Stuart Holden made his much-anticipated return from a knee injury in Carling Cup action yesterday as Bolton defeated Aston Villa 2-0 in the third round.
Holden was injured in March when Manchester United defender Jonny Evans delivered a nasty challenge to Holden’s knee, opening a cut that required nearly 30 stitches.
Though Holden did not score or provide a direct assist, he looked in good form. Even better, the former Houston Dynamo player played the entire game. Often times players returning from a serious injury need to be eased back into action, rather than going a full 90. Bolton manager Owen Coyle was impressed with Holden.
“Considering Stuart has been out for so long after an horrendous injury, for him to play with such intensity and at the level he did tonight was great.”
Coyle went on to say that his squad is much better when Holden is a part of it. The same can absolutely be said about the US National team.
The American side is off to a slow start under new coach Jurgen Klinsmann and is in need of a creative spark. Holden is certainly able to provide that. When healthy, Holden can play in the center midfield, on either flank, and in the hole behind a striker. Prior to the injury he was arguably the most in-form midfielder for Team USA.
Welcome back Stuart, now come on back to the Red, White, and Blue ASAP.
