Klinsmann’s impact showing for improving US

It was only a friendly against a modest team but coming after the impressively ground-out away win over Italy in February, the team’s fifth successive victory was another positive sign.

What pleased Klinsmann the most was the style with which Scotland were taken apart as Landon Donovan helped himself to a hat-trick.

“We saw many elements of what we have been talking about. A fast paced game, nice tempo, one-two touch combinations through midfield, finding our forwards, having pace in the build up from the back, no long balls,” said Klinsmann.

“I think we saw all those elements. Obviously it is more difficult to play that way against Brazil or against Italy but I think the players understand more and more what we are trying to achieve.”

Klinsmann’s predecessor Bob Bradley, who took the U.S. to the second round of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa before falling to Ghana, built a team that was strong on determination and organisation but sometimes lacked the movement and flexible shape the modern game demands.