Tab Ramos has the option to call in one more midfield weapon for the Under-20 World Cup.
Sports Illustrated reported on Wednesday that Philadelphia Union midfielder Derrick Jones has been cleared to feature for the U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team. The Ghanaian-American midfielder, who moved to the U.S. at age 14, has started five games this season for the Union while making two additional appearances in a substitute role.
In addition to the U-20 World Cup, which kicks off for the U.S. on May 22, Jones would be eligible for the U.S. at the 2020 Olympics.
Back in March, Ramos told Soccer America that Jones was “a player who could potentially be important to the team if he’s doing well”. The Union midfielder would face plenty of competition if called in, headlined by captain Erik Palmer-Brown, Tyler Adams, Gedion Zelalem and, possibly, Weston McKennie.
Jones and the Union return to action on Saturday against the New York Red Bulls.
Considering we’ve failed to qualify the last 2 cycles the important distinction to me is the Olympic Qualifications. European Clubs seem to always block requests for players since the Olympic Qualifications never fall on FIFA dates….leaving many of our best options at that age unavailable. While MLS & Liga MX clubs have been very open to releasing players.
Since we’ve already qualified for the U-20 WC and we’ll likely be able to get most of our 1st choice options released for the actual U-20 WC, I’m less concerned on that front.
I think you misunderstood, the concern was if he was eligible for the US since he is originally from Ghana, not if the Union would release him.
The questionable releases of players might center on the Schalke trio. Schalke U19 are in line to qualify for the Junior A Championship Playoff (title won by Pulisic and BvB U19 last season). The final of that competition is May 22 the same day as the US’s first match. No idea if any of the three are penciled into the roster or if Schalke wouldn’t release them, but its a bit of uncertainty.
Depending on the availability due to injury of Glad and Carter-Vickers, Palmer-Brown will possibly need to slide to center back beside Redding. Jones could provide some needed bite in the midfield.
A little depth never hurt anybody.