Football
Dan Kilpatrick, Tottenham Correspondent 8y

DeAndre Yedlin improved at Sunderland - Jurgen Klinsmann

DeAndre Yedlin improved as a player during his loan spell at Sunderland, according to United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

Yedlin, 22, spent the season on loan at the Stadium of Light from Tottenham, making 23 league appearances and playing a key role as Sam Allardyce's side beat the drop.

The right-back is part of the USA squad for this summer's Copa America Centario and he starred as they beat Puerto Rico 3-1 in a warmup friendly on Sunday.

Spurs legend Klinsmann believes Yedlin improved on Weirside and hopes he enters this summer's tournament full of confidence.

"We're thrilled about his season because he broke through at Sunderland and Sunderland's not an easy spot to play at, especially when they're fighting relegation," Klinsmann said.

"I think for DeAndre this was a big learning year and made him stronger, made him better and hopefully also more confident.

"With what he's going through, he's still a very young player and it couldn't have gone any better during the season.

"Most importantly, Sunderland were not relegated. They saved themselves and he played a vital role in that with an awesome coach, Sam Allardyce, so he gets a big confidence boost and now he has to confirm this good form at the Copa America."

Spurs are well-stocked at right back and Yedlin has been linked with a permanent move to Sunderland this summer.

The former Seattle Sounders player has refused to rule out a return to the Stadium of Light but is focussed on the Copa America Centario for now.

"It's definitely a door I would not close," Yedlin told Goal.com.

"I would not mind going back to Sunderland. I had a great time there. I'm keeping all doors open, I don't want to shut any right now.

"I don't want to close any doors right now. I'll just keep my head down and perform at Copa America. Obviously if I can have a good tournament here it'll impress a lot more people."

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