The unconfirmed but conspicuously undenied rumor is that Jürgen Klinsmann will call Minnesota United midfielder Miguel Ibarra into camp for the October games against Ecuador (Oct. 10) and Honduras (Oct. 14). Why is this weird? Well, Minnesota are an NASL team, meaning 24-year-old Ibarra plays one division down from Major League Soccer. He was even selected by Portland Timbers in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft, and then released.
None of this makes any sense on paper, but ALL of it makes perfect sense once you watch highlights of Ibarra in action. In the above highlight reel you’ll see Ibarra’s pace, balance and close control as he rips through rival NASL defenses, most often by powering down the left wing with his right foot. He uses the right to cut inside, but is clearly capable of accelerating away from defenders on either side, which is a terrifying proposition for a fullback.