Julie Ertz provides USWNT & Vlatko Andovoski with versatility in opening World Cup game

Julie Ertz lined up in a new position for the US women's national team in their 2023 Women's World Cup opening game against Vietnam, and head coach Vlatko Andonovski praised her versatility.

Ertz has become a reliable presence in the middle of the park for the US, making over 100 appearances for her country while playing her part in the 2015 and 2019 World Cup triumphs.

Now, the 31-year-old has been called on to play in a new position, center-back, for the first as Becky Sauerbrunn is missing the tournament through injury. Even though Ertz is not all to familiar with the position, she excelled and helped the US keep a clean sheet against Vietnam.

"When we knew that Becky is not going to be able to make it, that’s something we started looking into even deeper," Andonovski said after the win against Vietnam. "We had a conversation with Julie before we even tried, did a lot of work before we got into (pre-World Cup) camp in terms of video analysis."

Since Ertz typically plays as a midfielder, her passing range is top-notch, which comes into play when moving the ball up the field from the defense as the USA had 66% possession of the ball in their opening game.

"I think that today it showed how good she can be in the backline in possession and out of possession. So I’m glad we made that decision and I know that the back line is just going to get better and better going forward," the US boss said.

Not only is her passing ability and defensive ability admired within the team, Ertz' leadership qualities were also prominent as she was partnering Naomi Girma in defense, who made who World Cup debut against Vietnam.

"It was great playing with Julie - a lot of communication, she has so much experience back there,"Naomi Girma explained to the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I think us developing our partnership and our relationship will be huge."

The USWNT now prepares to take on the Netherlands in a re-match of the 2019 World Cup final on July 26, and it looks to be an entertaining game at the Sky Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand.

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