Chris of Herndon, Va. asks: Do you think that Clint Mathis should replace Claudio Reyna in the U.S. midfield … or do you still feel that Reyna is that good? Mike Woitalla: I think the notion of dropping Reyna is absurd — and I would wager that Coach Bruce Arena and Mathis agree. Mathis played well when he subbed in for an injured Reyna against Mexico. And Mathis scored the winning goal against Honduras in the game Reyna missed because of injury. But the USA does not have another player who can bring stability and purpose to its game the way that Reyna can, thanks to his excellent passing, ball-possession skills and soccer smarts. HereÆs what Mathis told me after the Honduras game: ôI would love to see me and Claudio on the field at the same time. WeÆre two totally different players. HeÆs more of the playmaker who keeps the ball. Maybe IÆm the guy that goes at them and æworks off the boardsÆ a little bit.ö Mathis has a great nose for goal and ability to take the USA quickly into the attack. And his two Hexagonal performances should ensure that he remains in the U.S. lineup — but not as a replacement for Reyna if Reyna is healthy. Reyna could play wide right in the midfield — as he has done with his club, Glasgow Rangers, and Mathis could be the attacking central midfielder. This should work well in the 4-4-2 lineup Arena has been using. Or, Reyna remains the central attacking midfielder and Mathis plays upfront, perhaps as a slightly withdrawn forward alongside Josh Wolff — or, when they get healthy, with Joe-Max Moore or Brian McBride. In a 3-5-2, Mathis and Reyna could play in the central midfield in front of Chris Armas. HereÆs what Armas had to say about Mathis and Reyna: ôClaudioÆs the leader of this team and we rally behind him. Both of those guys are great playmakers. They both have their unique style. IÆd love to have them both on the field. ItÆs possible. Why not? When ClaudioÆs healthy, heÆll be back in the lineup, of course.ö (If you have a question for a Soccer America Magazine editor, click “Ask Our Editorsö at the top of the home page.”)