DeAndre Roselle Yedlin: Is an American footballer (aged 21) who currently plays for Seattle Sounders FC in Major League Soccer. Yedlin has represented his national side (United States) at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil this summer, and after an impressive tournament, the young full back attracted the attention of two big European clubs (AS Roma and Tottenham Hotspur) however despite interest from the Italian side, Yedlin opted for Spurs.
The American joined the English side in early August 2014 for a fee believed to be in region of 2.5 million pounds, however he has been loaned back out to Seattle until the end of the MLS campaign.
Moreover, many football fans will never have heard of DeAndre Yedlin, however what must excite Tottenham fans is the fact their manager (Mauricio Pochettino) has been heavily praised for his development of younger players during his managerial career, particularly during his time as Southampton head coach.
The Tottenham hierarchy will be looking to help the youngster (Yedlin) develop and establish himself as a key player for the club, and also for the American national team.
Tottenham have made the perfect start to the season and currently top the Barclays Premier League table having won both their opening fixtures without conceding a goal. They have also netted 5 times; notably 4 times in Mauricio’s first Premier League match at White Hart Lane and will be looking to remain consistent in their hunt for a top 4 finish.
Some optimistic and ambitious Spurs fans believe their side can go all the way and claim the title with the new manager bringing a swagger and positive style of play to the team. With the likes of Erik Lamela and Christian Eriksen Tottenham can most definitely compete with the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea this season.
Some Stats on Yedlin:
In 2013, the young full back was named MLS All Star and finalist for the 2013 MLS Rookie of the Year.
Moreover, he is the very first homegrown player signed by the club after playing for Sounders FC Academy which is quite an amazing fact to boast.
Yedlin also in 2013 became the first current Sounders FC player to participate in a World Cup when he represented the U.S. at the U20’s World Cup in Turkey.
FIFA World Cup 2014:
As previously mentioned, the youngster most definitely announced himself to the World during the 2014 FIFA World Cup hosted in Brazil. The United States were absolutely exceptional during the tournament despite having very few ‘big names’. What impressed most, including myself, was their collective team spirit and togetherness, and also the leadership shown by certain players such as Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard.
Anyway, focusing back on Yedlin, I think it’s fair to note the fast-moving right sided defender showed his maturity and calmness on the ball at such a tender age and perhaps this is the main reason he has been rewarded with a transfer to one of Europe’s big boys in Tottenham Hotspur. Consequently, many believe former Spurs forward and now U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann has had a massive part to play in the development of the Sounders youngster.
Future:
At only 21, the future of DeAndre Roselle Yedlin remains extremely bright. With the right management and opportunity, he really does have the potential to be a top player, and who knows, maybe even one of the World’s top full backs.
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