When the USMNT lineup that would face Belgium came out last Tuesday the sight of Steve Cherundolo and Timmy Chandler in the squad led to the immediate realization that Jurgen Klinsmann was getting serious about his search for a reliable left back.
Chandler responded to the positional switch with a surprisingly steady defensive performance. Facing Belgium's dangerous attack, including star winger Eden Hazard, Chandler stood up to the challenge, using his outstanding athleticism to neutralize one of the best young players in Europe.
Sure, Chandler's national team debut at left back wasn't perfect. He tried but generally failed to provide left-footed service from the flank, and was never really used much on his attacking forays forward (something that was as much Brek Shea's fault as his own), but considering the awful performances at left back in recent memory, Chandler's form was, without question, very promising.
Now it's pretty clear that Chandler is the leading candidate to replace Steve Cherundolo at right back one day, but with Cherundolo still playing at a high level and not showing signs of slowing down, moving Chandler to left back just might the best move to make to get the strongest USMNT lineup on the field.
We saw what Edgar Castillo could do, and it wasn't that encouraging. Eric Lichaj looked good at left back in the Gold Cup, but is sidelined with an injury and still has a limited number of games at the position against top competition. Even German-born Fabian Johnson, currently playing as a midfielder on the club level, has experience at left back. There are some other options to look at for left back, but Chandler has shown that he just might be able to handle the switch.
Chandler's showing against Belgium has me wondering what SBI readers thought of how he did. Do you think Chandler is the answer at left back? What did you think of his performance? Still holding out hope that Eric Lichaj returns from injury in time to win the position next year? Ready to give Edgar Castillo another look?
Share your thoughts below.
