USMNT player to watch

Power. Strength. Intimidation. A beast in the middle of the defense.

At 6-foot-5 and about 215 pounds, Oguchi Onyewu, better known as Gooch, has the size that most every country in the world wishes they had in a center back. His physical presence is a bit scary for most attackers.

With his size, he plays a bit more like a linebacker or hard-hitting safety. It’s that aggressiveness that can also get him in trouble. Being overly aggressive has shown him his share of cards and he’s surely heard enough whistles to last him a lifetime, but not all have been deserved. He’s got a reputation as being too aggressive because of that size.

Harnessing it and staying smart is what he needs to do, especially if he wants to take his game to the next level. At only 26 and one World Cup under his belt, there’s not much doubt that he will lose starting spot over the next two years.

Since 2004 Onyewu has been playing for Standard Liége in Belgium with a half-season loan to Newcastle United in 2007. Accomplishing about all he can in Belgium, he has his sights set on a move to possibly the EPL or another top flight league during the summer after his current contract expires. Standard has already made it known that they want to re-sign him, but they know it will be almost impossible.

It’s a move that Gooch must make this summer to take his game to that next level. He needs the consistency. That will help him and the U.S. immensely when it comes to taking on the world’s best in two years.