This is a topic from ESPN Soccernet, but I thought I'd share my own thoughts on the matter. FC Schalke 04 midfielder Jermaine Jones and Tigres UANL left back Edgar Castillo have officially sent FIFA their paperwork regarding the switches in international allegiance (from Germany and Mexico respectively). As Jones requested his switch a couple months ago an announcement could be imminent. Castillo on the other hand requested his in early August so his wait could be longer. With only one central midfielder spot nailed down for the US in Jones' Bundesliga compatriot Michael Bradley, Jones would certainly be in with a chance against the likes of Maurice Edu, Ricardo Clark, Benny Feilhaber, and Jose Torres.
Concerns for the US at left back are even more troublesome, as Jonathan Bornstein, Heath Pearce, and now Carlos Bocanegra (even DaMarcus Beasley for a couple matches) have all vied for it and none have come away looking completely dominant. Bornstein had the spot nailed down for most of 2007, then Pearce for 2008 and the start of 2009 until he fell out of favor with his club. Now converted center back Carlos Bocanegra (who plays left back for club side Stade Rennais in France) has the spot and Watford captain Jay DeMerit takes his vacated center back spot. Edgar Castillo offers speed on the flank, something that somewhat hamper's Bocanegra's chances. He scored a peach of a goal in last nights match vs Santos, and his flair going forward would be a nice addition to a US squad in need of certainty at the position, and while the position may Bocanegra's for the time being, Castillo's improvement with Tigres will surely earn him high marks and then when he does finally get the call up, we can let Bob Bradley decide between Bornstein, Castillo, Bocanegra and Pearce.
Ultimately, there will be several position battles heading into 2010, which will make this season critical for players chances. Jones and Castillo will only make Bob Bradley's decision harder, but then again, a coach should love this sort of problem.
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