{"id":25356,"date":"2019-12-06T12:57:22","date_gmt":"2019-12-06T17:57:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsoccer.com\/?p=25356"},"modified":"2019-12-06T14:09:20","modified_gmt":"2019-12-06T19:09:20","slug":"american-internationals-consider-mls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/2019\/12\/06\/american-internationals-consider-mls\/","title":{"rendered":"Editorial: American internationals who should consider coming to MLS"},"content":{"rendered":"

Editorial \u2014<\/strong> It takes hard work, dedication and plenty of great performances to be called into any national team. The basis of selection to represent your country shouldn’t be on past performances or name. Instead, programs are quickly realizing performances for club are just as important for success internationally. That goes for MLS and all levels.<\/p>\n

The U.S. Men’s National Team has a lot of talent at home and abroad. There is usually an even mix when rosters are put together. During the days of J\u00fcrgen Klinsmann, athletes that were born to one American parent and one German parent were representing the U.S.<\/p>\n

More and more players that have started their career in the United States are heading over to Europe, too.<\/p>\n

Christian Pulisic left his home state of Pennsylvania to sign with Borussia Dortmund. DeAndre Yedlin boarded a plane to England in 2015. Tim Ream spent the first two seasons of his career in MLS and then headed to England to feature for Bolton and now Fulham.<\/p>\n

The list goes on and on.<\/p>\n

However, there are also some players that have relished in going overseas or out of the country, but have returned home. Omar Gonzalez signed with Toronto FC after spending time in Mexico with Pachuca and Atlas. USMNT goalkeeper Brad Guzan spent eight years in the Premier League with Aston Villa. Michael Bradley rounded out his European career in Italy with Roma.<\/p>\n

In this column, we’ll take a look at three players who are currently featuring on teams in Europe who should consider a move to MLS.<\/p>\n

1. Fabian Johnson<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There was a time when Fabian Johnson was on top of the world in U.S. Soccer. The son of a German mother and American father, Johnson has spent his entire career in Europe. He got his start on the national team under Klinsmann, making him one of the first slew of players to transition from Germany to the U.S. \u2014 internationally.<\/p>\n

His international career flourished with versatility. Johnson was originally listed as a midfielder. Then, depletion at the right back spot saw him in the role. He featured as the team’s starting right back in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Johnson has also featured as a left back, too.<\/p>\n

He’s versatile for club, too.<\/p>\n

Johnson saw his best Bundesliga season occur in 2015-16. He’s been with Borussia M\u00f6nchengladbach for the last five seasons, but his second season saw 26 appearances and six goals. He also scored twice in Champions League play. Johnson was primarily a starter. However, injuries have plagued the 31-year-old for some time now. He’s been in and out of Gladbach’s match day squad.<\/p>\n

This season, Johnson has 19 appearances and only one goal. After featuring as a midfielder during his early days in M\u00f6nchengladbach, Marco Rose uses him on defense.<\/p>\n

Johnson almost ended up in Cincinnati<\/a>. The first-year MLS club attempted to sign Johnson while they were still in the USL. However, due to MLS rules, the move was not permitted. He has never commented on the possible move.<\/p>\n

Turning 32 in just a few days, Johnson still has a lot left to give. When he’s injured, Gladbach loses out on a special player that can still make good runs and passes. He’s versatile on the pitch and can play multiple positions. Teams could use a veteran presence like Johnson, too, as he featured for some top Bundesliga clubs.<\/p>\n

Possible MLS landing spots for Fabian Johnson<\/strong><\/h5>\n
    \n
  • Seattle Sounders:<\/strong> With Brad Smith going back to Bournemouth<\/a>, having Johnson fill in the left back role could be crucial. Right now, Seattle only has one veteran defender returning: right back Kelvin Leerdam. Having another veteran on the defense is key.<\/li>\n
  • Toronto FC:<\/strong> Imagine having Johnson partner up with his former USMNT pals Gonzalez, Bradley and Jozy Altidore? Just think about how that midfield could work. It’s like a dream pairing.<\/li>\n
  • Inter Miami:\u00a0<\/strong>Johnson has talked about his love for Miami before. In an interview back in 2012<\/a>, Johnson talked about taking family vacations to New York City and Miami. A new club needs leadership. Right now, Miami has a defense that includes A.J. DeLaGarza.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
    \n

    \ud83d\udde3 | Fabian Johnson is ready for his next \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 callup:<\/p>\n

    "Of course I want back in. I told [Berhalter] that I am ready for the national team. I'm looking forward to coming in, but I never got invited." pic.twitter.com\/j68qp5bMIT<\/a><\/p>\n

    — USMNT Only (@usmntonly) October 21, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n