AMSTERDAM – Before our boys take a dip in the Gold Cup pool, there is still time to assess where US senior and youth internationals stand heading into their forthcoming club seasons.
Last week, we took a look at the Americans stationed in Germany, and now we turn focus to England's top two divisions. There are a few players to watch in reserve sides, such as new Leeds United goalkeeper Charlie Horton and Leicester City midfielder Kris Scott, but we'll focus on the first-teamers for now.
Brad Guzan – Aston Villa
The current US national team No. 1 will likely enter Gold Cup play uncertain over his club status. Yanked out of the starting job five games from the finish line last season, Guzan could regain his job, or look elsewhere if Villa manager Tim Sherwood picks up a new netminder. Most recently, the Villans have been linked with interest in Burnley backstop Tom Heaton.
Should Guzan return to Villa Park, it will be with a team that can play far better in Premier League play than they did last term. Nobody should expect a run into Europe, but this roster should be capable of settling near mid-table.
Tim Howard – Everton
It's going around; the Toffees are another club making tabloid headlines about a possible move for Heaton. Over the weekend, The Independent reported that Howard could be considering a return stateside, what with his ex-wife and children moving back to America.
If he returns as starter, Howard and Everton will be expected to contend for Europe, per usual. Last season's 11th-place finish was their worst since 2006.
Geoff Cameron – Stoke City
The Potters defensive handyman will skip the Gold Cup to fully recover from minor knocks before preseason begins next month. Cameron deserves a breather; he's played nearly 8,500 minutes for club and country since June 2013. When fit, he is typically good for about 30 starts spread between right back, defensive midfield and central defense.
As for Stoke, they will make another run at Europe. Cameron & Co. have improved both their point total and their goal differential in two straight seasons. With another goal threat on board (Hannover 96 recruit Joselu), they will be aiming higher than ninth place.
DeAndre Yedlin – Tottenham
While the often-dubious English rumor mill has now added Bolton and Derby County to the list of potential Yedlin loan suitors, sources told MLSsoccer.com this week that Spurs' decision on where he'll suit up this season has yet to be made. This may have something to do with the rumors about Tottenham wanting to sell right back Kyle Walker.
If Yedlin hangs around White Hart Lane, he is just going to have to do like any other EPL newcomer: fight for a place. And with Spurs, it's a place in a team carrying local expectations (fair or not) of a top-five finish.
Jonathan Spector – Birmingham City
The veteran is back at St. Andrews with a new job. After a fantastic spell covering in central defense last season, Spector will start camp as part of the top center-back tandem with Michael Morrison.
It is a bit early to predict what lies ahead for Birmingham, as they have several roster holes to fill this summer, including in goal.
Tim Ream – Bolton
After repeating as the team's Player of the Season, Ream will again be counted as one of the team's field leaders. Regardless of whether he lines up centrally or at left back, the St. Louis native is always charged with pushing the attack with his passing game while keeping things tidy at the back.
Wanderers also have plenty of turnover shopping to do, but that may not be a bad thing. The team had a rather dreary time of it last season. They were mediocre at home and terrible on the road, so change could be good here.
Emerson Hyndman – Fulham
Following a good showing at the Under 20-World Cup, Hyndman will hope for more consistent playing time at Craven Cottage. Limited to nine league appearances by injuries last season, the teen midfielder should be good for at least double that sum this go-around.
Fulham has the midfield and attack to make some Championship noise, but they simply must do something to fix what passed for a defense last season. With a functioning backline, this team would not be far off from fighting for a promotion playoff spot.
Duane Holmes – Huddersfield Town
Due to favorable remarks made by Terriers boss Chris Powell earlier this month, local buzz says this is the year the diminutive spark plug could finally have a real impact at John Smith's Stadium.
Like Fulham, Huddersfield need to clean up their act in defense if they want to threaten the top half of the table.
Eric Lichaj – Nottingham Forest
The Illinois native will again play a majority of his games at right back, with some action on the left. After lifting his defensive game last season, Lichaj will want to see about stepping up his crossing.
So are Forest as good as they played early in the season or as bad as they looked down the stretch? This team should probably be near the top, not just below mid-table. There is a lot to prove at City Ground.
Daniel Williams – Reading
Largely thanks to his care on the ball, the US midfielder should continue to start most games in the center of the park for the Royals. This season, perhaps he can grow on the defensive side of the ball to become more consistently active as a disruptor.
A lovely FA Cup semifinalist medal notwithstanding, Reading are another club that performed under expectations in league play last term. Now, they need to rebuild the defensive stable and perhaps add another goal threat to bring ambitions back up.
