Newcastle’s DeAndre Yedlin started for the USA in their 3-0 defeat to England on Thursday, and his sub-par performance disappointed American supporters.
The friendly took place at Wembley and was a great opportunity for a new-look USMNT to test themselves against a strong England side.
But The Three Lions dominated the game, and Yedlin failed to offer much to his side going forward.
He also struggled defensively in the first half, particularly against exciting new talent Jadon Sancho.
Although not specifically at fault for any of the goals, both Jesse Lingard’s and Callum Wilson’s strikes came from play down the left-wing, which he did not effectively close down on either occasion.
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But it would be harsh to be overly critical of the defender.
USA have struggled with form recently since failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup last year.
A large part of their struggles have been due to lack of a youth development in the 1990s that has created a ‘missing generation’ of American players.
One of these three is DeAndre Yedlin. And due to the retirement of older players, he is now one of the most experienced players on the team at just 25 years old.
Naturally there is now a lot of pressure on his shoulders to be one of his country’s best performers.
And so when he fails to inspire, it can be frustrating for USA fans.
USA Fans on Yedlin vs. England
Yedlin for Newcastle
Despite failing to impress with his national team, Yedlin seems to be improving for Newcastle this season.
In the past his attacking work rate often meant he was caught out at the back, but Rafa Benitez’s recent tactics have seen him playing deeper this season.
He’s played more games than any other defender in the squad and has been an important part of their great defensive record.
The Toon have conceded just 15 goals this season, and their goal difference has helped them rise up the table.
The American has contributed an impressive 21 tackles in his 11 games for Newcastle this season.
When you consider non-attacking full-back Paul Dummett has managed just 11 in 10 games, it shows how much better Yedlin has become.
And it has not gone unnoticed by Benitez, who praised the right-back when speaking to BBC Newcastle this week.
“He (Yedlin) likes to go forward,” Benitez told BBC Newcastle.
“Sometimes, this kind of player, they have more problems in defence. But he is quite focused on this part of the game, he’s working hard.
“I think he is improving… His understanding of the game is getting better and better.”
Newcastle fans will be hoping his performance at Wembley won’t have knocked his confidence in a black and white shirt.
