Photo by Howard C. Smith/ISIphotos.com
By FRANCO PANIZO
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. - If there was a list of Americans players abroad off to hot starts this season, DaMarcus Beasley would surely be near the top.
For the first time in years, Beasley has begun his club season in good form. Playing with Mexican club Puebla, with whom he signed this summer, Beasley has started in all 11 league games to date, and has played all but three minutes in them.
Beasley has done more than just take up a large chunk of minutes this season. He's also made an impact, scoring two goals and assisting on two others for a Puebla team that could be closer to the bottom of the table if not for his contributions (Puebla is currently in 15th place out of 18 teams in Mexico's Apertura season).
"I've been playing a lot of different positions, but at the same time I feel confident, I feel good," said Beasley. "That's all I wanted, a chance to play. Anywhere where I went, especially with (German club) Hannover, I didn't get a chance. All I wanted was a chance to play, and if I messed up myself, I messed up. But I never got that chance to play.
"Now, the coach gave me a chance to play, and I love it in Mexico. It's a great league, lot of skillful players. But at the same time I think it goes with my style, playing the ball and keeping it on the ground, and playing quick soccer and that's what I like."
By adapting quickly to Mexico and the league's style of play, Beasley caught the attention of U.S. men's national team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who earlier this week admitted his admiration for Beasley due to the player's willingness to step out of his comfort zone in Europe to find playing time.
Klinsmann may be pleased to have Beasley in camp, but he isn't the only one. Players on the team have taken notice to Beasley's recent run of good form and are glad to have him back in camp.
"Every time DaMarcus comes in he brings a good attitude, a smile, and just a really good way about him," said Michael Bradley with a smile on his face. "He lifts the whole group when he comes in. He's been in really good form in Mexico and sharp, and to have him back is great, not only for him but for the team, because we need, certainly when you look at things, to have left-footed attacking players."
As one of only two left-footed attackers on Klinsmann's roster for upcoming friendlies against Honduras in Miami and Ecuador in Harrison, N.J., Beasley would appear to have a good chance to get minutes in at least one of the games, if not both.
That's something that Beasley is eagerly hoping happens due to various reasons, not the least of which is getting closer to the coveted milestone of 100 caps for his country.
"I think about it all the time to be honest," said Beasley, who currently has 93 appearances for the U.S. team. "That part is an individual accomplishment that not many people can say they have. It's in the back of my head. I've got seven to go. If I do get it, it'll be a great accomplishment for me, my family, being around for 11 years with the national team. If I don't, it's been a great run and I'm happy to be play the 93 games I've had so far."
A three-time World Cup veteran, Beasley is also taking joy from playing under Klinsmann. Beasley was around when Bruce Arena and Bob Bradley coached the United States, and the 29-year-old midfielder is quick to point out that Klinsmann is different from his predecessors both on the field and off it.
Beasley says it's clear to see Klinsmann's energetic personality during training and that it is really "uplifting" for the players, as that can help their confidence.
As far as Beasley is concerned, Klinsmann's coaching style closely resembles the time when he was a world-class forward for clubs such as Bayern Munich and Tottenham and the German national team.
"You could see on the field, he had a lot passion for the game. Whenever he scored a goal for his country or at Munich, he showed that whenever he was on the field, and he's showing that as a coach as well," said Beasley. "Being around him, even in lunches and meetings and stuff like that, on the field he's the same guy.
"He's like a player. He knows what we go through, what it takes to get to the next level, not just from soccer wise but off the field, stretching, and eating right and this and that, getting the right nutrition, that stuff is important. All that he is instilling into us and that's a very important for our team."
As much as players like Beasley are enjoying Klinsmann's approach, the results on the field have not been there yet. The U.S. team tied Mexico in its first game under the German-born coach, and then lost to Costa Rica and Belgium by 1-0 scorelines.
In each of those games, the Americans had moments of quality, demonstrating an ability to maintain possession as they attempted to break down their foes. But that was also mixed with long spells of sloppy and disjointed play and an inability to create quality looks on goal.
Like the rest of the team, Beasley is hoping the Americans can get their first victory under Klinsmann soon, though he does admit that at this point in Klinsmann's reign it isn't all about winning.
"It's a new team, new era, lot of new faces, we've got to start playing together," said Beasley. "But now we're getting to a point where we know kind of in terms the strengths of each player and we're trying to emulate that on the field and hopefully we can do that on Saturday and get our first win under Jurgen."
Beasley's skillset, experience and current form might be able to help the United States unlock opposing team's defenses. But like his club situation, he'll have to make the most of his opportunity, if and when it comes. Whether it's as a starter or as a substitute, Beasley appears ready for that chance.
"It's an honor to get called in again; second camp under Jurgen. Just looking hopefully to get my feet wet with the national team again," said Beasley. "It's been a while since I've put on a jersey so hopefully I get a chance this weekend or the game against Ecuador to play."
With the way Beasley's been playing, that seems a likely scenario.
