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It’s funny how hindsight works. During the summer, many USMNT supporters were left scratching their heads when DeAndre Yedlin permanently transferred from Tottenham Hotspur to recently relegated Newcastle United. The 23-year-old was coming off of a solid showing for Sunderland while on loan, he helped them avoid the same fate as their main rivals.
Most expected him to return to the Black Cats or find another Premier League team. But, he took a risk to drop a division and the risk has paid off big time as the transfer could possibly be one of the best American moves in recent memory.
In January, a Sky Sports analyst made a random comment about Yedlin possibly being the best full-back in the entire Championship. Now, a whole website is making the claim that he’s the best right back in the English second division. HITC Sport, a very popular website for soccer news and rumors in England has stated that very case.
Making 19 appearances so far for the Magpies, scoring one goal for the side, Yedlin has been a revelation down the right-hand side for Rafa Benitez this season. Pacy, powerful with an eye for goal and an even better eye for a cross, Yedlin is now arguably the best right-back in the Championship, proving his worth several times over.
The talented American continues to get praised for his great play this season. We don’t know what Bruce Arena’s plans are heading into March’s World Cup qualifiers. However, you’d have to assume that Yedlin has the inside track on the starting right back job thanks to his consistently good performance throughout the season. Fox Sports’ Caitlin Murray stated it best, “DeAndre Yedlin is the answer for the USMNT at right back and it’s not particularly close.”