Why Charlie Davies Should Play for the United States in the World Cup

Last June, there were many different players that put together significant efforts for the United States in the Confederations Cup.

From Clint Dempsey scoring three important goals to Tim Howard's phenomenal performance in goal against Spain in the semifinals, the Yanks were powered by youth and strong play, as they did the impossible and went to the Confederations Cup final.

But despite all of what happened, there was one player who has really stood out for me in that Confederations Cup.

He was exactly what the United States needed at forward.

That player was Charlie Davies, an emerging forward who played for Swedish Allsvenskan club Hammarby IF. He got a start for the United States against Egypt in the final group match in the Confederations Cup, when it appeared the United States were going home.

But Davies scored an important early goal, and his energy was a major reason why the United States won 3-0 and got past Italy on goal differential to advance on to the semifinal against Spain.

Against Spain, Davies' speed was a major thorn in the side of Spain from the beginning of the match until the 69th minute when Davies was taken out. He was a major reason the United States upset Spain 2-0.

And in the Confederations Cup final against Brazil, Davies helped to set up Landon Donovan's goal to give the United States a 2-0 lead against Brazil before the USA lost a heart breaker by a 3-2 score to Brazil.

Now with Charlie Davies, the United States were now more formidable then ever. It was extremely evident with the early goal Davies scored at the famed Estadio Azteca against Mexico to give the USA their first lead in Azteca in their history of playing there, regardless of the loss.

And as World Cup qualifying came to a close, Davies remained a constant starter for the United States, and they were able to clinch a spot in CONCACAF for the World Cup.

But on the morning of October 13, 2009, Davies was coming back with two passengers to Washington, D.C. (Davies was based there because of the final USA World Cup qualifying match the next day against Costa Rica.)

It was then that the 23-year-old's life was forever changed.

At about 3:15 AM, Davies and the two passengers were traveling on the George Washington Parkway. Their car smashed into a metal railing, causing passenger Ashley J. Roberta to die.

And as a result of the crash, Davies suffered a broken tibia and femur, a fractured elbow, facial injuries, and a lacerated bladder. 

He was initially ruled out for six to 12 months due to his injuries.

But after the injuries, Davies remained committed and said that he planned to be in training for his French club Sochaux by March, and hopefully play in several matches before training camp for the World Cup.

And as long as the process has been, Davies has now returned to full training.

Despite the statement by Sochaux President Alexandre Lacombe that Davies "will not play again in Ligue 1 this season," Davies has not allowed these words to deter him from playing again for Sochaux this season.

United States coach Bob Bradley has to submit his final preliminary 30-man roster to FIFA on May 11. There are many people wondering if Davies will be able to play for the United States in the World Cup.

Over the last several days, many people have given their input on Davies' situation. The majority of United States fans believe that Davies should not be able to make the squad.

But I don't agree.

For starters, Charlie Davies brings something more than a Edson Buddle or a Conor Casey to the United States National Team: He is player who has proven that he can get the job done in major situations.

Davies was an important figure for the United States in his three-and-a-half months of regular action, and we will need a player who has proven he has been able to get the job done playing for the United States.

The second factor is this great story that Davies has created despite what has happened to him.

With tons of people around the world rooting for him to recover on time, a healthy Charlie Davies would surely be one of the leading stories going into the World Cup.

And of course for Davies, getting a chance to play in this World Cup would mean a lot more than almost all of the other 735 players who will play a part.

He wants to prove all of the critics wrong and show that he is ready to play in this World Cup.

The third factor is that he adds a deadly combination of speed and energy to a squad that needs it.

Even if Charlie Davies only gets to play for the final 15 minutes of a match, he will bring that energy to a side that will need a big jolt to restart them.

He could be the deciding factor in an American win or a draw.

And the fourth and final reason is the "double standard" that has existed on the United States national team.

That double standard has been the injuries accumulated to starting defender Oguchi Onyewu, who suffered a tear of his Patellar tendon on October 14 (the day after the Davies accident).

With that injury, Onyewu has not been able to get any playing time anywhere, and has been only doing training, both of which are similar to Charlie Davies' current situation.

Now, one might say that Onyewu will be starting because of his importance and the fact that he has been a rock in the defense for the United States.

He has had as much playing time for AC Milan in 2010 as Davies has for Sochaux: zero minutes.

What happens if Onyewu does terribly in the friendlies against the Czech Republic and Turkey in the friendlies before Bob Bradley chooses his final squad?

Nothing.

He will join the USA in South Africa unless he gets injured.

But if Davies does lousy against the Czechs and the Turks, what will happen?

People will say that Davies is not match ready, and he should not be a part of the final 23-man roster for the United States.

To me, this is shows a terrible national team double standard between Onyewu and Davies.

Hopefully, Davies will put everything together, and prove to all of us that he should be in South Africa on June 12 against England in the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.