USMNT Advance to Semis with Tottenham’s Yedlin Returning
With USA advancing into the final four of this year’s Copa América, Tottenham Hotspur’s DeAndre Yedlin returns to the side after serving a one-match ban.
A day after witnessing the United States Men’s National Team make history by advancing into the Copa América Centenario’s semi-finals — which is only the second time ever, the other being in 1995 — Jurgen Klinsmann will have to rotate his starting XI after losing three key starters through suspension.
Related Story: USMNT Advance But Tottenham's Yedlin Suspended
Having the Tottenham right-back back in the fold won’t be enough to overcome a heavily loaded Argentina attack (should they advance), but it could be fine against Venezuela assuming they can topple La Albiceleste to reach the semi-finals and face America.
With DeAndre Yedlin back in Klinsmann’s squad, the German-born U.S. manager can select his preferred back four that has worked quite well during the three games that they have been together. With Fabian Johnson at left-back, Geoff Cameron and John Brooks in central defense and Yedlin at right-back.
In three group stage matches, while the USMNT conceded two goals against Colombia in the opening match of the Copa América Centenario, they weren’t during open play. They were scored on set pieces: a corner and a penalty.
This one key statistic points out that the Tottenham defender has helped the U.S.’ defense in not allowing any goals to be scored.
Of course it isn’t just the 22-year-old who has done a magnificent job this summer, with Brooks and Cameron a good fit together at center-back, Johnson holding his own despite playing higher up the pitch as a left midfielder/winger with Borussia Mönchengladbach.
And, Brad Guzan showing that Aston Villa’s bad season has had no effect on him.
Against Ecuador, America’s clean sheet of two consecutive games was snapped, but once again, they allowed a goal off of a set piece. This time on a free kick, when both sides were reduced to 10 men after Antonio Valencia and Jermaine Jones were both shown red cards (Valencia picked up two yellows).
Put simply, Klinsmann’s side plays it’s best football when they can muster a slim 1-0 lead and just sit back on defense, absorb pressure and go on the attack when it presents itself.
It’s not exactly something that the U.S. is particularly good at, as they still struggle to complete successive passes, punish their opponents on a counterattack and finish the few chances they have. But they’ve managed thus far by getting into the semi-finals.
More from Hotspur HQ
- Storybook ending after difficult period for Tottenahm’s Richarlison
- Tottenham comeback showcased invaluable intangible Ange has cultivated
- Tottenham player ratings in 2-1 comeback win over Sheffield United
- Tottenham projected starting 11 for Sheffield United
- Tottenham’s Richarlison says he’s going to seek psychological help
To have Tottenham’s Yedlin and Johnson bombing up the pitch as full-backs against either Argentina or Venezuela, it will require both players to track back as well and help defend when America loses possession or can’t score on any chances they have.
DeAndre Yedlin’s defense has improved, but he’s still prone to making mental mistakes as shown by two key incidents which have now stood out in the young defender’s summer campaign. A handball that some no doubt are debating to this day against Colombia.
And his ill-advised challenges within a span of one minute that resulted in two quick yellow cards. It’s something that he must learn from in order to be a better defender and player overall.
He’s still young so there’s plenty of time to clean out the kinks in his game. Eventually, his defense will catch up to his offense in that Yedlin is still more or less an attacking type of player who relies on his pure speed to get the better of his defender. It’s not bad, but players will pick up on his habits.
Next: Alan Smith Believes Tottenham Striker is Burned Out
In order to see how far Yedlin has come in his season-long loan spell with Sunderland, and how the USMNT stacks up against big football nations, a match against Argentina must happen.
Having to see the U.S. international right-back defend Ángel Di MarÍa will be something to see. DeAndre Yedlin did well as a super-sub in the 2014 World Cup and showed that he could keep up with Eden Hazard in terms of pace and some good defending, but against another tough opponent, and improving his defense, Yedlin should be much better now than he was back then.