Top 10 US National Team Stars Playing in Europe

John D. HalloranDec 14, 2011

With 2011 being put to bed, along with many changes for the United States Men’s National Team, the team’s European players are hitting the meat of their season, fighting for places in their respective leagues’ tables.

While the national team will hold a camp in January, it will be comprised mainly of fringe players and those in leagues on their winter break.

Let’s take a look at those USMNT stars hitting midseason form in Europe.

Tim Howard: Everton

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With 245 starts for English Premier League teams Everton and Manchester United and 72 caps for the USMNT, this one is a no-brainer.

In his career, Howard has been the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, on the Premier League Team of the Year, U.S. Soccer’s Athlete of the Year and was the 2009 Confederations Cup Golden Glove winner.

Some may argue that Brad Friedel should be on this list, but Friedel retired from international play in 2005.

Clint Dempsey: Fulham

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Another no-brainer. With 162 appearances for Fulham, including 151 starts, as well as 82 caps for the USMNT, Dempsey is an easy choice.

In that time, he has scored 37 goals in the English Premier League and 24 for the Nats.

Carlos Bocanegra: Rangers

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With an impressive 227 appearances in Europe for Fulham, Rennes, St. Etienne and now Rangers, Carlos Bocanegra has solidified himself as one of the best American players ever.

He picked up 115 of those appearances in the English Premier League and also served as Fulham’s captain, a rare honor for an American playing abroad.

With the USMNT, Bocanegra recently picked up his 100^th cap and has captained the side since 2007.

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Steve Cherundolo: Hannover 96

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Steve Cherundolo has picked up an amazing 333 appearances for Hannover 96 in Germany, 265 in the top flight of the Bundesliga.

He helped oversee Hannover’s promotion to the top league in Germany 10 years ago and is the team’s current captain.

With the USMNT, Cherundolo has 78 caps and is one of the team’s most consistent performers.

Oguchi Onyewu: Sporting Lisbon

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“Gooch” has managed to pick up 194 club appearances in Europe with stints in the Jupiter League, the English Premier League, Serie A, the Eredivisie, Ligue 1 and the Primeira Liga.

In his career, he has helped his clubs win four trophies.

For the USMNT, Onyewu has picked up 62 caps and been a mainstay of the U.S.’s backline for the better part of the last decade.

Michael Bradley: Chievo Verona

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Haters still abound, but Michael Bradley has proven his worth in Europe with stints in four leagues.

He has found regular playing time in the Eredivisie and the Bundesliga and has now become a regular starter in Serie A with his new club, Chievo Verona.

Even though he is only 24, he has earned an amazing 148 club appearances in Europe already. With the USMNT, he already has 63 caps.

Maurice Edu: Rangers

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Rangers just announced this week they would begin contract negotiations with Edu to extend his contract, and why not?

Even though he still has 18 months left on his contract, clubs in England and France have begun to make their desire for the midfielder public.

Edu has picked up 77 league appearances for Rangers since making the switch from Toronto FC prior to the 2008-09 season. For the USMNT, Edu has picked up 30 caps despite playing central midfield, widely considered the deepest position on the squad.

Jozy Altidore: AZ Alkmaar

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While Jozy still hasn’t convinced everyone of his value, his recent performances at AZ Alkmaar have begun to sway many fans to his side.

Only 22, Altidore has earned 65 club appearances in Europe and has played in Turkey, Spain, England and the Netherlands.

For the Nats, Jozy has picked up 45 caps and 13 goals in what is still a growing career.

Stuart Holden: Bolton

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Even though he has been very unlucky with injuries in the past few seasons, Stuart Holden was a revelation for Bolton Wanderers in the English Premier League last season, winning their Player of the Year Award. Anyone who follows the EPL have seen how poorly Bolton is currently doing without him.

Holden picked up 27 league starts for Bolton last season before Jonny Evans ended his season with a reckless challenge.

For the national team, Holden has also been unlucky, breaking his leg only a few months before the 2010 World Cup in a brutal challenge from Nigel de Jong.

While Holden did make the roster with a quick recovery, he only made one appearance at the tournament.

In total, he has made 17 appearances for the USMNT.

The 10th Man: Your Choice

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Picking a tenth “star” for this list is nearly impossible. Here are the choices:

Clarence Goodson—Brondby

94 club appearances in Europe and 27 caps for the USMNT. Current captain of his club. Yet, looks to be a role player with the Nats with the relative depth at centre-back.

Sasha Klejstan—Anderlecht