US boss Klinsmann gives glowing appraisal of Portland Timbers star Nagbe

Published on: 26 November 2015

Jurgen Klinsmann has been extremely impressed by Darlington Nagbe in the early stages of his international career.


The 25-year-old Liberia-born Portland Timbers midfielder made his USA debut in the 6-1 World Cup qualifying win over St Vincent and the Grenadines earlier this month before featuring off the bench in the 0-0 draw with Trinidad & Tobago.

Despite just two substitute appearances and one US training camp, Klinsmann believes Nagbe has the ability to become a key figure in the his adopted country's national team setup.

"With Darlington Nagbe, I think we've found a player now - and he had to wait a long time (for US citizenship) - that is really good handing the ball in both directions, to be responsible defensively - to go always behind the ball and defend and help out - but also when we go forward," said Klinsmann in an video interview released by US Soccer.

"He knows when to pass, when to dribble, when to keep things very simple, but also when to take some risks in a specific moment. He has a change of pace in his 1-against-1 situations when he kind of goes at defensive midfielders or other players, he has the confidence to pass them and get closer to the box.

"Definitely, Darlington is for us a real nice option now going forward. Again I said, he had to wait a long time. We were waiting for him as well, and it's a great fit. We are glad to have Darlington on board now with the senior national team."

Source: tribalfootball.com

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