Five players who could benefit with Jermaine Jones off U.S. national team
When Jermaine Jones lost his mind in a fit of rage and accosted much-maligned MLS referee Mark Geiger in October, it was easy to see a suspension in his future. What wasn't readily apparent was how that suspension might have an impact on more than just Jones.
We were reminded of the potential complications of Jones' six-match suspension, confirmed by MLS on Friday, when U.S. Soccer announced its first matches of 2016. At some point, Jones would have to miss national team matches — be they early 2016 friendlies, or potentially even World Cup qualifiers in March against Guatemala.
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Because Jones was suspended for attacking a referee, FIFA guidelines dictate that his banishment carry over to any club he joined, whether it be in MLS or a national team. According to U.S. Soccer, if Jones signs on for a return to MLS, his suspension would begin in March, when the 2016 season begins. That would allow him to play in the winter friendlies against Iceland and Canada. But if Jones signs outside MLS, he would begin serving his suspension immediately. That would most likely free him up to play in the March qualifiers, while ruling him out of the early friendlies, which don't matter all that much.
What remains to be seen is whether the six-match ban is limiting Jones' options, or turning off prospective buyers that would want to sign a national team midfielder available on a free transfer — even if he is 34 and coming off an injury-plagued season. Six matches would be a sizable chunk of any team's season, which would make you wonder just how much a foreign club would be willing to invest.
New England wants Jones back, which makes sense considering how important he is to the Revs. But the Revolution want Jones back on their terms, and it may be difficult to convince Jones to take a smaller contract. You can't blame him for feeling he deserves a good deal. He proved himself as a dominating player in MLS, and he remains a regular starter for the U.S.
While Jones weighs his options, we should consider who might benefit from his potential absence from the national team. Here is a look at players who could find themselves with golden opportunities to impress coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
