Yanks in Europe power index: Fabian Johnson tops among Americans abroad
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Version 0 of 1. Last week after highlighting my seven US talents to watch in Europe this season, I caught a little flak on Twitter over my omissions. That was expected – it’s hard to please everyone – so here’s a more comprehensive attempt: the Yanks in Europe power index. In this ongoing series I will spend the season evaluating the performances of the top 15 American players plying their trade in Europe. Every month I’ll tally the performances and subsequently rate the players based on their output on the pitch. Hopefully at the end of the season we can determine which American truly had the best season abroad based on the level of their domestic league, their progress over the course of the season, and, for some of the luckier ones, their performances in the Champions and Europa Leagues. Without further ado, here is the top 15 as it stands today: 1) Fabian Johnson, Borussia Mönchengladbach (Bundesliga) The best American player in Europe this season. He had a great showing in ‘Gladbach’s recent 4-1 German Cup victory over St Pauli and with his team in the Champions League this season Johnson’s versatility will be a valuable asset. But first things first: A high-profile match-up away to Borussia Dortmund this Saturday. 2) Geoff Cameron, Stoke City (Premier League) Cameron started his season last week against Liverpool as Stoke were undone by a Philippe Coutinho wonderstrike in the 85th minute. Still, Cameron did well against Christian Benteke, using his height effectively and ultimately holding his own against one of the Premier League’s better strikers. Stoke’s attacking signings should take a lot of pressure off of their backline this season. 3) Brad Guzan, Aston Villa (Premier League) Impressive last week as Aston Villa shut out Premier League new boys Bournemouth. Guzan made some timely saves to preserve Villa’s lead. This week however presents a much bigger test as Guzan and Villa welcome Manchester United to Villa Park. 4) Aron Johannsson, Werder Bremen (Bundesliga) Settling into life at Werder Bremen following his move from AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredivisie, the Bundesliga will be a big step up for Bremen’s new No9. Club captain Clemens Fritz has pleaded patience ahead of Johannsson’s debut and even the man himself has admitted that he may not yet be ready for a full 90 minutes. Bremen take on Schalke in their opening fixture this weekend: expect Aron to get a few minutes. 5) Alejandro Bedoya, FC Nantes (Ligue 1) Entering his third year in France, Alejandro Bedoya will be hoping his versatility will grant him a lot of time on the pitch. He played 15 minutes as a substitute last week as Nantes started their campaign with a 1-0 over Guingamp. Despite being the only American in Ligue 1, he seems right at home in Nantes. 6) Tim Howard, Everton (Premier League) Had a bit of a World Cup hangover last season though his recent time off from the USMNT should help him refocus ahead of a new campaign. Howard allowed two goals last week against Watford and while he probably could have done better on the second he largely had nothing to do during the match. 7) JA Brooks, Hertha Berlin (Bundesliga) Expected to play a major role at the heart of the Hertha Berlin defense this season as they kick off their campaign against FC Augsburg. Brooks entered in the 86th minute of the recent cup victory at Arminia Bielefeld. 8) Rubio Rubin, FC Utrecht (Dutch Eredivisie) Rubin is likely the prospect who will be allowed to develop the most this season. After gaining valuable experience last season appearing in 27 games, the 19-year-old should take another step forward this year. Came on in the 88th minute last week as Utrecht lost 3-2. 9) Timmy Chandler, Eintracht Frankfurt (Bundesliga) Chandler’s club coach Armin Veh is clearly not the biggest fan of the USMNT, and perhaps more specifically the long flights and time commitments involved. Chandler will have to spend the first few weeks of the season regaining Veh’s trust and eventually his starting position. 10) DeAndre Yedlin, Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League) It’s not exactly clear what role (if any) Yedlin is set to play in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans this season. He was left off of the team sheet in Tottenham’s opening-day loss to Manchester United and rumors of a loan still persist. If he isn’t farmed out, Yedlin will have a tough season ahead of him, largely having to rely on cup appearances to prove his worth. 11) Tim Ream, Bolton (for now), (English Championship) Bolton’s reigning player of the season is on the move, what’s not clear, however, is exactly where. QPR seems the safest bet as their recent bid was accepted by Bolton, but – at the time of writing – with Fulham also joining the chase the defender’s future is up in the air. Regardless of where he lands, he is certain to play a major role at the heart of the defense this season. 12) Alfredo Morales, FC Ingolstadt (Bundesliga) FC Ingolstadt are undoubtedly set for a tough relegation battle in their first season in Germany’s top flight. Morales was far from impressive at this summer’s Gold Cup but some consistent performances at the heart of Ingolstadt’s midfield should keep him on Jürgen Klinsmann’s radar. 13) Andrew Wooten, Sandhausen (2. Bundesliga) Wooten, a relative unknown, has started the season on fire in Germany’s second tier. With three goals in two matches including a brace for Sandhausen against fellow American Bobby Wood, it should only be a matter of time before he makes his full international debut. 14) Emerson Hyndman, Fulham (English Championship) Could be on the move soon after reportedly turning down multiple extension offers from Fulham. Was on the bench but did not feature in Fulham’s recent League Cup victory over Wycombe. 15) Bobby Wood, Union Berlin (2. Bundesliga) The hero of the recent friendly victories over Germany and Holland, Wood’s development will be crucial this season. He recently transferred to Union Berlin and was heavily involved in a wild 4-3 loss a few weeks ago against Sandhausen. On the bubble |