Former New York Red Bulls defender Matt Miazga got his first start for Chelsea on Saturday afternoon, marking the first playing time for the 20-year-old defender since his move to the London giants in January.
Miazga ably patrolled the backline in a 4-0 away win at relegation-threatened Aston Villa, who featured US international goalkeeper Brad Guzan, and earned positive reviews for his performance.
The playing time will be a welcome turn of events for the New Jersey native, who on Tuesday was sent off in the US Under-23’s decisive Olympic qualifying match against Colombia, which they dropped, 2-1.
Miazga, who has one cap for the senior US national team, was originally signed by the Red Bulls to a Homegrown Player contract in May 2013 and spent three seasons with the club. He enjoyed a breakout year in 2015, anchoring the Red Bulls’ backline as they captured their second Supporters’ Shield in team history.
Chelsea have struggled to meet their normal lofty expectations this season and currently sit ninth in the Premier League table with seven games remaining in the season.
