The United States face an exciting year and Michael Bradley knows it. This Wednesday in Aarhus, Denmark, they kick off a European tour in which a game against Switzerland is also scheduled. The Gold Cup is the biggest tournament in store this year
Bradley, who used to be under his father's wing for many years, U.S. National Team former coach Bob Bradley, is now the most experienced played in the roster Jurgen Klinsmann has called for the upcoming matches. 93 games with the USMNT make him a natural leader among a squad with many first-timers.
Jurgen Klinsmann talks to his players at their training camp in Zurich
"I think the opportunity to have 10 days together in Europe, with two more good games, means that
Among some of the new faces in this team is forward Aron Johannsson. The 24-year-old made his professional debut in 2008 at the same NRGi Park where Denmark will be hosting the U.S. He now plays for AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands. It was the Danish Superliga club AGF Aarhus who gave him the opportunity to turn pro.
“That was my first club as a professional soccer player and it had a huge influence on my career. Maybe if I hadn’t gone there, who would know where I would be today?” Johannsson said in an interview with U.S. Soccer.
Johannsson knows really well what it is like to play in Denmark where he started his pro career.jpg)
Bradley is aware of the kind of threat a team like Denmark can turn out to be. The Danish team is actually four spots ahead of the American side in the FIFA rankings. Jurgen Klinsmann's team is in 32, the worst it's been since 2011 when they were in 34th spot.
"It’s a team that on their day has always been able to not only play with, but also beat some of the best teams. So I think for us it’s a great test," Bradley said about their upcoming rival.
The United States is exponentially increasing its visits to Europe. For Bradley, playing in European venues against harder competition can only benefit the team when it comes to facing CONCACAF teams or bigger tournaments like the Confederations Cup and the World Cup.
Bradley (#4) has scored 13 goals in his career with the USMNT.jpg)
"I think the guys that are able to use them in the right way, push themselves, and know that every play isn’t going to be perfect," Bradley mentioned. "Understand that you need to have a strong mentality and a commitment to keep going."
