Matt Miazga’s loan spell at Ligue 1 side Nantes has not quite gone as planned. Despite several appearances to begin domestic play, Miazga failed to earn minutes under manager Vahid Halilodzic to end 2018.
With the French Coupe de France kicking off domestic play in January, Miazga got his opportunity to prove he belongs with the club. The U.S. Men’s National Team centerback started and played the full 90 minutes on Friday, as Nantes rolled past Chateauroux 4-1.
It was Miazga’s first appearance since October for the club, which could possibly kickstart his revival with Nantes in 2019. Despite prior reports that Miazga’s loan could end early in France, a return to league play this coming week could see the defender’s role increase.
Miazga helped limit Chateauroux to four shots on goal, which snapped Nantes’ two-match losing run in all competitions.
Whether or not Miazga remains with Nantes in 2019 is to be seen but a strong outing on Friday could see him recall his spot for Tuesday’s showdown with Rennes.
Cup game against a second division team. Just as here with USOC early round cup contests are used to try younger players and rest starters. The better sign would be if he cracked league lineups.
The parent club probably pulled strings. If nothing else, he has shown he is good enough for the Dutch league, which means he is good enough for CONCACAF. jAnd the Dutch national team in the past has gone into a World Cup with defenders from the Eredivisie.