WASHINGTON – The US national team’s 2-1 win over Peru on Friday at RFK Stadium was largely a tale of two halves. Peru kept the ball for long stretches of the first stanza, then the US charged back in the second 45, riding a Jozy Altidore brace to victory.
There were a few US national teamers, however, who kept an even keel for the full 90, and even fewer who truly excelled. On Friday, no one shone brighter than Gyasi Zardes, the LA Galaxy phenom who’s rapidly becoming a USMNT mainstay.
Playing in his less favored role out wide, Zardes was consistently the danger man for the USMNT. His play on the flanks varied from electrifying – his lightning-fast runs have made him one of the more exciting attackers in MLS to watch – to nuanced, as he pinched in to play centrally at the proper moments.
“I think Gyasi is one of the players on this team, since he’s come [on board]. I think he’s terrific,” said Altidore. “His effort is massive, he’s always an outlet, he’s always there, he’s always dangerous. When he gets the ball, he’s always got defenders on their back foot. I think he doesn’t get the credit he deserves; he’s been spectacular. He’s always positive, always looking to learn.”
Less than a year after earning his first cap, the mohawked midfielder has gone from a fringe selection to a core member of head coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad.
"He’s an endless worker,” said Klinsmann. “He’s giving everything he has, and he has very surprising moments in his game. He has his speed, his dribbling, he can take people on.
"So he gives us a new element that we didn’t have in the World Cup last year. Because with that speed and that flank play, and also with his tremendous workload going back and defending and helping out, we suddenly have another option there … something we missed in the World Cup.”
During a first half where very few US players were showing for that ball, Zardes always seemed to be in the right spot, displaying a bit of the tireless work ethic that’s quickly made him a fan favorite. Combined with newly minted Sunderland winger DeAndre Yedlin, Zardes gives the Yanks a useful dose of pace and energy on the wings.
“Now we have on one flank him and the other flank DeAndre, and that makes it not so easy for opponents,” said Klinsmann. “We all know that Gyasi can also play up front, and that’s something that he likes even more, but he serves that [wing] role – he says no matter where you put me, I’m going give you everything I have, and he did tonight.”
Noted Altidore: “We weren’t particularly sharp today, but him and DeAndre getting down the flanks with their speed just creates havoc.”
Zardes created the Yanks' second goal, running toward the endline before whipping a low, driven cross across the six-yard box that took a deflection before falling into Altidore's path. After the match, Zardes said Klinsmann had encouraged both he and Yedlin to be more aggressive in their wing play.
"I felt very confident playing out wide – not only that, just receiving the ball in a wide position and having players overlap me,” said Zardes. “During training this week, Jurgen really touched on the wingers getting the ball and creating opportunities, crossing the ball in. I think those training drills were a real benefit.
“I'm really trying to play to my full potential,” he added. “I really want to keep progressing and going forward."
