He was considered the new James Rodriguez, but Colombia let him go and now he will play for USMNT

After FC Cincinnati midfielder Frankie Amaya tested positive for COVID-19, Gregg Berhalter called up this young midfielder as a replacement. He had represented Colombian national team at youth levels, playing the U-20 World Cup last year and reaching quarterfinals.

However, USMNT will be the one to finally give him the opportunity to play international football at senior level. This promising, smart and quick player has been compared with James Rodriguez at the beginning of his career, and has been a revelation in this MLS season.

After reaching East semifinals with Orlando City, Andrés Perea has entered into Berhalter’s list, according to U.S. Soccer statement on Twitter. The 20-year-old midfielder was born in Tampa and never played for Colombian senior team, so he is still able to play for USMNT.

Perea arrived in Orlando in January from Atletico Nacional and left a good impression among the fans. Before he can appear in the friendly against El Salvador, he must fill a request to switch national teams.