by DAVE MARTINEZ

Whether it be a pedestrian showing at the Gold Cup or their recent form against teams like Peru and Brazil, the U.S. Men’s National Team has suffered instability and predictable play in the midfield for most of the 2015 campaign.

Lacking a clear playmaker, head coach Jurgen Klinsmann continues to look past possible solutions within Major League Soccer — most notably, Sacha Kljestan. The former Chivas USA midfielder has become a key cog in the most dynamic attack in MLS, scoring six goals and adding 12 assists through 29 starts this season.

That hasn’t been enough, however, to earn consideration with the National Team.

Revealing he has not had communication with the USMNT, Kljestan said he remains “hopeful” for a call.

“I haven’t heard from them, but I am still a U.S. National Team fan back from when I was a kid. I still am a National Team fan today,” he said. “I follow the team.”

Not only does he follow the team, but he believes he could make a difference — if only given the chance.

“I do believe I have qualities that can help the National Team, and I hope one day I will get a call-up again and I will make a difference with the team.”

The USMNT prepares for their biggest match of the year this Saturday; the CONCACAF Cup encounter against arch-rival Mexico at the Rose Bowl. On the line? A chance to represent the region in the coming Confederations Cup.

Klinsmann has been toying with his roster over the course of the year, desperately trying to find the right mix of players to represent the U.S. in this key encounter. Kljestan has not been part of those conversations. In fact, he has not been called up to the National Team since March of last year — a listless showing in a 2-0 loss against Ukraine in Cyprus.

While that final impression left much to be desired, much has changed with Kljestan over the past year. He has become a leader in one of the strongest domestic teams in America. He has also shown the versatility to play both deep in his natural midfield position and as a creative general behind the forwards — a test even the celebrated Michael Bradley has had issues with.

His ability to adapt to different styles and excel in different competitions has made Kljestan a dark horse to return to the national stage. Whether that is enough for Klinsmann to take notice remains to be seen.