• USA face Germany and Holland in preparation for CONCACAF Gold Cup
  • Jurgen Klinsmann believes now is the time to find out if team can ‘swim’
  • Former Tottenham striker believes youngsters have a point to prove  

Matt Morlidge for MailOnline

USA manager Jurgen Klinsmann has challenged his players to make the most of an ‘opportunity of a lifetime’ when they take on Holland and Germany.

Klinsmann is without experienced players such as Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey, and is set to field several youngsters at the Amsterdam Arena on Friday, before taking on the World Cup winners five days later.

And the former Tottenham striker believes now is the right time to find out if they can ‘swim’ as they make preparations for their defence of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which starts in July.

Jurgen Klinsmann has challenged his USA squad to make the most of an 'opportunity of a lifetime' when they take on Holland and Germany

Jurgen Klinsmann has challenged his USA squad to make the most of an ‘opportunity of a lifetime’ when they take on Holland and Germany

‘It’s a huge opportunity to play nations like these two in order to see a lot of things that you want to see from your players,’ he told US Soccer’s official website.

‘In a certain way, we want to see a couple of guys get thrown in the freezing cold water and see how they can swim and where they stand right now in the ranking of the men’s national team.

‘That’s why I want to see [defenders] Ventura Alvarado or John Brooks play in games like this. Up front, because Jozy Altidore is not here and Clint Dempsey is not here, the youngsters that jump on board now have got a point to prove.

‘For all these guys, games like these are opportunities that don’t happen often in a lifetime, so you better jump on those.’

Robin van Persie (centre) looks on during Holland training with Jordy Clasie (left) and Jeffrey Bruma (right)

Robin van Persie (centre) looks on during Holland training with Jordy Clasie (left) and Jeffrey Bruma (right)

 

No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts,
or debate this issue live on our message boards.

Who is this week’s top commenter?
Find out now