Sergino Dest took time to make his final decision on which national team he would represent going forward, and after deliberating, the Ajax defender has decided to play for the United States.
The 18-year-old fullback announced his decision on Monday, revealing his intention to represent the United States going forward.
“I am happy to announce that I have decided to keep playing for the U.S. Men’s National Team,” Dest said. “Of course, it was a tough decision for me when the Dutch Men’s National Team showed their interest, but I have built up a very good feeling with Team USA over the last couple of years and I strongly believe in the plans and potential of U.S. Soccer. I am therefore dedicated to making the next 10-15 years a big success and will do my utmost to help the team play for titles.”
Dest provided more detail in a video released by Ajax:
The American Dream continues…??
Sergiño Dest -> @USMNT ? pic.twitter.com/fg77aiZPLA
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) October 28, 2019
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Dest is in the midst of a breakout season with Ajax, developing into a regular starter for the Dutch champions, which helped propel him onto the Dutch National Team’s radar.
Interest from the Netherlands pushed Dest into having to make a final decision on his international future, and the former U.S. Under-20 and Under-17 World Cup defender ultimately decided to continue playing for the country that gave him his first chance on the international level.
Dest recently met with USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter and general manager Earnie Stewart to discuss his looming decision, conversations that Berhalter called productive.
“I think the important point is just reiterating him being part of our program, what he’s done in our program and how he’s performed at the U-17 level and the U-20 level,” Berhalter said. “He’s played in a couple World Cups for us. To him there’s a comfort to that, and it’s nice to hear that from him and for him to appreciate how we’ve been there for him.”
What do you think of the news? Where do you see Dest lining up for the USMNT going forward?
Share your thoughts below.
Hey SBI, how about just this time we skip any negativity with this announcement? Dest is a teenager and he starts for Ajax – impressive! It’ll be another year before Dest and a few more of these young players mature through game experience, and break through to strengthen the NAT pool. We have a few players in the pool where we are sure they realize they will bypassed before WCQ 2022 by some of these emerging players. Time to stay positive and keep our eye on a few of the other youngsters who are impressing overseas.
Lets hope he amounts to something down the road. Looking forward though, he could end up on the German scrapheap with all the other past players that were tossed out when Klinsmann was fired. If GB gets sacked soon, and it could happen, he may very well find himself cap tied but not wanted by some future coach. All the German players Klinsmann brought in are nowhere to be found. Could happen to Dest too
I posted on an earlier article that Dest could be the 1st domino. I thought he would have chosen the Dutch….and that others would have quickly followed suit. Now I’m hoping that his decision will help us retain some of the other young prospects who have duel citizenship and have recently been approached by other countries to switch sides.
Wow, as much as I disagree with Berhalter, I’m glad that some of these fans don’t fill out our line-up. Sabbi as a starting forward? What has he done? And some people here are moving Dest from LB to RB to midfield, even to attacker. And how quickly has Morales been forgotten, after a decent effort against Mexico. Don’t think one person included him despite his years of Bundesliga experience. I don’t presume to know the ideal line-up, but I do agree with the poster who said you should get your best 11 on the field. We have a lot of players who are close in ability and we’re overloaded in some positions (like RB, on the wings) and shallow at others (LB, striker). Dest is a great add and he should be very valuable now and going forward.
“And some people here are moving Dest from LB to RB to midfield, even to attacker. And how quickly has Morales been forgotten, after a decent effort against Mexico. Don’t think one person included him despite his years of Bundesliga experience”
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Agreed ? ? ❗❗❗
This is awesome. Wish we could cap tie him today. Have to give credit to GB and ES. They handled this well.
Now, let’s go get some wins.
GBeerholder does not deserve credit. His decision was made based off USA giving him a chance at the youth national team level and Holland didnt.
Do you know this for sure?
We have more than a handful of guys who can play RB, but not many have the skills and work rate required to play in the midfield. Move the guys who have the skills up the field and leave the speed demons with limited skill (Yedlin, Moore) in the outside back positions.
