4th of July Special Top 5: Americans playing in Europe

To celebrate the 4th of July, I thought it would be a good chance to have a look at the top five USA players currently plying their trade in Europe. The ever increasing talent pool of American players means that representatives of the US national team are currently playing in elite leagues across Europe. American players can be relied upon to provide professionalism and bring their strong work ethic. These five players are the top five currently showing off their skills in Europe.

Timothy Chandler (23) – FC. Nuremburg

Timothy Chandler (left)

Scout Report Chandler is a very modern right full back. He has the energy, fitness and relentlessness that epitomises the best full backs in the world. Chandler is an elite physical presence. At 6’1? he is very tall for his position but when combined with his excellent top speed and ability to recover position, means that he is a true modern footballing athlete. His defensive work is improving quickly, and his exposure to the Bundesliga has seen him thrive in this regard. Although his strong performance generally comes from his athletic capability, his reading of the game and his positioning is improving. His delivery in attacking areas still needs to be sharpened up but he has all the raw tools to be a borderline world class full back.

Clint Dempsey (30) – Tottenham

Clint Dempsey

Scout Report Dempsey has been the most successful US footballing export to Europe. He is best when deployed on the left in a 4231 and is able to cut inside in to dangerous areas to score goals. And it is his ability to score goals which has made him so dangerous during his career. His positioning marks him out, as he has an uncanny ability to pop up in the penalty box unnoticed before finishing off moves. He also has a fine showreel of long range goals as he is a good ball striker and isn’t afraid to shoot. Very hard working and always sets a good example on the field.

Stuart Holden (27) – Bolton Wanderers

Stuart Holden (right)

Scout Report Holden is arguably the most talented of the players currently in Europe, and maybe second only to Landon Donovan of the current generation. His rise to the top was stunted by a massive injury. An injury that proved critical in Bolton losing their Premier League status. At his best, Holden is an elegant and composed passer of the ball and has an incredible work rate. He covers the ground fluidly and quickly, but he’s more than just an athlete. He possess a subtle range of passing and also contributes goals. He’s an energetic and influential presence who can really impose himself on games. Holden is a cerebral player with an excellent understanding of the game.

Michael Bradley (25) Roma

Michael Bradley

Scout Report It’s says something for Bradley that he has looked good next to a world class player like Daniele De Rossi in central midfield. He does so with his frantic work ethic and boundless energy. His drive and commitment means that he is a strong influence defensively and also poses threat going forwards. This secondary skill has been less exposed over recent years as he has adapted to a different tactical role at Roma where he plays deeper, but he did enjoy a 16 goal season for Heerenveen in the Eredivisie. His passing is good, his tackling tough and interception skills are strong. Really maturing in to an elite player in the tactically sophisticated confines of Serie A.

Jozy Altidore (23) AZ Alkmaar

Jozy Altidore

Scout Report Altidore is quick, strong and is developing his finishing skills to a point where he is a very coveted striker. After bursting on to the MLS scene at 17 he perhaps came to Europe too soon and failed to establish himself at Villareal. A couple of loan spells led to limited success and at just 21 was struggling to capitilise on his undoubted talent. But then AZ came calling and he has flourished. Two seasons in Holland have seen him score 51 goals in 93 games. He combines potent finishing with sheer physical gifts and is now being looked at by Premier League teams.