Despite never playing youth international soccer for the United States or his native Liberia, American soccer fans jumped on the Darlington Nagbe bandwagon ever since they saw him play his college ball at Akron. Gifted both technically and physically, fans were not wrong to believe the hype initially. However, Nagbe has shown glimpses of brilliance and flashes of abysmal play. The jury is still out on Nagbe, but many are hoping that he can develop into the explosive and creative option that the USMNT has always seemed to lack.
The Bright Side
Nagbe’s athleticism is undeniable. His lightning quick pace along with his uncanny ability to hold defenders off the ball despite his small stature are second to none. Quite often over the course of a match, the Portland Timbers man will make long, powerful runs with the ball and penetrate the opponent’s defense with relative ease. His ability to change speeds and directions with the ball so well made him the second most fouled player in Major League Soccer this past season behind only Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco.
To go along with Nagbe’s physical tools are his technical ability. With a variety of attacking moves, a clean first touch, and the ability to play quick passes, Nagbe is easily one of the most technically gifted players currently in MLS. For instance, he netted this golazo to earn himself the title of 2011 MLS Goal of the Year.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOoxdp6u5EE]In the moments like those, it is easy to see why people are believing the hype about Nagbe. Couple that with the fact that he is still just 25 years old and there is certainly reason for optimism.
The Negative Side
Despite all of the greatness that Nagbe has proven himself capable of, there are still plenty of moments in which he is woeful. Regardless of who you ask, the first thing that stands out is the inability to finish. Far too often, Nagbe does all of the unbelievably hard work only to fail to produce the end product.
In 2013, it seemed as though he had put the doubters to rest with nine goals and an improved composure in front of the goal. However, Nagbe managed just one goal the following season. While he improved from 2014 this season with five goals, it’s obvious that he has not developed at the rate that his coach Caleb Porter and Yank fans alike were predicting.
In addition to that glaring hole in Nagbe’s game, his best position on the pitch is yet to be defined. Over the course of his career, he has played in central midfield, both wings, attacking midfield, and even as a second striker. Despite all of his ability, he seems to disappear too frequently on the wings without a conscious effort by the other players to get him involved. In addition, he lacks too much on the defensive side of the ball to play in central midfield. While some view versatility as a beautiful thing, it can also be the downfall of a player’s career. Without an established role, it is tough to imagine Nagbe becoming a consistent presence at the international level.
Consensus
With just one cap to his name in a substitute performance against a lackluster side in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, it is far too early to predict Nagbe’s future with the USMNT. A case can easily be made for both sides of this debate, but regardless of the stance fans take, all Yank fans across the nation are hoping that Nagbe can develop into the attacking, creative threat that they so desperately need.
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