This is what a good coach does, taking the best players and selecting a system to suit them. Don’t leave them out because they don’t fit your way of playing. Start the best 11 who can help the team the most. Guys like Roldan and Trapp may be good in the locker room but doesn’t add anything on the field.
——————–Sabbi————————Sargent————————
———Green———————————————Pulisic———–
———————Adams————————–McKennie——-
——Dest—— Alvarado—————Brooks—————-Yedlin————–
—————————————Steffen————————————–
Or when he comes back
——————–Sabbi————————Sargent————————
———Weah———————————————Pulisic———–
———————Adams————————–McKennie——-
——Dest—— Alvarado—————Brooks—————-Yedlin————–
—————————————Steffen————————————–
Remove Alvarado and Yedlin and this could be our Tokyo 2020 lineup. We going to japan.
I thing our best XI would be more along the lines of the following:
———————-Pulisic———————Sargent————————
————-Green—————————————–McKennie———-
—-Robinson———————-Adams————————-Dest——
————Alvardao————–Brooks—————-Miazga————
————————————-Steffens————————————-
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Provides a strong defensive base while allowing Robinson & Dest grow into the Sr. International game by limiting their defensive responsibilities. Gives us flexibility by allowing player rotation during tournament play.
– Also helps cover our issues/concerns with depth while grooming the next generation of players.
Depth: Horvath, S. Johnson, Long, CCV, Yedlin, Cannon, Holmes, Pomykal, Weah, Boyd, Jozy, Arriola
Fringe: EPB, Mihailovic, Parks, Sands, Soto, Sabbi, Mendez, Ledesma, Gloster, Cappis, Amon, Sonora
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Still thin at striker with few real options available right now. But we should have enough when everyone is healthy (Weah), and with our versatile/hybrid players (Pulisic, Weah, Boyd, Arriola) who could be played as a partner to our Target Striker (Sargent/Jozy)….Or drop McKennie to the 6 roll and insert a Holmes/Pomykal to the more attacking position if Adams needs a rest.
Over time will transition towards a 4-2-3-1 as our young players mature:
—————————————Sargent—————————————-
——Pulisic——————-Ledesma/Pomykal—————–Weah——-
——————–McKennie———————–Adams————————
–Robinson———–Brooks—————–Miazga————-Dest———
If berhalter dumped his system. Dest could be played as a right side midfielder I agree with some posting this. Have cannon at right back yedlin at left back and zimmerman and Miazga as center backs. With Tyler adams when he returns as the #6.
I think you play Dest at his preferred position since he is at least as good, and with a bigger upside than any of our right back options. Then, I’d bring back FabJo for left back and perhaps experiment with others there for less meaningful games. It makes no sense why Fabian been frozen out by GB. Especially if you want skilled, possession players who at least have some speed (won’t get burned a la Ream), Fabian is the obvious choice and don’t tell me he’s too old. How long did Steve Cherundolo play for? And if Fabian is healthy, you play him at left back, period.
Fabian has been frozen out? This is news to me. I was wondering why he wasn’t being called in… I just assumed it was because these are all meaningless games and he was injured last summer.
I agree that Dest should play he preferred right side…maybe he can play GGG’s inverted RB role he wanted for Adams. It was my understanding was that Fabian told JK he no longer wanted to play LB and he preferred LW so he was no longer called in. GGG’s went and met with Fabian back when he first started. Fabian said he would love to be called back in but who knows what he said about playing LB. Should be interesting how they line up as they need a result.
If JK was still coach Dest would be playing as a holding midfielder, a position he never plays for his professional club.
@midwest ref
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well, it’d definitely “get him out of his comfort zone”
I would play him in the exact same position that AJAX plays him. Drop the mic!
Wow, I did not see that coming. Great news for the US!
Lets just be happy for one day, that’s my mindset for the day with this news. Don’t care about anything else NT related for one day just be a fan and be happy this went our way this time.
