Stu Down, 1 to Go

There's been plenty of concern over the last couple of weeks regarding the respective situations of recent USMNT transfers and former Houston Dynamo teammates Stuart Holden and Ricardo Clark.  With both hampered by injury and failing to regularly make the match day squad since their arrival, doubts about the wisdom of these two transfer window moves began to swirl around the American fan base.  For a team already struggling with injuries to several key players, the last thing that's needed is to have two other prominent contributors riding the pine.

Fortunately, we can all take a pretty big sigh of relief at this point.  In the past week, Stuart Holden has earned both his Bolton debut and his EPL debut, starting and playing 90 minutes in a midweek FA Cup loss and today's pivotal league win over Marcus Hahnemann and Wolves.  While one week is a far cry from three months of consistent playing time (i.e. now until mid-May), it is a very positive sign that, at worst, Stu will get the opportunity from manager Owen Coyle to prove himself and earn playing time.

The structure of Holden's deal (essentially a six month deal ending in June) had some worried that he was being brought in merely as temporary cover in case of injury down the stretch.  There was also some concern that Coyle would hardly be willing to experiment with a young newcomer in his side in the midst of a crowded relegation battle.  At this point, however, it looks as if those fears have been allayed, as Coyle has clearly shown an intent to utilize his new signings in an effort to find the best lineup down the stretch.

As fans, all we can really for is that our players get the opportunity to showcase their ability.  Once given that chance, it's up to them to earn their place and perform.  If they don't, well, we really don't have much to gripe about.  But when a player is brought in yet consistently (and inexplicably) left out of game after game (see: Adu at Belenenses), that's when we start to get a little antsy.  Luckily, Stu has been given that chance, and, even more fortunate for the USMNT and its fans, he's really grabbed the bull by the horns.

For those who missed it, Bolton played Tottenham on Wednesday in a very one-sided FA Cup fixture.  Owen Coyle's side, without a few key players in the lineup, was completely outmatched, and their execution in the final third was inept, to say the least.  But throughout the 4-0 drubbing, there was one bright spot for the visitors: a young midfielder playing with energy and skill; none other than Stuart Holden.  Had his teammates delivered any bit of quality finishing, Holden could have very well had a couple of assists in his debut.  Regardless, it was a strong performance that continued on for the full 90 minutes despite the lopsided score line, and it had most believing that he had at least earned himself a substitute appearance this weekend.

Fast forward to this morning, and it was #25 lining up in the center of the midfield for Bolton in a crucial six-pointer against Wolves.  Once again, Coyle was giving Stu his chance, and after that, it was up to him to prove his mettle.  And once more, it was the Aberdeen native showing poise and comfort on the big stage, looking like a player that has been in the EPL for an entire season, rather than barely a month.  He made aggressive runs in the attacking third, searching for the ball and attracting attention from both sides.  He was able to put himself in good positions to get a shot off on several occasions, and although none of his efforts really tested Marcus Hahnemann, they were bright flashes of offense from a struggling Bolton attack that had scored just 1 goal in its previous 7 games.

Holden's contributions did not end there, though, as he served in a number of quality corners and free kicks throughout the match.  He nearly set up a goal when a hard in-swinger found the head of a teammate inside the six, and one of his services nearly snuck into the far corner after going through the box untouched.  Perhaps the best part of his game today, though, was the timely and tireless work he turned in at the defensive end.  There were numerous instances where Stu made intelligent defensive plays to help stifle the Wolves attack.  Whether it was reading a pass, quickly doubling an attacker and stripping him, or closing down quickly to prevent a shot, Holden made his presence felt in his own half, doing his part in what ended up being a clean sheet victory.  It was a complete, box-to-box performance, which has rightfully earned praise from several publications and his manager, who said:

"I thought Stuart was great again. He has a lot about him, a real hunger and a desire...I am delighted how he has gone about it. He was a bundle of energy and his set-play delivery was terrific. It is an added bonus for us." 

Of course, there is still plenty of room for improvement.  But the bottom line is that Stuart Holden did exactly what he needed to do: when given his opportunity, he made the most of it.  I expect Holden to get the nod next time around, and I fully expect him to earn consistent minutes over a good stretch of games (as a sub or a starter).  Relegation battles can often sap the life out of a team, as they constantly go home with disappointing results and teeter on the brink of the drop.  So when a player like Stu comes along and injects life into the heart of the midfield, you have to figure that Owen Coyle has taken notice and will continue to ride that energy in the coming weeks.

As for the second half of that Dynamo duo, Ricardo Clark has still yet to make his Bundesliga debut for Frankfurt.  But fear not, because the Georgia native was on the bench today and has earned some praise from his coach for his work in training.  Let's hope that Rico gets his own opportunity soon.  And, like his former midfield partner back in Houston, let's hope he takes advantage of it and stakes a serious claim to some more minutes down the stretch.

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