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U.S. U-23 Coach Herzog: Miazga to jump to USMNT in “months, not years”

Across the league, Matt Miazga has earned plaudits for his play with the New York Red Bulls, leading many to wonder just how long it will take for Jurgen Klinsmann to take notice and give him a senior team call-up.

According to U.S. U-23 boss Andi Herzog, you won’t have to wait long for that to happen.

Herzog told reporters he expects Miazga to play a part in the senior team in short time.

“He has a future in the Men’s National Team in the next couple of months — not years,” Herzog said. “That is what he has to prove. He is playing a big part in one of the best teams in the league for the New York Red Bulls. I expect a lot of him to be a key player and very vocal in the backline. For him, it should be an advantage that he is already a starter in the MLS and competes with the best players in North America. That is what I expect from him.”

Miazga, 20, has played all but four matches across all competitions for the Red Bulls (one suspension, three international calls). In doing so, he has been the cornerstone of New York’s high press system, playing the proverbial quarterback from the centerline, pushing the attack forward and standing as the last line of defense for the club. A steady figure both at the club level and with the U-2o’s, Miazga’s play has made him a popular dark horse pick for the coming World Cup cycle — and has landed him in the radar of several clubs overseas.

“Even though he is two years younger than most of the other players, his physical play, his back, his power, and for his power, he is very mobile, that is what I like,” Herzog explained. “He is very good with his feet. He is one of the most talented centerbacks in the U.S. and hopefully he will have a great qualification”

For the Olympic qualifiers, Miazga will be amongst a familiar pool of players, including linemate Cameron Carter-Vickers.

“Carter-Vickers is very young but is already very impressive with his style of play and personality. Matt Miazga is a regular starter for New York so I don’t have any problems with younger players. I have a lot of confidence in them.”

Fellow centerback Will Packwood, Dillon Serna and Eric Miller round out the U.S. defenders for the tournament.

The United States campaign will begin on Thursday against Canada at 9PM and can be seen on NBC Universio.


Archived content originally from EmpireOfSoccer.com by Dave Martinez

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