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Adding to that. I am really glad and looking forward to our future given some of our talent now making waves in Europe. Pulisic, Sargent, Dest, McKennie, Adams, Weah is a great young core to build around. Get solid at the back and another striker or wing plus serviceable depth and we’ve got something. Now just give them the keys to the car and get out the damn way in overthinking all the tactics and formations.
Curious to see how this will shape up for him at Ajax, will he keep his starting spot or was he given the starting spot to help funnel him through to pick the Netherlands
i am amused that the guy who just proved unable to even handle canada (Yedlin) gets to define where others play as opposed to beg for inclusion or minutes. i would be curious how he played on the right but also think cannon should be starting, which would suggest backup and cap tie as a sub against cuba if we have the goals we need.
Holy poop. That’s a surprise. A welcome one.
With Dest in the fold, the US really should play a 4-4-2 with Dest at LB, Yedlin at RB, Brooks and Miazga at CB, McKinney and Adams in midfield with, Pulisic and a RM to be named later, Sargent and Altidore up top. Bunker and counter all day
The games really moving away from 2 forwards, I would insert more of a dynamic attacking midfielder in there underneath the forward (such as green, lleteget, pomykal, holmes), also that RM you’re looking for is morris, hard not to start him at this point, at least till weah is back.
Josh Sargent and Emmanuel Sabbi up top*
or… Miazga, Brooks +1 (CCV, Ream, Antonee) at CB. Dest as LWB, Yedlin as RWB. CM of McKennie, Adams, +1 and Pulisic, Sarget and Weah up top… I guess wood too, if he ever finds his feet, and Pulisic can move back into the MF. Bradley retires, as does Altidore… and Zardes is retired.
I’d move him up into midfield due to his attacking skills. He’s a technical player with speed, and could play on both sides of the ball. It would be a waste of talent to leave him as RB.
I agree. I haven’t watched as many matches of Dest, as I would like, but his highlights & vids, showcase his skill in the attacking/ offensive 1/3. Even though, I absolutely think, he is a RB. I still would like him to see him with less defensive responsibility, when he plays for USMNT, until his defense gets better. Let CP, Morris, & Dest lead the offense goin forward, for now.
He played well (for a young player) in the Champions League against Chelsea; wasn’t afraid of anyone and went at them, and don’t forget he’s in the lineup as a RB. If he’s good enough to start in a CL game against Chelsea, then he is more than adequate for CONCACAF qualifying.
You can have Messi on the roster but if the team doesn’t apply themselves than it’s going to be a tough run. My Chivas are shit this season….. every season even though it’s a talented team they just don’t gel. Dest and all the young players moving in the ranks need to push because it’s getting old hearing that concacaf is one of the worst confeds.
It is. No way around it. Add the lack of money in most countries, unlike Asia, and the view will remain, even if it isn’t true. Money, hype and profile work in the average persons mind. Look at England. What have they done since 1966? Very little. Look at the hype. Even their coach said the semi run was great but we still haven’t beat a big team in the Cup or Euros for 40 years…..and guess what? look at history. 100% correct. Money, hype, glitz and exposure goes a long way in shaping the mind. Just the way it is. Mexico and the US can only push each other. Canada is getting there, CR is CR….but after that there is no consistency, and limited infrastructure and money…..along with over the top corruptness. Mex and US have it also of course, but not as overt, andt it just hurts those smaller countries even more.
Now we have a team of upcoming youg, decently skilled, and experienced players who would be perfect for a fast paced, counter press type of game, and what do we do?
Force the opposite…..sigh. From a coaching medicocrity.
Yes we did we beat Spain in the 2009 Confed Cup in South Africa
Wait nvm you were talking about England. My apologies for missing that.
Just a quick count–how many actually did a literal fist-pump when this headline appeared on their screens?
Sergino Dest – Eredivisie.
