Fabian Johnson

23. Fabian Johnson Defender | Club: Monchengladbach (Germany) Johnson has become the U.S.’s most versatile flank player, capable of playing in midfield or

Liviu Bird | Jun 2, 2014

Fabian Johnson /

23. Fabian Johnson

Defender | Club: Monchengladbach (Germany)

Age	Hometown	Height	Weight	Goals	Caps
26	Munich, Germany	6-0	155	1	21

Johnson has become the U.S.’s most versatile flank player, capable of playing in midfield or defense, on either side of the field. He started as a left back for the U.S. before moving to left wing in qualifying, and he most often played right back for German club Hoffenheim toward the end of the season. Johnson will certainly be in the starting lineup; it’s just a matter of where.

OUTLOOK: Johnson’s versatility makes him an important player for the U.S., both in attacking and defensive phases. His soccer IQ makes him a good choice for midfield or the back line, depending on the situation and what the U.S. needs to accomplish. He also has a strong left foot, which means he can be equally effective on either side.

Meet the 23: Complete roster breakdown

Published Jun 2, 2014

LIVIU BIRD

Liviu Bird is a soccer analyst with more than 20 years of experience in the game. He learned how to play in the streets of Romania before moving to the soccer wilderness of Fairbanks, Alaska, escaping to play collegiately as a goalkeeper at Highline Community College and Seattle Pacific University, where he also earned his B.A. in journalism. Bird played semiprofessionally and had tryouts at professional clubs but hung up his gloves in 2012 to focus on writing and coaching at the youth and collegiate levels. He joined Sports Illustrated in March 2013 as a freelance contributor and has also written for NBC Sports, Soccer Wire, The New York Times, American Soccer Now and the Telegraph (UK).