The USMNT midfielder turned center back has received a great honor, being named the best player out of all USMNT players playing the game. Jermaine Jones has struggled minimally with his move to defense, but because of his impact not only for country but for club, the New England Revolution, he rightfully deserves the recognition.
Since his breakout performance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Jones has gained a significant amount of notice for not only his many tattoos and hair style, but also for his ability to change the course of an entire soccer match, just by being on the field. When it comes to players that Jurgen Klinsmann can depend on and trust with all his heart, Jones is at the very top of that list.
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When Jones made the move to MLS midway through last season, the Revolution had no idea what to expect from him or how he might fit into the offense. Lee Nguyen, teammate at both club and country level for Jones, was the main source of goals and production for the Revolution during the season. Remarkably, just the presence of Jones being in New England, helped make everyone around him better, both on and off the field.
Jones truly made a name for himself in MLS during the match against Sporting Kansas City when he smashed home an all important goal. The goal from Jones made a statement to the rest of the league that he was here to stay and wanted the league to know how committed to the Revs he actually was.
With every move though, comes speculation. Jones was picked in a blind draw and New England just happened to be that lucky team. Had he gone anywhere else in MLS, it is not known how he would have faired. One could even venture to say that Nguyen probably would not have finished off the 2014 MLS Season the way he did, had it not been for Jones being on the Revs.
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Since the end of the 2014 MLS Season, small rumors have started to circulate that Jones might want to head back to Europe, once his contract with New England runs out at the end of the upcoming season. If New England is smart, the higher-ups in the club must do anything and everything to make sure that jones stays with the club until he retires from professional soccer.
Jones is a team player, no question about that. Yes, defense is not his most favorite spot on the soccer field, but, that is where Klinsmann needs him the most. Like any good player, Jones cares more about how he can help the team get better, then what he wants.
The USMNT face two upcoming International Friendlies against Chile and Venezuela. Jones is projected to start both matches at center back, along with Sporting KC defender, Matt Besler. The chemistry continues to grow with each passing day however, making this move for Jones one that could also help the Revolution come March, when the new season kicks off.