The former USMNT defender stirs controversy with claims about the national team's potential against Premier League sides
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ToggleAlexi Lalas, former USMNT defender and current soccer analyst, has ignited a debate in the soccer community with his comments about the U.S. men's national team's potential against Premier League sides. The American believes that the USMNT could beat every Premier League barring Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City.
“Keep in mind that the United States as we stand today, we were talking about ranking earlier, are 16th in the world. We know and we have followed this team, so for example, if I bring up the EPL, I think the USMNT right now, as we stand today, can beat everybody all the way up to… that juggernaut or that log-jam between sixth and like 10th or something,” Lalas said on his State of the Union podcast. “I think they could beat everybody up to – OK literally, I even think they could beat Chelsea – so I’m talking about Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool. I think they could beat everybody else.”
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Lalas' comments come at a time when the USMNT is experiencing a resurgence in talent and confidence. With several key players featuring in top European leagues, including the Premier League, there's a growing belief that the gap between the national team and elite club sides is narrowing.
That is echoed by the fact that the USMNT are currently ranked 16th in FIFA’s world rankings, ahead of Senegal, Switzerland, Denmark and several other sides.
The USMNT will have the opportunity to prove themselves on the international stage in upcoming competitions, including the CONCACAF Nations League. Mauricio Pochettino’s side face Panama this month in the Nations League semifinal after beating Jamaica 4-2 in the quarterfinals.