United States Men's national Soccer Team News

Qatar 2022: "Choose with your heart" says Berhalter as Mexico eyes Alex Méndez

By Hector Garcia

The battle for the recruitment of Mexican-American dual nationals continues to simmer.

The battle for the recruitment of Mexican-American dual nationals continues to simmer.

Síguenos enSíguenos en Google News

The Mexican national team has several players in its sights to represent the national team in different commitments. Alex Méndez, a Mexican-American player who is dazzling in the Old Continent, is playing for Vizela, a team in Portugal's first division.

More Mexican national team News:

Qatar 2022: Marcelo Flores' new pressure on Tata Martino: "I want to go to the World Cup"

The 21-year-old caught the attention of El Tri after scoring a goal against Porto last weekend; however, he was unable to get the win as Vizela lost 4-2.

What did Berhalter say regarding Mendez?

“The thing is, I always say, I want them to choose with their heart. I want them to feel good about it,” he explained. “And could you imagine growing up with parents and having a really strong cultural background and then being able to play for the country of that background? I think that's special. Even though the United States has given them that opportunity, there's still this deep connection to their country, and some of them have to leave their country and want to go back, but they can't. And so for me, if a guy really chooses that, I'm happy. I'm happy for him because that's what he feels in his heart.”

Berhalter has built a solid recruiting track record during his tenure with the USMNT, convincing talents such as Yunus Musah, Tim Weah, Sergiño Dest, Ricardo Pepi, Jesus Ferreira, and Jordan Pefok to represent the Stars and Stripes. However, there have been some major defections, most notably to Mexico, with MLS prospects Julian Araujo, Efrain Alvarez, and David Ochoa among them.

Alex Méndez has already played with the U.S. national team

The soccer player began his professional career with the LA Galaxy; however, recruiters from Ajax of the Netherlands brought him to the team in the Old Continent. Despite this, he failed to make his debut in the Eredivisie.

Then, the 21-year-old ended up signing for Portugal's Vizela: so far, he has already made 25 appearances, 15 of which have been starts, along with one goal.

In 2019, Méndez was part of the United States U-20 national team that lost in the Round of 16 against Ecuador; however, according to FIFA regulations, this type of callup does not count for senior national teams, so if Mexico wants to call him up, there will be no problem.

More Mexican national team News:

Qatar World Cup 2022: “The Mexican national team should call Chicharito” the statement of Héctor Moreno

 


More news