USA vs. Venezuela: Benny Feilhaber Deserves Starting Role After Great Showing

Benny Feilhaber was one of the bright spots for the United States in their thrilling 1-0 victory against Venezuela on Saturday night.

The Americans didn’t pose too many scoring chances on the day, but when Feilhaber was on the pitch, most of their opportunities had something to do with the 27-year-old. His performance should warrant a starting gig in the future.

Feilhaber has struggled at the club level in his career, but nearly every time I watch him on the International level, he does things that impress me. When you watch the American side, there are few players that show skill level and ball control like other top-flight countries. Feilhaber is one of the few that does display talent with the ball at his feet when given the opportunity.

He is a crafty, skilled player that displays quality service on a consistent basis. Maybe it’s me, but I would prefer to have a player who seems overconfident. If he breathes confidence, then he trusts his talent level to get it done against the best competition. That’s a player I would welcome into a country that isn’t talent-rich.

Look back to the 2007 Gold Final against rival Mexico. Feilhaber stamped his name onto the national scene after he struck a game-winning volley to send the Americans to the 2009 Confederations Cup. That’s a clear-cut example of the talent level he holds.

To have the thought process and confidence to hit a volley instead of attempting to control it is one thing, but to be able to successfully execute it against a formidable side in a gigantic game tells you everything you need to know about what type of traits he carries.

Ricardo Clark is going to get the publicity for scoring the lone goal, but when the ultimate goal is the 2014 World Cup, noticing the little things players do can determine whether or not you have the correct roster when the time comes.

Feilhaber deserves an opportunity to be in the starting lineup.