Continental Chatter: Lichaj at left back
What Nats Abroad are saying and what others are saying about them — a rundown of the chatter:
Eric Lichaj
It is a goal of mine to be involved in a USA World Cup squad ... there is a bit of a question mark over the left-back position, which might be an opportunity for me. I can play left-back and I believe I can be effective there. I can play both and I will never make an excuse, whichever side I play. I hope that can get an opportunity for me — the fact that I can play either side. If anyone wants to talk about that, if they come to a game to watch me, that is something I will certainly happily have a conversation about. I would be happy to play there, if that help them.
—Eric Lichaj
Nottingham Post | Nottingham Forest’s Mr Consistent, Eric Lichaj, still chasing his American dream
Paul Arriola
So far I’ve started every game this season and now I have to continue. Obviously it depends on me, and that’s the great thing that I can control really how much I play. I think my coach has given me a lot of confidence, my team has given me a lot of confidence and I’ve responded in the right way. Obviously the Mexican league isn’t an easy league to compete in, but I’ve done well to get myself into the starting lineup and I have to continue that way.
— Paul Arriola
US Soccer| Paul Arriola on the rise for Club Tijuana and MNT
I think, in particular, Lichaj and Arriola are players that we have to strongly consider for the March camp. We’re going to get to see those players play in the next couple of weeks to help make some of those decisions.
— Bruce Arena
US Soccer | The road ahead: Bruce Arena talks next steps ahead of March World Cup Qualifiers
Christian Pulisic
Sources say that one reason Pulisic has earned the trust of coach Thomas Tuchel is his commitment to tracking back on defense, which has separated him from Dortmund’s other attacking options. While that defensive duty may have hindered Pulisic’s own attacking play at times, it has also made him someone Tuchel feels like he can call on in tight situations
— Grant Wahl
Planet Futbol | Pulisic’s commitment to defending wins Tuchel’s favor at Dortmund
Tim Ream
Playing the ball out from the back is a strength of my game and the possession style that we play suits me personally and suits a majority of the squad which is why guys can slot in and out from game to game. It’s been a confidence boost and something I can hang on to and do well.
—Tim Ream
GetWestLondon | Fulham defender explains improved form at Craven Cottage
Gboly Ariyibi
I’d hazard a guess at [his directness and positivity] being one of the reasons he’s been brought to the football club. You look at his performances for Chesterfield and he was very direct, a very attack-minded player with plenty of pace and power. He’s one of those players who can excite supporters on the counterattack.
—Gareth Holmes
Nottingham Post | New signing Gboly Ariyibi can ‘excite’ Nottingham Forest fans, says Under-23s coach
I like to say I’m a flair player. I like to beat players, excite the fans and get them out of their seats.
— Gboly Ariyibi
Nottingham Forest website | Gboly buzzing to be a Red
Emerson Hyndman
I’m really pleased for Emerson. He’s a really talented player, he’s going to be a great player for the future. I think this loan spell was just what he needed, not just in terms of playing the games but also the stature of the club he’s at. What an experience for him .. to play under that pressure and expectation at a club like Rangers will do him the world of good. It is a really important part of his development.
— Bournemouth manager, Eddie Howe
The Scottish Sun | Eddie Howe is delighted with Bournemouth player Emerson Hyndman’s loan at Rangers
You want to start well and thankfully I had a few decent games at the beginning. I just want to keep it up — I know there are obviously going to be some rough games with it being a physical league, but at the same time, I just want to carry on and help the team and get the team wins. I came here with an open mind, and I wanted to learn. I haven’t had many games in the last six months so I just wanted to take everything in my stride, learn from my teammates and help them out the best.
— Emerson Hyndman
The Evening Times | Emerson Hyndman: We’ve let down Graeme Murty and now want to do right by him and Rangers
Jordan Siebatcheu
Jordan Siebatcheu was born to score. The young forward’s abilities promise a great career [on the pitch] but [off the pitch], he is also gifted. A beautiful person, really.
…
He says “OK” to the interview. Then, the evening before, he sends a text message: “What is the reason for this interview?” Jordan is suspicious… he does not want to express himself.
“I’m not suspicious,” he says, smiling, “I’m just very reserved. In Reims, I gave only one interview. It is in my nature, something I get from my parents.”
It’s a shame because the young man is well-educated and has an effortless eloquence about him. “He’s very smart, very balanced mentally.” says Romaric Boch, La Berries’ physical trainer. “And what a talent! I don’t think there have been many players of his level here before.”
Le Berry Républicain | Jordan Siebatcheu, the winter recruit of La Berrichone de Châteauroux, piles on the decisive goals
“This is the first time that I’ve played for a team other than Reims. When I was contacted by Châteauroux, I admit that I was apprehensive and thought for a while before saying yes. I knew it would be good for me to change a little; it makes us mature to go through new experiences. Also, Châteauroux’s current fight for promotion [to Ligue 2] seduced me as well. It’s not my home [in Reims], but I don’t care — I come for football.
“Yes, I have a baccalauréat scientifique (an honors High School degree focused in science) in order to preserve the possibility of my working in medicine if I fail in football. Of course things have progressed — I turned professional and then debuted in Ligue 1, now I continue to grow in football. But I do not regret it though,” he laughs.
[On the goal he scored for Reims against Paris St. Germain last season] “My grandmother, who came from Cameroon, was watching me play for the very first time. She believed that she would just be watching me play in my neighborhood . When she saw the stadium — I can’t even tell you! In any case, I was so proud to have scored in front of them.
The 20-year-old has scored an astounding 5 goals in his first 3 matches for the club:
