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DeAndre Yedlin hoping strong Copa America can help club status

The American fullback wants to show the world his abilities on the big stage

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

This year has been very kind to DeAndre Yedlin. After an up-and-down 2015 that saw him loaned out to a relegation threatened Sunderland and demoted to the bench, he's rebounded as well as could be expected. In mid-February he won back his starting right back spot and started every match for the rest of the season.

He's impressed so much that Sunderland reportedly want to bring him back next season on a permanent basis.

Yedlin tells Goal USA that he's very much open to a return to the Stadium of Light, but that he wants to keep all of his options open this summer.

"I'm keeping all doors open, I don't want to shut any right now. Any opportunity that is offered to me is a big opportunity. When you're dealing with the Premier League, it's still unbelievable to think that I'm playing in the Premier League."

One factor he's hoping will increase his options is the upcoming Copa America Centenario. The 22-year-old heads into the tournament as the United States' projected starter at right back. Yedlin is counting on a good showing this summer helping his chances at either getting minutes at Tottenham or finding a better club to move to.

"I'll just keep my head down and perform at Copa America," he said. "Obviously if I can have a good tournament here it'll impress a lot more people."

-DeAndre Yedlin; Source: Goal USA

Spurs already have two capable right backs and while it's very encouraging that Sunderland want him back, being in another relegation fight next season may not be the brightest career move. He has a great chance to prove to the world this summer than he's capable of holding his own against the best players in the world. It's up to him to take advantage of the chance and improve his chances at a better loan move or permanent transfer later this year.