AMSTERDAM — While Jurgen Klinsmann may be busy insisting that he's already finding the best team, it can be well argued the US coach still has plenty of qualified players left deserving a proper run.
With the team clearly lacking in certain areas during the new boss' five matches in charge, we have picked out seven American Exports that fit the bill.
Though nothing has been officially announced, the US are planning to play two friendlies in November and France Football reported this week that France will be hosting them next month — a perfect place to invite some nearby friends.
Alejandro Bedoya
Yes, he is still settling in with Rangers. It cannot, however, be avoided that he has yet to receive a single USMNT minute in his proper position. Playing Bedoya out wide is practically asking him to drop on the depth chart. As a two-way midfielder, he can be a beast. With Stuart Holden and José Franciso Torres out for a while, now is the perfect time for his real shot.
Mikkel Diskerud
Few American Exports have played as many minutes over the past two seasons, and even fewer have done so consistently well. The Stabæk star is currently the 28th-ranked player this term by Norwegian daily VG. Most excitingly, Diskerud possesses the final touch he displayed in setting up Juan Agudelo for the late equalizer against South Africa last November.
Josh Gatt
Up until last weekend, my preference would have been to wait until January for Gatt's first call-up. After his Molde beat Tromsø to go 10 points clear at the top with five to play, a scenario where the young winger could be allowed out of late club duty and not lose any of a needed offseason became reasonable to want. The fact that he's played some right back means he understands all the duties of a winger. In attack, this kid is a robot programmed to ruin a defender's day.
Robbie Findley
He's spent much of the young season bringing terror off the bench for a vastly underachieving Nottingham Forest side. With Jozy Altidore rightfully entrenched as the starting striker, this factor is exactly what the team needs. Various holes stateside fans may remember from him MLS game are disappearing, with Findley now even banging a few home (and off the post) from distance.
Sacha Kljestan
Last month, he was left on the bench in the town where he plays professionally while, needing a goal, Klinsi turned to Kyle Beckerman and Jeff Larentowicz. Ouch. This time, the Anderlecht string-puller wasn't needed at all. If consistent club performance counts for anything, he should be there next time.
Michael Parkhurst
With several defenders struggling to various degrees recently, why not bring in one that can play all four back line positions with little change in level? Parkhurst could always move the ball along. Now, he's also a cup-winning international man of defense at Danish club Nordsjælland.
Chris Rolfe
It's a shame the Aalborg BK big play machine wasn't summoned when Landon Donovan went down. The lack of attacking instinct on the right flank hurt the team in both friendlies this past week. Rolfe has precisely that attribute in abundance, as proven this season in a top flight not many people realize is a fair bit tougher than Scotland's.
