Korbin Albert: is the rising midfielder the USWNT’s answer to Julie Ertz’s retirement? 

There is no denying that even before Julie Ertz’s international retirement, her absence had scarcely been filled by the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT).

The defensive midfielder was a core part of their back-to-back World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019, but when she was not in the side, they failed to replace what she brought to the team.

With games often won and lost in the middle of the park, that lack of presence in midfield could be the reason the USA have yet to find the form that led them to lift the highest honour in football on consecutive occasions.

But the emergence of 20-year-old midfielder Korbin Albert could change that. By her own admission, Albert does not necessarily operate in the same position as Ertz did, but rather as more of a ball carrier.

“My biggest thing is attacking - that’s what I like to do in the middle, really go at people and go forward with the ball, that’s who I am as a player,” she said in her first interview with current club Paris Saint-Germain.

What she does effectively, and something that does emulate one of the biggest markers of Ertz’s game, is cover a lot of the ground.

It is a trait that interim boss USA boss Twila Kilgore picked up on following her debut, saying: “You can see that she can cover a lot of ground and that’s going to help us a lot defensively.”

Perhaps most importantly, though, is the presence she has on the field both physically and mentally. Albert may only be 20, but she backs herself to be at this level.

“If I’m on the field, I’m telling myself that I’m as good as they are, and I deserve to be here,” she told the Philadelphia Enquirer.

With all the characteristics of a top midfielder, Albert could provide the USWNT with the kind of profile in midfield they have yet to replicate in the absence of Ertz.

Albert’s European experience

At just 20, Albert is playing in arguably one of the toughest club competitions: The UEFA Champions League.

In a tournament that brings together some of the best teams in Europe, Korbin is not only lining up alongside some of the best midfielders in the world but also facing them on the field.

The Parisians made it through the group stages as the top-placed team, albeit on goal differential, knocking out the likes of Bayern Munich - who boast stars such as Pernille Harder and Georgia Stanway - along the way.

She has featured in all eight of their fixtures so far, including the two-legged second-round qualifying games against Manchester United, in what is her first full season with PSG. It is a testament to her ability that not once has the youngster looked out of place, slotting in comfortably alongside some of the best in the game.

Albert has also featured in 14 of PSG’s 15 league games this term, repaying the faith manager Jocelyn Prêcheur has shown in her.

This kind of experience is invaluable for young players, greatly aiding her development. Additionally, her versatility allows her to adapt to various scenarios.

Korbin took a significant risk when she gave up her final two years of eligibility with Notre Dame to sign for the Parisians - a risk that has paid off massively and could position her as the next in line to become a USWNT regular.

Learning from the best

In the PSG midfield, Albert is flanked by arguably two of the best midfielders in the world: Grace Geyoro and Jackie Groenen.

Geyoro operates further up the field, serving as the perfect link between midfield and attack, contributing to goals with nine - and one assist - in 15 league games this season.

She excels as transition player, turning over possession and initiating attacking moves, as evidenced by her performances for both club and country over the years.

On the other side of Albert is Groenen, a Dutch maestro who often goes overlooked in the middle of the park.

Synonymous with energy and intensity, Groenen consistently maintains a high level of performance throughout the entire 90 minutes. She boasts impressive statistics such as averaging 7.5 ball recoveries per game (in 11 league appearances) and an outstanding 91% passing accuracy.

It's no surprise, then, that Albert can emulate the qualities of both players and incorporate them into her own game. With her own passing average of 85%, 4.3 ball recoveries, and a keen eye for goal too, her game is elevated alongside the duo of Groenen and Geyoro.

That is before you consider the talent pool she will likely train and play with on the international stage, too.

Some young players are displaying maturity beyond their years, and Korbin is one of them.

While interim USA boss Kilgore, and incoming manager Emma Hayes, will be keen to avoid putting too much pressure on her young shoulders, it's undeniable that Albert could become the linchpin of her national team’s midfield for years to come.

No, she isn’t an exact replica of Ertz, but as football continues to modernise, so do the roles players are tasked with.

A versatile, ambidextrous midfielder who can cover a lot of ground is exactly the kind of player the USA needs in the heart of their midfield - and, almost a decade on from their 2015 title, she is perhaps the modern equivalent of what made Ertz so crucial to that history-making American side.