Philadelphia Union: Who is Closest to the Call?

With an international break passing, an interesting question came to mind: Which current Philadelphia Union players are closest to a national team call-up?

The Philadelphia Union don’t have many players who are currently fixtures on their respective National Teams but with their hot start this season it’s worth taking a look at who may get the call in the near future.

First, we’ll begin this post with players that won’t be considered in our rankings either because they’re already fixtures in their National Teams (Andre Blake) or they are too old to warrant a call (Sebastian LeToux)

Goalkeeper, Andre Blake– Blake has earned 11 caps with the Jamaican National Team and his form so far with the Philadelphia Union shows no reason for them to rethink their decision. Blake is one of the top keepers in MLS and will be a fixture for Jamacia for years to come.

Left Back, Fabinho– Even with his great form for the Philadelphia Union the 31-year-old Fabinho has no shot at cracking into Brazil’s camp.

Central Midfielder, Tranquillo Barnetta– With 75 caps for his native Switzerland and after appearing in three separate world cups Barnetta is the definition of a “National Team regular”.

Central Midfielder / Winger, Ilsinho– He received one call-up to Brazil in 2007 so it’s safe to say that his window has closed.

Winger,

– While Seba is an MLS professional and has been one of the best players in the history of the Philadelphia Union, at 32 he has no shot at breaking camp with Les Blues.

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Next up are the players with a shot to make their national teams in order of how likely it is to get the call. Heavy stress will be placed on players that are already in their country’s youth setups as well as on players who have had minimal caps for their country and fit positions of need.

Winger, Eric Ayuk– Ayuk is already on Cameroon’s radar as he was called up to the U-23 team last season for the U-23 CAF championship. Ayuk declined the call-up to focus on his play for the Philadelphia Union but it’s only a matter of time until another call-up comes. Ayuk’s unique mix of speed and awareness could be an asset both for club and country.

Striker, CJ Sapong– The US Men’s National Team’s struggles at striker are well documented and Sapong could provide some relief. Sapong was invited to January camp in 2012 and was capped twice in friendlies during that time. Sapong provides the perfect target forward for the US that could excel off the bench. While we shouldn’t get carried away after Sapong’s start to the season it isn’t out of the realm of possibility to see him earn more caps with the National Team.

Right Back,

– This may come as a surprise to some people but Rosenberry has enjoyed a quick rise to prominence since making his debut for the Philadelphia Union. Rosenberry’s inclusion in the National Team is dependent on if Jurgen Klinsmann is committed to using DeAndre Yedlin as a winger or at right back. Rosenberry’s pass accuracy and comfort in possession could add a different dimension to the back line. Klinsmann hasn’t shied away from calling up inexperienced players in the past (i.e. Jordan Morris, Brandon Vincent) and that could work in Rosenberry’s favor.

Next: Up Next for the Union, the Chicago Fire

It will be worth watching the National Teams in the near future because most of them are currently going through World Cup Qualifiers. Philadelphia Union players could get call-ups in games that matter which would be huge for their development. But in a situation like this, only time will tell.

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