Matt Miazga went to the Netherlands in search of experience, with the hopes of developing well enough to break through at Chelsea. On Sunday, Miazga picked up the type of experience that should help him in that quest.
The American defender started in Vitesse Arnhem’s Dutch Cup final victory over AZ Alkmaar on Sunday, a win that gave the club the first major trophy in its 125-year history. Miazga played the full 90 minutes, capping a tournament run that saw him start in all five Dutch Cup matches Vitesse won on the way to the title.
Miazga’s role at Vitesse has grown after a slow start, and now he has helped lead the team to a title, while also reportedly garnering transfer interest.
The 21-year-old defender has revived a career that appeared to stall after his transfer from the New York Red Bulls to Chelsea, where he struggled for playing time. The loan to Vitesse started slow, but he broke into the starting lineup last fall. Another run on the bench followed in January, but Miazga has started regularly over the past three months.
Miazga’s Dutch Cup triumph could boost his chances of a look from the U.S. Men’s National Team, which has a busy summer
If he extends his loan with Vitesse, it would mean Europa group stage play next fall.+
yep, surprised that wasn’t mentioned in the article. a domestic cup is good, but the europa could be big for him.
I figured its because his loan would be expired by that time that they didn’t mention it. If Chelsea decide to cut him loose it would make sense for him to end up at Vitesse. So hard to tell how non-forwards are doing when they play in leagues that don’t get much tv time. The Dutch league was my first taste of European professional soccer as it used to be on Sunday mornings on ESPN2. I want to say in 1994 to 1996, Ajax was king with Davids, Kluivert, Seedorf, and Edwin Van de Sar.
@johnnyrazor
not too unlikely that he would stay at vitesse as a chelsea loanee next year; several of their kids have have multiple-year stays there. can’t think of a single one that vitesse actually decided to make permanent, though.
I recall another USMNT player winning the Dutch Cup when he was 21…..
if miazga goes to sunderland i’m gonna punch something
Run DMB just barely missed on two counts: he turned 22 when PSV made it to the finals and they lost the finals match.
in addition to Altidore that is. Sadly ole Earnie never made it to a cup final in Holland
Dude, shut up. It was funny and people enjoyed it.
Since he’s on loan from Chelsea he’ll need to settle his club situation quickly (another loan or fight for a spot w/ Chelsea) if he hopes to participate in the Gold Cup this summer. He’ll need to be with his club during pre-season, so it’ll likely limit his opportunity this summer.