Main position – Right Back
Other Position – Left Back
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Deandre Yedlin – English Premiere league
Main position – Right Back
Other Position – Right Midfield
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….take a wild guess who is going to be playing on the left side of the field. With the way players are selected for this team, I hope you made the right choice kid
Definitely I agree yedlin and cannon can cover left back at times I see cannon could play right side midfielder when you are good you can play several positons. The best is for the player to play the most comfortable position.
He is an 18 year old project. Do you start him over Yedlin? I don’t, he can’t play D yet. The mistakes I have seen him make over more than a handful of games, aren’t even rookie mistakes. They still have to get to rookie level. I don’t have an opinion on whether he gets there. Except hopefully.
Dude, he’s probably our starting left back right now. If you’re playing every week for Ajax, you’re already better than half this damn team.
half seems like a low number
+1
I remember when these exact same arguments were made regarding Yedlin and Klinsmann played him some times in midfield because of that. Now he’s a regular starter in the EPL. Like Yedlin, Dest just needs a little more time and experience.
Great news omg I can’t believe it credit is due to us soccer federation. Now the team needs to turn it around. I would play him on the right that Is his best position and what he is mostly playing at ajax also at u20 he played right back he would get very far up the field and put a strike on the ball and connect with the right side wingers. I won’t judge game vs Cuba but hoping a very motivated us team tramples dominates and humiliates canada that will be tough though. I think Canada will park the bus Canadian coach is good.
Breaking news: At least one person has faith in the direction of the USMNT.
Me2….two people now.
Once I heard of his choice. I was thinking Dest with the rest of the young corp playing in the Olympics?
Good for him!
Yes. Happy to eat crow. Good on GB and Earnie for getting him to stay.
It’s a party in the USA!!!
Wow, I’m shocked. A huevo!
Not a bad 48 hours for US fans, between CP breaking through at Chelsea and Dest announcing his decision (we’ll ignore the U-17 collapse).
But somehow, this will turn into a Berhalter hate-fest within 30 seconds… US Fans are not fare behind the Brits in terms of self-loathing.
Sooo Berhalter is good at his job and was the correct choice? Is that what you’re saying? Totally no nepotism right
You shouldn’t try to read too much into things… My point was that the trend on SBI recently has been to somehow turn any good news into an indictment of GB. Like after CP’s hat trick. It took about 10 seconds for people to start railing about GB instead of savoring the moment. No, I don’t think GB is/was the best choice to lead USMNT. I just don’t hijack good news to take a swing at GB
This news is especially bad for Bradley & Trap. If Dest is played at his best position RB, then the ridiculous Tyler Adams at RB experiment can finally end and he can slot at the 6, meaning that Bradley and Trap are no longer needed. End of story. And our search for a LB continues (or try Reggie Cannon there).
Agree completely!
Do you think Yedlin can cover at LB? Dest and Yedlin need to start on the US team if they’re both healthy and avail I would say. Yedlin is more seasoned, so perhaps he can flip to the left? Then I would also try out Venturo CB, so something like Yedlin-Brooks-Venturo(Miazga?)-Dest might be a legit backline to try and be ambitious a bit.
*Ventura
I suspect Dest will be looked at to play LB for us, and probably goes right into the starting lineup. Yedlin and Cannon should have RB covered. Dest has the potential to be more skilled than either, should be better at combining with Pulisic if we play Pulisic wide left. There is a real positive domino effect from this and it could be huge for the USMNT.
@JB did you not watch us play Mexico Pulisic needs to be a forward. He allowed Dest o get nutmegged. I say still call up Antonee Robinson or Chris Gloster.
Well, in regards to getting along, I heard it said that if 2 Dutch men get together there will be 3 different arguments. Don’t know how true it is, but I had a friend who was raised as a Dutch expatriate until age 12 and when his family took him back to Holland he was bullied because of that and he greatly preferred living in the US.
It is 100% true. If you ever work with a Dutchmen u will find out quick enough. Very stubborn and sure of themselves….even when it is shown there is another, better way. They won’t care.
How many people eating crow on this sight that just knew Dest was going to Netherlands.