Bruce Arena remembers DaMarcus Beasley’s breakthrough, all those years ago. He remembers the speed, the technique, the ability, all of which were on display at the 2002 World Cup. He remembers a 20-year-old young man, one which would go on to become one of the most recognizable players in U.S. Men’s National Team history.
In the 16 years since Beasley earned his first call-up from Arena, he’s been a consistent presence through several iterations of the USMNT. He’s famously played at four World Cups all while proving a vital piece at fullback and winger for both club and country. There was an international retirement mixed in there, one which lasted just several months but, aside from that, Beasley was a model of consistency for the USMNT throughout an extended international career.
Now, all these years later, Beasley is the lone holdover around from the original Arena era, and the USMNT coach sees him as a welcome presence in a position of need.
“DaMarcus is a good player,” Arena said. “Obviously he’s not the same player he was say in the 2002 World Cup, but good players are guys that can think on the field, know how to compete, use their experience well, are always good to have around. It’s interesting to see how DaMarcus fits into the group this month. I’ve always though DaMarcus was a good player. ”
Arena jokingly added that he always knew Beasley could play left back, a position that revitalized his career as his pace began to decline. At 34-years-old, Beasley isn’t the same speedster that broke through alongside Landon Donovan all those years ago, but he does seemingly still have plenty of fuel left in his legs. Over the past two seasons, Beasley made a combined 52 MLS appearances for the Houston Dynamo, but he enters this season surrounded by a bit of uncertainty as his club situation remains up in the air.
Still, his international career seemed over. Beasley briefly returned from retirement to aid the U.S. in the Gold Cup and ensuing CONCACAF Cup towards the tail end of 2015, but the 34-year-old has yet to make an appearance since. Previously retired, it seemed unlikely Beasley would stick around much longer on the international stage but, when Arena calls, Beasley finds it hard to turn down.
“He just asked me if I was interested, if I was fit,” Beasley said. “Of course, if he called, I was interested. It went just like that. I’m excited to be back. It’s a very important time for the U.S. team, so anywhere I can help. I told them anywhere I can help, I can. I’m just looking forward to having a good camp and pushing myself through this month and trying to get fit and making sure everyone is on the same page.”
Now, Beasley is relied on to be a leader for a U.S. team loaded with new faces. January camp always sees several introductions and, especially under a new manager, a bit of familiarity with the roster is always welcome. Beasley has been through this experience before and, alongside players like Jermaine Jones and Michael Bradley, will be counted on to lead some of the younger faces through what is sure to be a rigorous camp.
Arena has faith that he will, and Beasley has faith that the new USMNT manager will help the team through two major games in March. That process begins in January, and Beasley is glad to be apart of it alongside a coach that’s seen him mature every step of the way.
“He’s a good character, a very nice man. He makes jokes once in awhile,” Beasley said of Arena. “He keeps the boys relaxed and having a good time, but he reiterated that it’s time to get down to work. This is about business. This camp is important.
“It’s not just a write-off camp because right around the corner we have qualifying in March. The guys who do go to games, he wants to make sure that, if any of these guys from this camp go, they’ll be ready for it. This camp is as important as any they’ll have in the future.”