Americans Abroad
Results for the United States Men's National Team have not been fantastic in recent months, as Jurgen Klinsmann has been trying experimental lineups with young players and inexperienced international performers. However, through all ups and downs, some of the best American footballers have continued to thrive in their respective domestic leagues outside of the US. About one year after the World Cup, let's take a look at the progress of some of my favorite American exports.DeAndre Yedlin:
After impressing in Brazil with his unmatched speed and physical prowess, he was rewarded with a move to the BPL with Tottenham. While some experts argue it has been a wasted move, I disagree. Sure, he hasn't gotten much time with the first team, but I'm sure he could have expected that - he's only been in London for a few months, after all. Playing time at this stage is less important than the tutelage he's receiving, which is why I think Yedlin has done very well for himself. He has things that can't be taught in terms of speed and strength, and he has reportedly already made great strides with his technical ability and decision-making. He hasn't played much, but he continues to develop the weak parts of his game.
Rating: B-
Alejandro Bedoya:
There's a reason Bedoya is the name I got on the back of my new USMNT away jersey. This player continues to start regularly for Nantes in Ligue 1, a feat even more impressive when considering that he wasn't even making the 18 about a year ago. While he still finds himself getting replaced around the 70th minute of games from time to time, he is a vital contributor for the mid-table French side, and has even contributed with two goals in the past month. As Clint Dempsey ages, Klinsmann will be looking to Bedoya to fill that attacking midfielder role, and he will certainly be prepared for that duty by 2018 if not much sooner.
Rating: B
Timothy Chandler:
Chandler is both an underrated player and a conundrum for me. He has developed into easily one of the top ten right backs in the Bundesliga and even scored a goal for Eintracht Frankfurt this past weekend, yet I don't think I've even seen him play well in a US jersey. I don't want to judge him too much by his international performance, though; he is improving every week and has played the full 90 minutes for Frankfurt each of the past 15 league games. What Chandler lacks going forward compared to Yedlin, he more than makes up for in playing time and defensive ability. The right back battle for the USMNT will certainly be one to look at before 2018, but I have Chandler in the lead right now, based on current form alone.
Rating: B+
Fabian Johnson:
I saved the best for last. The Borussia Monchengladbach left midfielder has been absolutely critical in helping his side qualify for next season's Champions League, picking up a handful of goals and assists over the last two months. Even when he's not causing ripples on the stat sheet, he is still making crucial contributions both offensively and defensively; he made multiple key tackles as Monchengladbach grinded out a beautiful 2-0 victory at Bayern Munich. Like Bedoya, Johnson went from barely coming off the bench a year ago to barely ever getting substituted off in 2015. It has been my belief for years that he is the best non-Dempsey player on the USMNT, and it has been amazing watching him turn into a leader for a Champions League-quality club.
Rating: A
Quickies:
John Brooks: Starts every game at center back for Hertha Berlin, continuing to do well.
Geoff Cameron: Steadily improving and getting more playing time at right back for Stoke City, and I hope to see him replicate these quality outings for the national team.
Bobby Wood: The young striker has accumulated a few goals and assists recently in the German second division, and is one to look at as another possible Dempsey replacement.
Brad Guzan: Got a clean sheet this weekend, but made some horrible mistakes last weekend. His starting spot for the USMNT and for Aston Villa is in jeopardy.
Thank you all for reading. Please follow @camtotheyams and @FightingBlog for more footballing opinions, and let me know in the comments section what you think of player ratings!
Great post! Love the ratings! :-)
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