Matt Besler started his third consecutive World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night as the USA defeated Panama 2-0. The Sporting KC defender has combined with fellow central defender Omar Gonzalez in all three of those qualifiers and conceded only one goal.
Check out some of the reviews of Besler's performance below.
ESPNFC.com's Jeff Carlisle
"Another excellent performance, be it with his passing or his tackling. Had a critical block of a close range shot in the 25th minute."
Soccer By Ives Galarcep
"Another steady showing from Besler, who made the necessary interventions and provided a consistent passing outlet while circulating the ball well. Remains the best centerback in the pool."
SI.com's Avi Creditor
"Another 90 minutes paired with Gonzalez, another stout showing for the reigning MLS Defender of the Year. Besler's early passing out of the back got Fabian Johnson and DaMarcus Beasley involved down the left-hand side and his timely defensive work, clean tackling and ball-winning made Howard's night increasingly easier. It's easy to forget Besler now has a grand total of six caps, because he is playing with the stability of a seasoned veteran."
Goal.com's Zac Lee Rigg
"Besler played several enticing long balls out of the back and popped up at key junctures to shut down chances."
Bleacher Report's Joe Tansey
"Gonzalez and Besler started alongside each other for the fifth time in their United States careers, and once again they looked like the future of the American defense. In the five matches in which the MLS-based duo have started together, the United States are unbeaten."
