Jermaine Jones Shows Why He Could Help the USMNT

In Hannover’s 2-1 victory over Schalke, Steve Cherundolo captained the winning side (putting in a decent defensive shift, though rarely venturing forward), but it was Schalke’s Jermaine Jones who provided insight into how he could contribute to the US National Team.

Jones' cross-field pass gives fullback Uchida space for a shot (25th minute)

Jones, operating as one of the center midfielders in Schalke’s 4-4-2, provided three cross-field passes that found teammates in space (in the 25th, 66th, and 77th), and each delivery led to a decent attempt on goal. Cross-field passes, aside from the obvious advantage of stretching the defense, are of particular importance to squads using a 4-4-2 against a three-man midfield (hello USA-Ghana). Since the two center mids of the 4-4-2 are outnumbered, they have to quickly shuffle the ball to their wingers and fullbacks, which can help allow their team to overcome their disadvantage in the middle of the pitch. Of the American CMs who started in the World Cup (Michael Bradley, Maurice Edu, and Ricardo Clark), only Bradley provides these types of passes with regularity. The addition of Jones would allow the US to more quickly provide Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey with service.

Of course, if Bob Bradley does not extend his contract, the gringos could end up with a manager partial to a three-man midfield, hopefully pairing Jones and Bradley (the destroyer/passer tandem) with Stuart Holden or Benny Feilhaber. In either formation, Jones would be a welcome addition to the squad.

Oh, and of more consequence to the match but perhaps holding less importance for the future of US Soccer, Jones also scored Schalke’s goal, holding off a defender to head home a free kick delivery. Highlights are below.