Parkhurst on Miles Robinson: “The Best One-On-One Defender I’ve Ever Played With”

Michael Parkhurst has been partnered alongside many defenders over the course of his playing career. He’s played a total of 10 seasons in MLS for 3 clubs, and appeared in more than 100 matches for Nordsjælland in Denmark’s first division. He also has 25 caps for the US Men’s National Team.

Or in the clichéd parlance of an average soccer writer like me, he’s a “wily veteran.” You’d be silly not to listen to him when it comes to the talents of his fellow defenders.

Parkhurst gave his (glowing) opinion on Atlanta United centerback Miles Robinon on BS The Podcast today:

”I think that Miles Robinson is the best one-on-one defender I’ve ever played with my entire career. I think that he’s had an absolutely tremendous season and I hope he wins [MLS] Defender of the Year.”

By the way, Parkie said this as he was being interviewed by Robinson’s main competitor for the award, Ike Opara. (Opara in turn said that he voted for Robinson.)

Parkhurst went on to heap additional praise on Miles:

”He’s gotten a lot better on the ball as well. He’s not just a guy that can pass it to the outside back. He’s really improving in that aspect. I think he’s going to be the future of the [U.S.] National Team.”

But the future will have to wait, as USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter did not call Robinson in as part of his 26-player roster for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League matches.

Robinson received his first call-up not along ago for the two friendlies against Mexico and Uruguay, but this time around, Berhalter went with centerbacks Aaron Long (NYRB), Walker Zimmerman (LAFC), Tim Ream (Fulham), and Matt Miazga (Reading).

Miazga, by the way, is still working to return to full fitness after a hamstring injury earlier this season.

For what it’s worth, Matt Doyle at MLS said it was a “slight surprise” that Miles didn’t make the roster, but he chalked it up to giving him time with the U-23s as they prepare to qualify for the 2020 Olympics.