Darlington Nagbe scored an absolute screamer for the Columbus Crew, last Thursday.
The goal came as no surprise considering his recent form with the Crew, Nagbe has been the talk of the town.
He is one of the most talented players the United States has ever produced, but along with the talent comes frustration.
From Liberia, through Europe, to US Soccer
He was born in Liberia during the First Liberian Civil War, but when he was five months old, his mother took him and his older brother to Europe where her husband was playing - Liberian international Joe Nagbe. The family reconnected after fleeing the violence, moving around wherever Joe was playing. His career took the family across Europe to France, Germany and Greece. When Darlington was 10, his father moved to the United States, and the family came along.
It was there where Darlington truly fell in love with the beautiful game. He was a star in high school, helping it win the Regional Title every year of his studies there. He was recruited by Caleb Porter to play college football at the University of Akron, which is close to where the Nagbe family lived in Lakewood, Ohio. The local boy quickly became the star, and with the help of some other future MLS players, the college program became one of the best in the country. In his third and final year at the University of Akron, Nagbe led the Zips to their first NCAA Division I Championship.
2011 also started well for Nagbe. He was selected by expansion club Portland Timbers with the second pick in the MLS SuperDraft, with his first professional goal eventually being named MLS Goal of the Year. However, the Timbers struggled in their first two seasons in MLS, and Nagbe was only able to show glimpses of his immense talent. This led to a coaching change in Oregon.
The Timbers brought in Caleb Porter, Nagbe’s coach in college. Along with soon-to-become club legend Diego Valeri, the Timbers found success and finished first in the Western Conference. Nagbe became a dominant force in midfield, notably gliding past defenders and showing good overall form.
A Football Star and a Citizen
2015 was a big year for Nagbe and the Timbers. After a miraculous run of barely clinching a playoff spot, the Timbers went on to win their first MLS Cup. Nagbe was on the starting lineup on all but one match through the entire season and was incredibly important during the playoffs as he played every minute. 2015 was also a big year personally, as in September Nagbe earned his US Citizenship, making him eligible for the United States Men’s National Team. In November he made his debut coming on as a substitute against St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
2016 saw Nagbe continue his excellent form in MLS, and become a National Team regular. He scored his first national team goal in a May friendly against Ecuador, which led to Jurgen Klinsmann calling him up for the Copa America Centenario. His excellent play attracted attention from Europe. He was even on the brink of moving to Scottish powerhouse Celtic. His form got USMNT fans very excited for the upcoming World Cup Qualifying.
After the USMNT failed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia, fingers were pointed at Nagbe. He was criticized for passing the eye test but never actually being that good. He would show moments of brilliance and then be absent for a large portion of a match. He is part of a disappointing generation of US football talent who couldn’t achieve much in their prime.
One of the MLS’ Best
2017 was a frustrating year for him. After an excellent regular season, the Timbers had a disappointing playoff run. When Caleb Porter left the Timbers, Nagbe was traded to Atlanta United for more than $1 million.
After a promising start under Tata Martino, he was injured and out for four months. During his recovery, Atlanta missed his presence in midfield. He came back just in time for the playoff push. He played a vital role for ‘The Five Stripes’ as they won the MLS Cup in just their second year of existence, beating Nagbe’s mythological ex, the Portland Timbers, in front of 70,000+ fans in Mercedes Benz Arena.
After spending 2019 with Atlanta United, Nagbe was once again on the move this time back home to Ohio. Atlanta received more than $1 million from the Columbus Crew. There was a second homecoming, as the midfielder reunited with Caleb Porter for the second time in his career.
His return enabled him to show his true colours. He controls the play for the Crew and has been the hallmark of their astounding turnaround in 2020 after a dreadful 2019. He was too dominant at the Group Stage of the MLS is Back Tournament, and although the Crew only made it as far as the Round of 16, Nagbe was one of the most impressive players of the tournament.
USMNT Is Calling
His recent form and track record surely deserve some attention from USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter. Nagbe hasn’t been called into a camp for over two years now, and won’t be soon.
While he is one of the country’s most talented midfielders, Nagbe is done with international football. Reports have it that he willingly refused call-ups, on the pretence of spending more time with his family. This report sent shockwaves through the media and fanbase what a shame to learn that this talented player will never wear the red white and blue shirt again.
From refugee to MLS stardom, from high-school star to rejecting national team call-ups, Darlington Nagbe is genuinely one of the United States’ most intriguing players.
Photo via Darlington Nagbe official Instagram account.
