Spurs speedster hoping summer internationals will kick-start his club career

DeAndre Yedlin has been very patient waiting for his chance at Tottenham Hotspur, and it didn't come during the regular season. Crammed on the bench behind Eric Dier and Vlad Chiriches, Yedlin only played one match for Tottenham, an eleven minute cameo in Spurs' home loss to Aston Villa this spring. But in an interview posted on Tottenham's website, the American right back said he hopes the experience gained in Spurs' post-season tour and a busy summer will help him kick on into next year's Premier League season.

"It's been a great chance to bond with the team, to see a different side to the players and get to see different cities and cultures. I never thought I'd be in Sydney this time of year. It was really enjoyable to be out here and great to play in both matches...

It's been an interesting first few months here for me and I see it as a very positive time. Obviously I came here to play but I came to learn as well and these six months have been great, I've really learnt a lot already."

Yedlin is expected to have a busy summer of international football. A mainstay on Jurgen Klinsmann's USA squads, Yedlin is already with his American teammates for tomorrow's friendly match against the Netherlands, and Wednesday's friendly against Germany in Cologne. In addition, he's expected to make the USA squad and feature in July's CONCACAF Gold Cup competition.

"We've a lot of football coming up with these friendlies and then the Gold Cup, if I'm selected. But I'm already excited about next year. It will be a clean slate when we come back, so hopefully I will do well during the international break and I'll come back flying next season."

An impressive showing in the off-season might just be what Yedlin needs to get a jump on the 2015-16 EPL season. With Kyle Walker an injury risk and the possibility of Vlad Chiriches being sold this summer, there's an opening for Yedlin to make his mark on the team. Rumors of Spurs' interest in signing Burnley's Kieran Trippier may further complicate Tottenham's right back situation and lead to more competition for the position.

Now that Yedlin's had half a year to settle in London, get to know his teammates, and train with Spurs' first team, it's even more important for him to grab whatever opportunities he can to impress Mauricio Pochettino. Two good outings in Malaysia and Sydney were a good start; a solid performance in international matches this summer would be even better.