Remember that Fabian Johnson injury we over-analyzed a few weeks ago? Hey, it happens. We see news, we react, and a lot of the time, reality goes in an entirely different direction.
Luckily for the U.S. Menโs National Team, the teamโs first choice left back has returned to Hoffenheimโs lineup weeks ahead of Marchโs match in Ukraine. Johnson should be ready to report for Jurgen Klinsmann.
Todayโs return, however, included a slight twist. The normal left-sided player, who can play anywhere from left wing to left fullback, was used on the right against visiting Stuttgart. With nominal right ย back Andreas Beck deployed on the left, Johnson made a rare appearance on the opposite flank, going the full 90 in his teamโs 4-1 rout.
That heโs back healthy is already a big plus. We talked about the effect of potentially missing another camp. If Johnson wasnโt able to play with the team in Ukraine, Mayโs call into the pre-World Cup camp would mark eight months between appearances for the U.S. For a team with a lot of moving pieces, thatโs a long time to go without being at Klinsmannโs disposal.
Even better, Johnson put in some time at right back, also known as the U.S.โs biggest question mark. Right now, Brad Evans looks like the likely first choice. Michael Parkhurst is still an option, Geoff Cameron starts regularly for Stoke, but for a number of reasons, he projects as more of a through-the-middle option of the national team. With Steve Cherundolo still a major doubt, a thin corps of right backs means players like DeAndre Yedlin are still in the World Cup picture.
But if Johnson becomes an option at right back? Things suddenly look a lot better, particularly given how DaMarcus Beasley has played at left back. Quite simply, would you rather have a team that features Beasley on the left or one that starts Evans on the right?
Of course, there are a lot of assumptions baked into this hypothetical. Johnson has played 90 minutes at right back this year. Itโs enough to indulge a fantasy, not a reality. Even if that reality comes to fruition, he may not be as good on the right as heโs been on the left. Maybe the choice isnโt Beasley versus Evans. Maybe itโs Beasley and a diminished Johnson versus Evans and a fully functional Johnson?
For now, itโs fun to think about. Johnsonโs not only back, heโs giving U.S. Menโs National Team fans something else to consider. Another option at right back for Brazil? The team could use one.
