Jun 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; United States defender DeAndre Yedlin (2) walks off the field after being ejected against Paraguay in the group play stage of the 2016 Copa America Centenario. at Lincoln Financial Field. The United States won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Cosmos Have a New Home by David A. Hughes II

Former Seattle Sounder and current US Men’s National Team rightback Deandre Yedlin has become one of the best rightbacks in the English Championship.

The former young star of the Seattle Sounders has finally found a place he can thrive. Current United States international Deandre Yedlin has become arguably the best rightback in the English Championship for Newcastle United, helping his team fight for a promotion spot to the English Premier League.

Yedlin at first struggled to find playing time during the first half of the season but an injury to head coach Rafa Benitez’ first choice rightback Vurnon Anita saw Yedlin get a shot at the fist team and, according to Chris Waugh form ChronicleLive after New Castle’s 4-0 win over Rotherham on January 21st, he changed the team’s mentality:

If there’s one thing that petrifies opposition defenders – even more so in the Championship than in the Premier League – then it’s pace. And it’s fair to say Yedlin has that quality in abundance. Against Rotherham, it was the USA international’s ability to eat up ground at an incredible rate which eventually helped break down the visitors’ resistance. Not only did the 23-year-old provide an assist for the first – his speed stretched the Rotherham back four and allowed Murphy room to score – but he singlehandedly created the third. A long ball down the right would have evaded most players, yet Yedlin has quite astonishing acceleration and he flew down the right wing, then whipped in a cross from on the byline which Perez nodded in. Vurnon Anita’s injury is damaging to Newcastle in one way, but it does allow Yedlin to get a consistent run in the team. And the American offers an attacking threat which Anita simply does not.

Sounders fans and USMNT alike would love to see Yedlin keep flourishing in the Championship and see Newcastle United gain promotion to the English Premier League. That would only benefit the 23-year-old Seattle native as he progresses in his international and club career.

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