Dynamic Duo Growing into Role in Center of National Team’s Defense

Originally published June 15, 2013, on ussoccer.com

From Batman and Robin to Bert and Ernie to Frodo and Sam, duos have always been an important part of American life - the same can be said about American soccer.

Omar Gonzalez and Matt Besler are turning into the dynamic duo in the center of the backline of the U.S. Men’s National Team.

The pair has started five games at center back, and the MNT is 3-0-2 in those games, including three shutouts with the most recent being a 2-0 win against Panama in Seattle on Tuesday.

“Before every game, we always give each other a few things to work on and make sure we do right,” Gonzalez said. “With each game, you need to say less and less just because you know what to expect from each other. The chemistry is definitely building, and hopefully, we can put out some more shutouts because that’s what we’re on the field for.”

They could be considered two of the best defenders in MLS as Gonzalez was named Defender of the Year in 2011 and was an All-Star in 2012, while Besler was MLS Defender of the Year in 2012 and an All-Star in 2011.

The two first linked up in the backline during this year’s January camp, and first saw the field together in a 0-0 draw against Canada on Jan. 29 in Houston. They also played a key part in the MNT’s historic 0-0 draw against Mexico in Estadio Azteca.

“(The January camp) gave us a chance actually to have Omar and Matt working day by day, basically side by side,” said MNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. “There was already a very good understanding from them because they trained a month-long together. It is impressive to see how Omar and Matt take their roles and how confident they are now and they don’t shy away from anything."

As the two young central defenders start to make a name for themselves on the international stage, they know that communication is key to a solid backline.

For Gonzalez, that communication isn’t solely between him and Besler.

“It starts from (MNT goalkeeper) Tim (Howard) always being vocal, always keeping us in check that he gets us to get guys in the right position so we put out our fires before they start,” Gonzalez said. “The whole backline has been good for covering for each other. It’s been good, honest, hard work, and everyone can see that.”

With the different styles that teams around the world play, succeeding in the backline is all about adapting and backing each other up.

Besler said playing against Jamaica is totally different than facing Panama, and again stressed the importance of communication.

“Me and Omar are talking to each other constantly throughout the game and that definitely helps us,” Besler said. “I think we complement each other well, we both believe in each other. The key to the central defender partnership is being together, being on the same page.”

The U.S. currently sits at the top of the table with 10 points halfway through the Hexagonal round of Qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Still, three shutouts in the five games the talented defenders have started together isn’t good enough for Besler, and if the MNT wants to make it to Brazil in 2014 there’s still room to grow.

“We can’t fall into the trap that things are great right now,” Besler said. “We have to keep improving. We’re working at it every day. We feel like it’s in a good position right now, but we’ve got to keep getting better.”