PlayBeautiful

We love football (soccer) and we want to share it with you! In this video, we'll discuss Jürgen Klinsmann's effect on the USMNT and the performance of the team in general. Help make our videos better!

“For me it’s Burak Yilmaz’s season. He’s scored too many goals. Burak is the best.” - Didier Drogba

When I see a player put on a shirt and play passionately for 90 minutes, I can’t help but fall in love with his demeanor. Someone who holds this attitude not only wants more from others, but also wants more from himself. Burak Yilmaz is the type of player who’s always trying to make an impact on the pitch. If he misses a goal, he openly shows his disappointment. Every forward recognizes their performance will be judged based on the amount of goals they score. Burak was Super Lig’s top scorer for the past two consecutive seasons and the 2012-13 UEFA Champions League Group Stage top scorer. In the league, Burak Yilmaz scored 55 goals in 75 appearances for Trabzonspor and 24 goals in 30 appearances for Galatasaray. His prolific season in the Champions League with Galatasaray made him one of only three players to score in six successive CL matches. He placed #20 on Goal.com’s Goal 50, the second Turkish international ever to do so.

He knows when to be selfish and when to be selfless.
Burak Yilmaz can play in a two-player strike force whether it’s with Johan Elmander, Umut Bulut, or Didier Drogba. Burak is able to attract defenders, yet effectively find a team-mate to get on the end of the final ball. He can drop deep, but at a moment’s notice pounce in the penalty box to finish the chance. In the second half of last season, the chemistry between Yilmaz and Drogba was undeniable. It threw defenders in for a loop. Their flexible roles allow them to be a handful for any backline, while remain unpredictable going forward.

A good forward has speed and power. A great forward couples it with intelligence.
Burak’s style is fluid, yet direct. He can time his runs just right between the centre-backs to put him in prime scoring position. Once the ball is at Burak’s feet, the true magic happens in the box. As a professional who knows how to deal with pressure, he’s in the right place at the right time. Yilmaz is predominantly right-footed, but also shoots comfortably with his left. As well as being good with both feet, he’s a fiend in the air. Burak’s killer instinct takes over when using his head on set pieces. He’s nearly at the end of every ball. His aerial ability is one of his best attributes.

Through it all he still remains humble. 
Footballers are inevitably compared to one another. Yilmaz’s fiery display of talent in last year’s Champions League had his skills matched up against Cristiano Ronaldo. Burak could only laugh it off and say, “A lot of people are comparing me to Ronaldo. However, my team-mates nor myself are making such a comparison. He is a huge star. It would be cocky to compare myself to him. He is one of the best players in the world. I am already proud to be competing with him.”

It’s subjective what you believe a top player possesses. 
Any forward can have these qualities. So why do I feel Burak Yilmaz stands out from the rest? Because he also has class.

“Burak could play for any team in the world. He is world class.” - José Mourinho

With USA moving up to #19 in FIFA World Rankings and Bosnia-Herzegovina at its best-ever ranking in its history (#13), this international friendly would benefit both sides before World Cup Qualifying resumes. Some may find these friendlies meaningless, but they are a good way to test a team’s resolve against top opponents. They simulate what any team could potentially encounter in Brazil next summer. Jürgen Klinsmann reiterates,

“These are top-class players and that’s what we like to go against. We want to have the highest benchmark to always measure ourselves up against.” (U.S. Soccer)

Here are takeaways from USA vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina:

1. The streak is alive.
The victory against Bosnia extended the USMNT winning streak to 12 games. This happens to be the longest, current streak in the world. It shows exactly how far U.S. Soccer has evolved. And it couldn’t have come at a better time. What started on June 2nd with a 4-3 win vs. Germany continues to spread positive vibes in the U.S. camp. A feel-good factor that is contagious to all. 

2. Magic moments produce magic goals.
When a goal-scoring threat like Edin Dzeko is on the pitch, it would make any backline nervous. It was only 8 minutes into the game when Eddie Johnson gave the ball away and Dzeko capitalized on a defensive lapse. Within half an hour Ibisevic gave Bosnia a 2-0 lead. The first half was uninspiring for the USMNT, but second half switched gears. Klinsmann was yet again smart with substitutions when Edgar Castillo came on as left-back pushing Fabian Johnson out wide. Eddie Johnson and Jozy Altidore were the striking partnership in a 4-4-2. There was a different sense of purpose exuding from the USMNT on the pitch. They had more possession and could find the space to create better chances. USA answered back with four goals. Eddie Johnson’s first touch didn’t fail him when he received a perfect pass from Jozy Altidore to put the Americans back into the game. This goal would be Johnson’s first goal on European soil. However, the man of the hour was none other than Altidore. He scored a hat trick bringing him to an impressive 7 goals in 5 consecutive games. If Jozy had his critics, he didn’t need to say anything. Speaking with his goals against a top team was enough.

3. When push comes to shove. 
This fighting spirit by the USMNT was exactly what Klinsmann hoped to instill from Day 1. Persistence and passion have the power to transform any side. Jürgen has previously stated that circumstances will not always go according to us. Ultimately, the team has to develop adaptability in key matches. The combination of playing intuitively and  intelligently will in turn make the odds in our favor. Earlier Klinsmann received critique for not providing enough instructions to players. His whole philosophy is have players think outside the box and put them in these uncomfortable situations. He’s able to guide them, but on the pitch they have to be able to figure it out on their own. Although it was only a friendly, this match models exactly what Klinsmann expects out of the squad. Winning doesn’t come easy, but a winner’s mentality makes it easier.

4. Introduction of new faces.
One unfamiliar name glared out at me in the starting lineup. Alongside Geoff Cameron in central defense, John Anthony Brooks made his debut for the senior team. The 20-year-old doesn’t have too much experience, but his calm and composed nature makes him a huge asset for the Stars and Stripes. The 6’4” German-American took on one of the best strikers in the world for 90 minutes, yet held his ground. Brooks explains choosing USA over Germany “was not a heard decision” because he could tell “the U.S. really wanted [him].” Another player who is highly-rated and made his appearance in the 63rd minute was Aron Jóhannsson. The 21-year-old striker made a one-time switch to USMNT over Iceland. Jóhannsson describes his style as “good in the box, good about anticipating where the ball is going to be, and being in the right places.” Indeed, Aron showcased all his attributes. He attempted two fantastic shots coupled with his quick feet and instinctive first touch. Both players won over hearts and could greatly contribute in the future. Above all, USA boosts its quality and adds depth with these new acquisitions.

5. Some things never change.
Although the attention was on new players, the veterans once again proved they are the backbone of the team. Tim Howard served as captain and he never fails in his duties. Bosnia could have easily gotten more than 3 goals had Howard not been in goal. He made crucial save after save and his reflexes were quicker than lightning. Tim Howard’s experience is key when reading the movements of opposing players. Michael Bradley is another player who had a terrific performance. The true visionary that he is supplied the perfect ball for the 1st goal. His pinpoint passes dictate the flow of the game. Bradley holds one of the most significant and under-rated roles on the USMNT squad. It’s no surprise he boasted an impressive 92% pass completion rate.

On September 6th and 10th USMNT will continue their World Cup Qualifying campaign against Costa Rica and Mexico, respectively. This match was just what they needed to keep the momentum going.

“It’s good for the guys to see we can come to Europe and we’re not here to defend, we’re here to play eye-to-eye.” - Jürgen Klinsmann

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2. There is never a dull moment when David Luiz is around.

3. David Luiz is great with little children.

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4. The passion for his team is undeniable.

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Written By: Laxmi Patel
Follow me on twitter: @OfficialLaxmi