DeAndre Yedlin: America's breakout star in Brazil

Photo: AP/Matt Dunham

DeAndre Yedlin played a pivotal role for the USMNT in Brazil. He provided speed, width, defensive cover, and adaptability versus some of the world's top teams. Here's a look at what makes him special and why he should be at a top club in Europe.

On a humid Manaus night on 22 June, the US vs Portugal match was tied 1-1 after Jermaine Jones' golazo. Bento, Portugal's coach, knew that he needed a game-changer in order to win the match. In came Varela. Klinsmann saw this as a highly offensive-minded move and knew he needed some speed to help Fabian Johnson. He inserted DeAndre Yedlin, the 20-year old Seattle Sounder, for Alejandro Bedoya.

1. Speed
Yedlin's impact versus Portugal was immediate. Portugal's left flank was covered. Further, Yedlin opened up spaces, ran around the defense and provided the initial setup for Dempsey's go-ahead goal. He also covered well for Fabian Johnson's absence versus Belgium and set up quality opportunities when he had the chance. This is a key factor for European suitors.

2. Width
Along with speed, Yedlin's ability to hug the line while he sprints and to push the ball ahead and still be able to recover adds an extra dimension to any team. This was seen in MLS during a Seattle-Portland match, where he tracked all the way into the Timbers' 18-yard box and drew a penalty.

3. Defensive duties

Yedlin is a right back. He's a modern winger. He is fast enough to be able to launch into the attack while at the same time covering his flank. He proved this versus both Belgium and Portugal. He repeatedly made life difficult for Varela, Postiga, Almeida and even Ronaldo.

4. Adaptability
DeAndre is a defender. He had never trained as a midfielder for the USMNT, but when he took the field versus Portugal he was inserted into the right midfield position. And he excelled. Klinsmann has never been shy to deploy players in very different roles (Brad Evans from defensive mid to right back) and his gamble payed off. This will be key if Yedlin were to transfer abroad, say Roma or Liverpool.

Michael Bradley to Toronto FC: too soon?

Photo credit: ESPN FC

When Taylor Twellman announced on his twitter feed earlier this week that Michael Bradley was on the verge of signing with Toronto FC, many of us fans were in disbelief. Michael Bradley to MLS? Yes, it was true and the most talented American soccer player was leaving Europe after ten years of pure ascent. 

The final figure paid to AS Roma was close to $10 million. No bargain for the talented US international and a credit to Toronto and MLS. But how does this affect the national team and Bradley's future?

A year and a half ago the American invasion of top teams in Europe got started when Clint Dempsey signed with Tottenham at the end of the transfer window and Michael Bradley signed with the legendary AS Roma. American soccer had reached new heights. Could Altidore move to a Champions League team? Mix Diskerud? 

But last summer, after some soul searching, Dempsey made the move back to the United States to play for the Sounders on a $9 million transfer from the Spurs. Great catch for Seattle and the league for a man still in his prime at 30 years old. Bradley remained at Roma for the first half of the current season even though his playing time was cut down. Although there were signs he might move elsewhere for playing time, no one thought it would be to America. Certainly not in World Cup year.

But the allure of a higher paycheck and the chance to play each and every week and remain a superstar was too much for Bradley to refuse. He had been in Europe for ten years so it seemed logical that he would want to try something different. However, at 26 he is right in his prime with room to grow further. Can MLS provide that for him? Perhaps not at the same level. MLS is still a growing league and even its best teams would struggle against mid table European squads.

And what about the national team? In Europe, especially with Roma, Bradley had a chance to play against opponents of the highest level, the kind he will surely battle against at this summer's tournament in Brazil. And how does Klinsmann feel about all this? He loves MLS but he always wants players to push themselves. Let's remember that he wasn't all that thrilled with Dempsey's move stateside.

So let's say this. . . Bradley is the best player the United States has to offer at the moment, no doubt about that. He is a complete player. For him and for the national team, the best thing would have been to remain in Europe and continue developing. Now the US has zero players in Italy and Spain so exposure to more varied styles will be lacking with Team USA. 

Credit MLS. They are making a statement by making national team stars the designated players in their teams. Gonzalez, Donovan, Dempsey, Wondolowski are all here with high salaries. Also here are Besler, Zusi, Eddie Johnson, Clarence Goodson and Bocanegra. Jermaine Jones and Onyewu might be on their way. America has a chance to create a stronger league and more fun to watch.

Catching up to Mexico: Bradley to Roma

Photo credit: AS Roma

For most American soccer fans the news is already out there: Michael Bradley will be joining the legendary Italian club AS Roma. With this momentous news is a new beginning for US Soccer and what it means to be an American player in the world stage. It also means that the US is catching up to Mexico in sealing blockbuster moves in Europe.

A couple of years ago, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez completed a move to world superpower Manchester United and a gulf began to open between Americans and Mexicans in world soccer. True, the developmental teams have been sensational for Mexico: U17 and U20 world titles and a chance at gold at this summer's Olympics. The US, however, failed to progress to either one of the latter two events. Still, some of the older stars, and in some cases younger, have begun to make splashes in the European market: Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Dempsey (Fulham), Edu (Rangers), Danny Williams and Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim).

Of the above, the more impressive ones are Edu and Altidore. And yes, Rangers is now a thing of the past so Maurice, Bedoya and Bocanegra will need new homes soon. Altidore, however, made a dream move to Holland to play for a former champion with a storied developmental structure. For Clint Dempsey, his 17 league goals and 23 in all competitions, compounded with an end to his contract next year, means another blockbuster move might be on tap for US Soccer. The leading candidate at the moment is Liverpool.

But back to Bradley. Michael, the son of former US coach Bob Bradley, has had a steady rise through the world of soccer. From a modest start as a 16-year old at the New York/New Jersey Metrostars to a record-setting stay at Heerenveen of the Dutch Eridivisie (17 goals in one season) to Bundesliga outfit Borussia Moenchengladbach, and finally to Chievo Verona of the Serie A. Once in Italy, his work ethic and on-field value sky rocketed and he attracted the attention of major Italian clubs, including AS Roma.

The fact that Michael Bradley is only 24 further elucidates the significance of his transfer to the Eternal City.  This is, to date, the biggest move by any US player since Onyewu's ill-fated time at AC Milan. And by "biggest" we mean in significance and not in price. Altidore will take the price tag with his $10 million transfer to Villarreal. This is Roma, three-time champions of the Serie A, a frequent Champions League team and the home of players like Francesco Totti, Gabriel Heinze, and Daniele De Rossi.

So yes, in a way, the US is catching up to Mexico in its proliferation of well-respected talent. Where Dempsey ends up next will only further enhance this statement. After this, players like Fabian Johnson, Danny Williams, Terrence Boyd and other, younger stars may get to shine abroad. And with that the gulf in talent between Mexico and the United States will begin to close again.