last summer but his form to start the year forces his inclusion, and arguably puts him in competition with Millar for a spot in Qatar.

Another winger occasionally brought into the fold by Herdman who has seen a recent rejuvenation is Nova Scotian Jacob Shaffelburg, recently sent on loan by TFC to Nashville. Shaffelburg last appeared for Canada in the October qualifiers, but after falling out of favour with Bob Bradley, has scored twice in four appearances for his new club. Offering a more direct approach than the other wing options, Herdman may take this opportunity to consider him alongside Millar and Corbeanu for what is likely one available spot in Qatar.

The final winger we see being called is teenager Luca Koleosho. As most likely know, the highly-rated youngster was called up for the ill-fated June friendly against Iran/Panama. With that all going to shit, Herdman may take this opportunity to again bring Koleosho into the Canada fold without the chance of cap-tying him. Two early season sub appearances for Espanyol will have no doubt kept him on Herdman’s radar.

Strikers (3): Jonathan David, Ike Ugbo, Cyle Larin

There’s the least amount of intrigue among Canada’s group of strikers, although questions remain such as will Lucas Cavallini join up with the squad, and has Ugbo passed Larin on the depth chart? One thing is for certain - Jonathan David has found the form that eluded him for so much of the latter half of the last Ligue I season. Remaining with Lille under new manager Paulo Fonseca has seen him rejuvenated, with 4 goals and 2 assists already being utilized both on the wing and right up top. David is guaranteed to start at least one, if not both, September games.

Fellow Ligue 1 striker Ike Ugbo re-joined Troyes, with whom he spent the second half of last season, and he recently opened his account for the year with this tidy finish. More of the poacher type of centre forward, Ugbo has yet to score for Canada but recently got his first start, in the Nations League loss to Honduras. Expect to see plenty of him in this camp.

Joining the guys from Ligue 1 will be Cyle Larin, newly arrived alongside Buchanan at Club Brugge. Unfortunately, through 7 appearances in all competitions for his new club, he’s played less than 100 total minutes, with little to show in terms of offensive output. As many online have noted, the arrival of David’s former Genk teammate Roman Yaremchuk at the deadline doesn’t bode well for him, as he already faced competition for game time from Dutch international Noa Lang and Spanish starlet Ferran Jutglà. These games could be an opportunity to build confidence and match fitness for Larin, who will no doubt be traveling to Qatar regardless.

Missing out due to injury: Jonathan Osorio, Atiba Hutchinson, David Wotherspoon

In addition to Tajon Buchanan, a handful of other regulars are likely to miss out on this camp due to injury, including Jonathan Osorio, Atiba Hutchinson and David Wotherspoon. Osorio in particular is a big loss, as the TFC stalwart is having his best offensive season since 2018. Atiba Hutchinson has yet to appear for Besiktas this season, apparently due to injury, and is unlikely to be risked in this pair of friendlies even if he is on the comeback trail by then. It’s likely that, similar to Buchanan, some or all of these will join up with the squad in Vienna regardless of their ability to play.

Staying home but going to Qatar: Steven Vitória, Doneil Henry, Junior Hoilett, Lucas Cavallini

As noted earlier, we expect that this camp will be Herdman’s last opportunity to evaluate some newer names before Qatar, and as such, some more familiar faces will likely be given an opportunity to rest. This should include Steven Vitória and Doneil Henry at the back, Junior Hoilett on the wing (although an absence of Buchanan could lead to his inclusion), and Lucas Cavallini up front. As ever-presents throughout the qualifying campaign, Herdman knows exactly what he’s getting with this experienced group and as such, may see fit to leave them out in this case.

On the bubble: James Pantemis, Lukas MacNaughton, Manjrekar James, Stefan Mitrovic, Ryan Raposo, Mathieu Choinière, Richie Ennin, Kianz Froese

With any national team roster, there’s always a number of players who for one reason or another are on the cusp of being called up. For this camp, this group includes some lesser-known names in good form, a couple depth options from lower leagues, and a high profile dual national. To that side of things first, we don’t see Crvena Zvezda’s Stefan Mitrović joining up for Canada for this camp, or any time soon. Kudos to John Herdman if this happens, but we feel that his summer move to Serbia’s biggest club increases the likelihood of him eventually appearing for the country of his birth, rather than in the red and white.

On the other hand, a few players from the Canadian MLS sides have made a push for national team attention in 2022. Most notably, former Canadian Premier League winner Lukas MacNaughton has had an impressive debut season in Toronto and has arguably been the club’s most consistent centreback. He is certainly deserving of a call-up, but is likely behind Waterman when it comes to potential for Qatar. Two other young Canadians who have been used mostly in wingback roles this season - Vancouver’s Ryan Raposo and Montreal’s Mathieu Choinière - have also played themselves into contention. Both offer positional flexibility and some offensive upside, and could be squad options for this camp. Finally, James Pantemis appears to have reestablished himself as Montreal’s starting keeper over Sebastien Breza, and is most likely to draw into camp if one of Borjan, Crepeau or St. Clair is unavailable.

Last but not least, a handful of players from the lesser European leagues could find themselves under consideration. The most familiar name would be Manjrekar James, who is still only 29 despite seeming to have been around forever. He’s off to a strong start in the Ukrainian Premier League with Chornomorets Odessa, with one goal to his name and only 2 conceded by his club over 3 matches. Given Canada’s current relative depth at centreback, it’s unlikely we’ll see him - but you never know!

The final two players we could see in consideration are Richie Ennin from Honved in Hungary, and Kianz Froese from Wehen in the German 3. Liga. Canadian supporters have long been calling for Ennin to get a look, after a relatively impressive season in the Russian Premier League last year with lowly Nizhniy Novgorod. He has a goal and an assist so far from the wing in Hungary, both coming in the same game, and is certainly a player who should be on Herdman’s radar going forward. Finally, Kianz Froese is probably the least likely name to be involved but hey - if Herdman can call Charles-Andreas Brym and Frank Sturing, then Froese deserves a look as well. The former Vancouver prospect has been languishing in Germany’s third tier for a few years now, but has put up impressive numbers: 5 goals and 6 assists last year with last-place TSV Havelse, and 2 goals and 2 assists already this year with Wehen, in only 6 appearances. If Herdman needs to make up numbers in the squad, there’s worse options than Froese.

So there you have it - a look at a potential squad for one of the final international windows before Qatar. John Herdman has been known not to stray too far from the regulars, so it'll be interesting to see how he ends up approaching this one. Leave a comment, chirp us on Twitter, etc. - let us know what you think!

MLS player statistics courtesy of MLSsoccer.com