USMNT: Sacha Kljestan Continues to Produce For Club and Country
New York Red Bulls and USMNT attacking midfielder, Sacha Kljestan, will not be denied as he continues to produce for both club and country.
After not being called up to the United States Men’s National Team since March 2014, Sacha Kljestan finally got the chance from Jurgen Klinsmann. The New York Red Bulls’ player continues to produce when given chances and that proved to be true in the World Cup Qualifier against St. Vincent and the Grenadines. At the moment, Kljestan may be the best attacking midfielder for the USMNT.
Sacha may not be the popular choice among Klinsmann or fans but his outstanding play for both club and country continues to shine. He is currently leading Major League Soccer in assists and has already set a New York Red Bulls’ record for assists in a single season with 15. The 30-year old has also recorded five goals in 2016.
Even after being in great form and having an outstanding season for the Red Bulls, Kljestan didn’t receive an invitation from the USMNT. He was only called up by Klinsmann after defender, John Brooks, couldn’t make training camp because of an injury. That opportunity was all Sacha needed to get his chance with the U.S.
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Kljestan may not have gotten the start against St. Vincent and the Grenadines but after coming on for Alejandro Bedoya in the 66th minutes, Sacha completely changed the match. The USMNT may have already been up 3-0 at the time of his substitution but Kljestan made an impact in the final 24 minutes of the game.
In those few short minutes of the second half Kljestan recorded one goal and two assists. His creativity in the midfield was on full display. Sacha may get more opportunities for the USMNT because of his incredible play in MLS and now on the national level.
The 30-year old attacking midfielder may not have been the best option in previous years but in his current form, Klinsmann must no longer deny his play. Kljestan must continue to play and get opportunities for the USMNT. He is currently the best number 10 in MLS and for the United States.
With midfielders like Michael Bradley and Alejandro Bedoya on the roster, Kljestan hasn’t gotten playing time with the national team. The truth now is that Sacha is playing better and producing more than either of those players in league play. Now that Kljestan is getting his chance for the United States, he may soon enter the Starting XI. The California native may become the a first choice midfielder and pass up the likes of Bradley and Bedoya on the roster with his production, creativity, and scoring ability.
Michael Bradley and Alejandro Bedoya have been favorites under Klinsmann but if they haven’t been great as of late. While Sacha has been one of the best USMNT internationals in MLS and around the world. Is Kljestan’s run with the national squad only beginning or will Jurgen deny him opportunities going forward?
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Only time will tell but Sacha is producing for both his club and country. He has waited for his shot and he is now making the most of it. If his current form continues, Kljestan is a must start for the New York Red Bulls and the USMNT.