USMNT January Camp: Six Notable Snubs

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Sep 13, 2014; Chester, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union defender Raymon Gaddis (28) moves the ball under pressure from New York Red Bulls midfielder Ruben Bover (21) during the second half of the match at PPL Park. The match ended in a 2-2 draw. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

Raymon Gaddis

I know. I know. This was a long shot and not many people would have expected Gaddis to receive a call up, but he has done a lot over the past two years to prove he can be a lock down defender. In Major League Soccer, Gaddis has already shown he can lock down the side of the field he happens to be playing on.

With the Philadelphia Union, he plays on the left side a lot with Sheanon Williams playing on the right, but his preferred side is definitely the right side. Gaddis has shut down multiple wingers in MLS, and he has shown time and time again of his quality. He has developed into one of the better fullbacks in the league.

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Raymon Gaddis’ biggest weakness in his play though his is inability to get forward. He is much weaker than a lot of fullbacks, especially in the national team picture, with going forward and getting himself involved in the offense. In Jurgen Klinsmann’s style of play, fullbacks getting involved in the offense is an essential part of the team so Gaddis will need to improve this aspect of his game.

I think one of the biggest reasons we don’t see much of Gaddis going forward is that he is not playing on his preferred side of the field. His left foot is not the best so he is much more hesitant to go up and cross the ball in with his left foot as opposed to he would be with his right foot on the right side.

Even though Gaddis was not called up to the Klinsmann’s January camp, I think he should get a serious look in the future if he continues to improve and lock down opposing wingers like he has been. Gaddis has been quietly garnering more attention throughout Major League Soccer and eventually that will lead to his big chance, although this camp would have been a nice start.

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