Player Profiles: (5) John O’Brien

Born: 29th August, 1977

Hometown: Playa del Ray, California

Height: a tiny 5′8″

Weight: 145 lbs

Caps: 29 (3 goals)

World Cups: 1

Clubs: Chivas USA (2006-present), ADO Den Haag (2005-2006), Ajax Amsterdam (1994-2005), loan to FC Utrecht (1998-99)

College: -

Positions: DM (he might only be a little fella but positional sense and determination make him an effective defensive mid) CM (great technique, vision, passing and pace make him just as good going forward) LM (nice left foot makes him dangerous) LB (another player who can play left back, though prefers midfield)

Highlights:

• Being selected for Ajax youth academy is no mean feat, especially for an American in the mid ’90s
• 2001/2 Dutch league champion with Ajax

Lowlights:

• Endless, endless injuries. O’Brien missed most of the 2000/1, 2003/4 and 2004/5 seasons.

Arena says: “I wouldn’t label him versatile or durable right now. He hasn’t really played. If he stays injury-free over the next six weeks he’ll be a good player. There’s a chance he can make it. He’s worth the gamble.”

Assessment: Difficult to tell if he’ll be match fit, Arena has taken a gamle. But even if he can only come on to relieve Reyna or Mastroeni, his undoubted class will be a great asset.