USMNT defender DeAndre Yedlin is set to return to the EPL after Newcastle secured promotion. Which national team teammates could join him in 2017/18?
While not the primary piece towards improving the USMNT, or soccer in America, there is something special about having players in the Premier League. Not just for the United States, but around the world, countries celebrate and it turn adopt a club, once a player makes it to what is considered the best league in the world.
Last week, DeAndre Yedlin’s Newcastle clinched promotion back into the EPL for the 2017/18 season, after just one year in the Championship. The increased level of play, will not only improve Yedlin’s game, but be an asset for the national team heading into the 2018 World Cup.
With Brighton & Hove Albion also securing promotion, that leaves one spot left from the playoff positions. Two USMNT players are in line to be a part of that prized spot, which could land them in the EPL and a spot on the final World Cup roster next summer.
Danny Williams – Reading
After playing for 1899 Hoffenheim in Germany for a number of years, Williams joined Reading in 2013. Now after more than 130 matches for the club, he is closing in on his first shot at the EPL. Danny has been a core member of the squad, holding the defensive midfielder role.
He has appeared more than 40 times for Reading each of the past two seasons, and tallied 10 goals during that time. The club currently sits in 3rd place, and have clinched a playoff spot. If they were promoted, just like Yedlin, Williams is expected to be a starter for the club next year.
Tim Ream – Fulham
While Tim’s team isn’t technically locked into the playoffs yet, it is all but a certainty. Heading into the last week of action, they are three points ahead of Leeds United and with a +13 goal advantage over the competition. Outside of a massive loss and huge win by Leeds, Ream’s side will still be alive for that last EPL place.
The former New York Red Bull, initially joined Bolton Wanders, where he appeared over 100 times before joining Fulham in 2015. Most famously known here in the States as Clint Dempsey’s former club, Fulham already have an American fan base and connections.
Ream has appeared 39 times this season for Fulham, so he too would be likely to keep his spot heading into a potential EPL campaign. Plus he has the experience of 14 matches in the top flight while at Bolton before their relegation.
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American’s in the EPL
With Brad Guzan leaving the EPL, both to join Atlanta United and by Middlesbrough relegation, that would leave only two US nationals in the league for certain. Joining Yedlin next year is Geoff Cameron, who has been a fixture at Stoke City for the past five years
Lynden Gooch had a strong first season in the EPL, but his side Sunderland were relegated as well this past weekend. Reading hold the best shot at promotion, and if that is the case, Danny Williams could go from a name that die-hard USMNT followers know well, to awareness from the overall US soccer fan base.
The Championship playoffs kick off later this month.