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Williamson is USMNT's late bloomer, the former teenage prodigy making up for lost time

Patience is an attribute that can both help and hinder a player. Careers are short, so there is value in constantly pushing for more minutes and more responsibility. Standing still can waylay a career. But there are moments when it helps to bide one's time, lay a foundation of work and shore up weaknesses in one's game, which can then result in success down the road.

Throughout his career, Eryk Williamson has had to navigate this duality, although you would never know it watching him now. With the Portland Timbers, Williamson has become a mainstay in midfield, providing a valuable link between the defensive-minded skills of Diego Chara and the more dynamic play of Diego Valeri.