AMSTERDAM – DeAndre Yedlin is ready to prove himself all over again ahead of USMNT friendly visits to European giants the Netherlands (3 pm ET; ESPN, UniMas, UDN) and Germany inside a span of six days.
After a slow start to his European career following a winter transfer to the English Premier League, the Tottenham Hotspur right back hopes to shake off a bit more spring rust against some of the world's finest attackers to start his Gold Cup summer. The Dutch are famous for dizzying defenders and Yedlin got a small taste of the offensive menace contained in World Cup champs Germany in a 1-0 US loss during last summer's group stage in Brazil.
"It will be a great challenge," Yedlin told MLSsoccer.com. "I think you have to be careful with their attack. They are the best in the world or right up there. That's one of the strengths that makes them who they are."
For a wide player such as himself, the caution required goes double against their Friday night hosts, as the Dutch are typically loaded with flank threats like Arjen Robben, Memphis Depay, and Luciano Narsingh.
"The overlapping, the wingers are super crafty – it's going to be a battle out there," Yedlin said. We're looking forward to it."
As for whether he might feature at right back or further up the wing, he says that's a game-by-game decision at this early point in his US career. According to Yedlin, it remains to be seen what his optimum position will be at the international level.
"I think a lot of that really depends on who I'm playing with, who's around me," said the versatile speedster. "I think the best position is the one you're willing to play."
Besides, as much as he motors up and down the flank during a match, he says he would be hard-pressed to describe the difference in working the two stations. If he's having a good game, there won't be much daylight between the two job experiences.
"Not really, especially with this team," said Yedlin. "You do a lot of work on both sides of the ball, so it's really not a big difference for me."
The trick for Yedlin on this European swing with the USMNT is to lift his match fitness. With just one Tottenham sub appearance and a few starts for their Under-21 side since January, the Seattle Sounders transplant looks unlikely to start Friday's contest with the Dutch.
Despite the slow start at Spurs, Yedlin seems happy with his progress toward a regular place in the Premier League squad. He says making the transition to England at a time when he was out of action for a month slowed his drive for playing time last season, as should likely be expected.
"The [Tottenham] coaches have been patient with me," he shared. "I've taken my time because it's a big transition. A lot more goes into it than people realize."
Next season, however, he hopes to hit the Spurs preseason training ground running from a summer of important action with the Nats. Next month, the US will vie for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which comes with the added bonus of a Confederation Cup spot in 2017 if they win.
"That's the plan, hopefully, to be in top fitness when I join Spurs," declared Yedlin. "And be flying into next season."
The 21-year-old admitted he is unsure whether he will begin the new club campaign at White Hart Lane or away on loan, but says that matter can be settled when his summer work is done.
"We're still talking about what might happen," said Yedlin. "But right now, I'm just focused on Gold Cup, and then I will focus on Spurs."
