By IVES GALARCEP
When the U.S. Men’s National Team’s World Cup roster was announced, John Brooks’ inclusion was one of the selections that drew the most scrutiny. After his showing against Turkey on Sunday, that skepticism should be on the wane.
The 21-year-old Hertha Berlin centerback was very good in the U.S. team’s 2-1 victory against Turkey, coming on in the second half and providing a strong and stable force in the middle of the defense.
In my latest USMNT feature for Goal.com, I put the spotlight on Brooks and his late-season push at Hertha Berlin to play his way back into the U.S. World Cup picture after being benched by his club team. He admits to feeling that his World Cup dreams had died before shaking off the self-doubt and taking advantage of a return to the Hertha starting lineup.
Now Brooks is in good form and eager to show skeptical U.S. fans that he is a worthy member of the World Cup team.
“I’m here for a reason and the coach knows what I can do,” Brooks said. “I have to bring it out on the pitch and the American fans will see it.”
Give my Brooks feature a read and let me know what you think about the young defender. See him getting minutes at the World Cup? Would you like to see him start against Nigeria? Still think Klinsmann should have selected Clarence Goodson instead?
Share your thoughts below.