In support of Jonathan Spector for the World Cup roster

Bruce Arena will announce his 23-man World Cup roster in late April. I would like to use the considerable power of the Cuckoo Clocks to lobby for the inclusion of Charlton’s Jonathan Spector in this elite group. He’s a young, versatile defender with offensive ability who just happens to play the position that is the team’s biggest question mark.

I’ll start off by saying I’ve been a fan of Jonathan’s since I saw him playing in the World Youth Championships in the Netherlands in June of 2005. My initial impression was he appeared to be a good five years older than anyone else on the pitch. He exhibited maturity and calmness – two attributes good defenders have in common. Of the other defenders I saw at that tournament, only Switzerland’s Phillippe Senderos (of Arsenal) exuded the same quality.

Although he missed time with overuse injuries and looked admittedly rusty when he finally returned, the potential of a great future professional could be clearly seen.

Spector’s move to Charlton has been beneficial in bringing out this potential. On loan from Manchester United, the youngster has displaced aging former England International Chris Powell at left back and has been performing admirably. Charlton’s defense has stiffened remarkably over the past several games and Spector’s been a part of that. He agreed to the move provided he would get first-team Premeirship experience, and after some time on the bench, he is staking claim to that left-back spot.

It also helps his chances that he routinely faces the top wings and strikers in the premiership. Against Liverpool, he locked horns with Djibril Cisse as the Addicks kept a clean sheet at Anfield. He’ll see players of this quality again if he goes to Germany.

Perhaps the most persuasive case for Spector is this: he’s the most experienced left back in the United States Player Pool. Arena’s first option at that position, Eddie Lewis of Leeds United, is a converted midfielder. Should he be injured, who will the U.S. turn to? Can Arena have confidence in Frankie Hejduk, if he makes the team? The only other choices I see are stretches – Carlos Bocanegra, Greg Berhalter, or Eddie Pope.

Like the other candidates, Spector uses both feet exceptionally well, has great speed and quickness, and is tenacious enough to mix it up. But what I like most about him – and what differentiates him most from the other four – is his offensive prowess.

Spector grew up playing striker and still retains the instincts of an attacker. Under the wrong system these impulses can get him in trouble, but Charlton boss Alan Curbishley recognizes this strength and engineers a game plan that allows him to make forays into the offensive third. He’s always looking for the give and go up the flank and can unleash powerful drives if he finds space for himself.

Should the United States find itself in a group game where it needs to score, Spector would be a good choice to start.

Finally, it's always a good idea to look to the future by including young players, even if they don't get a chance to play. In reality, many of the players won't see any action. Use one of these spots on Spector, a 20-year old with tremendous upside potential. Let him wear our colors this year and watch him become a mainstay on our backline for the next decade.

Photo from Charlton's website