Absolutely. I think the Gold Cup is the perfect opportunity to see where he's at right now. Between the different defensive options, guys like Holden and some of the younger players in MLS playing well so far, the off-year Gold Cup is turning into a real blessing this cycle.
Not sure why JK wants to see Holden at the next friendlies when the Gold Cup is coming up. Maybe he wants to rate him side by side with the first team players.
Because Klinsmann wants him training so he'll be in form for the Gold Cup: If Klinsmann were to leave Holden behind, he wouldn't be in rhythm for the Gold Cup. Now most players Klinsmann assumes will want a summer rest, but because Holden doesn't, calling him up for May-June will allow him to be ready for the Gold Cup in July. Makes sense to me.
Let's hope he's at least close to the same player. Pre-injury he was an excellent passer. During the 2009 Gold Cup he was the best player on the field for the USMNT.
But that USA team was our B team and got killed 5-0 in the finals. He has shown to be the real deal at club level, not sure how he would perform with the national team since he never was part of the usual rotation, I'm curious to see where he is at.
Stuart Holden @stuholden 16 May Seriously excited for the start of @ussoccer camp Tuesday! Can't wait to put on the red, white and blue again! #usmnt Since there are 2-3 extra field players, Holden still seems like a favorite to get dropped for the qualifiers; but I expect him at least to play in one of the friendlies, especially the Belgium match with so many missing players. Who knows - with Williams out, Bradley possibly out, Kljestan not viewed as a CM and Edu plagued by injuries that have caused him to play only 2 times (both in April) since the Mexico match, maybe Holden jumps right into the first XI against Belgium?
How awesome would it be to see him on the field in a Nats jersey again? I hope he gets back to form for next season and has a good run helping Bolton get back into the PL.