DeAndre Yedlin named MLS All-Star after leading Inter Miami on field and barefoot walks
Every day after practice, like clockwork, Inter Miami right back DeAndre Yedlin takes off his cleats and socks and walks laps barefoot around the training ground.
It started as a ritual with goalkeeper Drake Callender and the group of teammates has grown weekly. Nearly a third of the team now does the barefoot laps. Yedlin explained it is a “grounding” exercise, a therapeutic technique that involves doing activities that ground or electrically reconnect a person to the earth.
“Me and Drake, we tend to be pretty spiritual people, so we decided to do it one day, asked if people wanted to join and slowly but surely more and more people are joining,” Yedlin said. “First off, it feels good on your feet after training. But secondly, it is a good time to socialize without phones, talk about things other than soccer, the world’s problems, or personal problems. It is therapy.”
The barefoot walks are but one example of the leadership role Yedlin has taken on since joining Inter Miami at the start of this season. The positive effect he has had on his teammates is one reason he was named on Tuesday to the MLS All-Star Game, which is being held Aug. 10 in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Yedlin was selected by MLS All-Star head coach Adrian Heath as a coach’s pick for the match against the LIGA MX All-Stars. It will be his third MLS All-Star appearance, having previously been chosen with the Seattle Sounders (2013 and 2014).
“I think he’s the best back in MLS,” said Inter Miami coach Phil Neville. “When we signed DeAndre, even though he’s not, we signed him as a DP [designated player] level of player. He embodies everything we want at this club. He is working really hard on the culture, values and identity of the team. He’s brilliant in the locker room.
“You see him walking around the perimeter with his socks off and he’s got like a cult following of players he’s influencing. He’s played in the top leagues in Europe, has great experience and he’s come here to win.”
Neville said that mentality is why Yedlin is the go-to captain when Gregore is not on the field.
“He’s infectious and has been a great example to the young boys in the locker room about what it takes to be a winner. Even though the MLS All-Star Game comes at a time when it’s a little difficult for managers to let their players go, it’s a great reward.”
Heading into Wednesday’s 8 p.m. home game against the Philadelphia Union, Yedlin has two assists, tied for third on Inter Miami despite his defensive position. He has also contributed 15 key passes, most among Inter Miami defenders and tied for 13th among all MLS defenders.
He has appeared in all 18 games, started 17 and played 1,557 minutes this season, second most on the team.
“He brings a little bit of fun factor, too, a spark and life, the hair,” Neville said of Yedlin, whose hair color has changed multiple times this season and inspired others to follow suit. “Last game they all showed up in their own clothes for the first time. He brings something a little different to the dressing room and the boys have really warmed to it.”
Yedlin was surprised by the announcement. His wife, infant daughter and best friend showed up at the club headquarters for the special moment.
“It will be good to see friends from around the league and obviously, it’s a great achievement,” Yedlin said. “But it’s not possible without my teammates. It’s just as much theirs as it is mine.”
Yedlin, 29, is not one of the oldest players on the team, but he has loads of experience after beginning his career with the Seattle Sounders, then playing in England for Tottenham, Sunderland and Newcastle, and last season with Turkish power Galatasaray. He has also a member of the U.S. national team since 2014 and is expected to play in the World Cup in Qatar this winter.
“I have grown into the leadership role because I’ve always had a good understanding of people’s situations and connect with people well,” Yedlin said. “Now, being in the position I’m in, guys tend to come to me if they have questions or problems. It’s been a good first five months here so far and I hope for it to continue.”
Yedlin and the rest of the Miami defense face a big challenge Wednesday against Philadelphia, which is second place in the Eastern Conference and coming off a 7-0 win over D.C. United. The Union has scored 29 goals and has a plus-16 goal differential. Miami is tied for the league-low with 18 goals over 18 games and has a minus-9 goal differential.
Miami is coming off a crushing 1-0 road loss at Orlando, which was won by Orlando on a stoppage time own-goal by Miami defender Damion Lowe.
“I’ve been picking the boys back up from what was a real hammer blow in the last couple of minutes in the game on Saturday,” Neville said. “Now we come up against a team that’s the in-form team in the league. I watched their game Friday night. It was mind-blowing how quickly they got out of the blocks and scored the goals.”
Forward Julian Carranza, on loan from Inter Miami, scored a hat trick for the Union. He cannot play against Miami due to a league rule that doesn’t allow loaned players to play against the team that owns their rights.
“We’re glad that Carranza can’t play,” Neville said, smiling. “We know Juli’s quality and I’m sure they’ll miss him but they’ve got many other players on that team. Jim [Curtin] is the kind of manager you can really admire because he sticks to his philosophy. That’s why they’re always at the top of the table.”
This story was originally published July 12, 2022, 12:27 PM.
