Some notes from Sciaretta on Maloney
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ASN has spoken with
Lennard Maloney twice. The first was ahead of his first U.S. U-20 camp in 2018 (he played in two U-20 camps that fall and those have been his only U.S. call-ups at any age level until now). The second interview
was this past July ahead of his first Bundesliga season with FC Heidenheim. He said that in the last game of the 2022/23 season when Heidenheim was promoted in a dramatic win. Maloney was forced out of the game early in the second after a collision knocked him unconscious. But he was able to sit on the bench and watch his team prevail.
He said that when he realized his team was being promoted, his first thoughts were on being in a better position to make the U.S. national team.
“Everybody says it and I mean it too - it's an honor to play for your country,” Maloney said. “When we won that last game, it was one of my first thoughts, too. The World Cup is coming up soon. What better way could there be than playing in your own country in front of your family and friends? It is also a goal that I have to play for the United States. I'd be more than honored to get that call and step into the plane, fly over. But in the end, the coach decides. If he needs me, I'll be there. Otherwise, I'll just keep watching all the games.”
Last season with Heidenheim, Maloney switched positions from central defense to defensive midfield. He said he enjoyed the switch when it was implemented by Heidenheim coach
Frank Schmidt.
“He came to me, ahead of the Hannover game where one of our midfielders got injured during the week and he said we want to try something,” Maloney explained. “That game was pretty good. From there, every minute I got more in midfield was making me better. I've learned a lot - like getting more comfortable with the ball and seeing more space and passing and where you have to pass and stuff like that. But I think putting me in midfield was a good thing.”
What can American fans expect from Maloney?
For one, he covers a lot of ground but is not particularly fast. He probably won’t be able to play as a lone No. 6. He is very defensive in nature and is an excellent shield in front of the backline. He works extremely hard in his dual winning, aerials, and in the physical side of the game.
He is regarded as an excellent teammate and an easy player to get along with.