ASN: Danny Williams, Kljestan, Johannsson All Heating Up

We at all times give the excellent news first in ASN’s weekly Scorching or Not? column. However we by no means omit the dangerous. Josh Deaver experiences on the trajectories of Sacha, Danny, Aron, Jose, and—gulp!—Freddy.

BY

Josh Deaver

Posted
February 21, 2014
5:20 PM

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WHO’S HOT…
Sacha Kljestan

Nicely, you’ll be able to’t say he doesn’t have a very good head on his shoulders. After enjoying solely 45 minutes within the previous 9 matches for Anderlecht—inflicting him to grace the decrease part of this text final week—Kljestan made his return to the beginning XI final weekend, scoring his eighth league purpose of the season and helping on one other in a 2-0 win over Mons. Within the thirty seventh minute, Kljestan met a well-placed cross from Olivier Deschacht, sending his headed effort previous the Mons keeper (and your complete backline) who did not spy a late run into the field by the 28-year-old. After the halftime break, Anderlecht rapidly added one other. Receiving a one-hop throw in close to the nook, Kljestan delivered a cleverly headed by means of ball to the toes of Ronald Vargas, who secured the three factors for the Purple and Whites with a well-taken half volley. Regardless of a latest dip in enjoying time, largely because of damage, Kljestan is however having a profession 12 months and could possibly be in line for beginning position when/if the U.S. takes on Ukraine subsequent month.

Danny Williams

To safe a spot in Brazil, Kljestan could possibly be going through some stiff competitors from the 24-year-old Studying midfielder. Making the beginning as soon as once more this weekend, Williams performed 90 minutes and scored his second purpose of the season in a 3-1 win over QPR. Netting within the tenth minute, the build-up was simply as fairly because the end. After a splendidly executed motion, Williams—discovering a number of acres of area—rushed on to a floated cross, inserting his snap header within the far nook with panache. Williams has been a gradual presence throughout his first foray into English soccer, rising as an every-match starter for the Royals, that are at present clinging to the ultimate promotion playoff spot within the English Championship.

Aron Johannsson

It’s anticipated at this level. Netting once more final weekend towards FC Utrecht, Johannsson’s season tally at present sits at 22 objectives in 36 appearances for AZ. With 12 matches remaining, Johannsson wants simply 9 objectives to tie Jozy Altidore’s file for European purpose scoring by an American worldwide.

Aron Johannsson by goalsandmore

…AND WHO’S NOT

Jose Villarreal

This can be a “not,” as in not enjoying. Lately shifting to Cruzl Azul on mortgage from the Los Angeles Galaxy, Villarreal has not but been capable of earn a spot for the Liga MX facet—that includes in solely two U-20 matches since his arrival. With restricted prospects for first-team minutes, the membership introduced this week that it’s going to ship Villarreal to its second-division affiliate membership, Cruz Azul Hidalgo, for the rest of the Clausura marketing campaign. Whereas regular minutes can solely assist, one wonders if the 20-year-old would have been higher served competing for a everlasting spot in Los Angeles, the place he made 23 appearances for the Galaxy final season.

Freddy Adu

Not: a membership exhibiting abysmal kind—zero wins since November 30—cynically producing a 10-minute interview with an notorious trialist who hasn’t had a related second in years. But that’s precisely what Blackpool did. Regardless of a whole lack of tangible on-field outcomes, a obligatory verify in with the “next Pele” will at all times draw eyeballs. If rumors are true and the Seasiders wish to convey Adu on board, it will increase Adu’s resume to 10 groups in 10 years throughout seven completely different leagues. That’s additionally a “not.”

You need to know what’s actually a “not”? Not trying out ASN’s new 2014 World Cup channel. Freshly launched, let or not it’s your info command heart for all issues Group G heading into this summer time’s match. Peruse the participant profiles, movies and evaluation and scout the competitors earlier than the festivities kickoff—solely 110 days from now.

ASN Contributing Editor Josh Deaver is a former tutorial turned soccer obsessive. Comply with him on Twitter already.