There is a growing trend for the best players in Major League Soccer to be snapped up by top European clubs. The league was thought of as something of a talent wasteland in the past, but there has been a shift, albeit a slow one.
If we look at the likely USMNT roster for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, there are at least 16 names who play their soccer outside of the United States. That’s not ideal for fans of MLS franchises but, in all honesty, the situation can only help to improve the national side.
Who will be next? Here are some players who could earn a big money move on the back of impressive performances in the upcoming tournament.
USMNT Rated
These players will get more of a chance to impress if their team can go deep into the competition. In the initial stages of Qatar 2022, the USA has been drawn into a tough section alongside England, Wales, and Iran.
With England likely to top the group and Iran set to struggle, the second qualifying slot could come down to a straight battle between USMNT and Wales. It will be a tight contest: The majority of sports betting sites list the Welsh as marginal favorites to progress, while Head Coach Gregg Berhalter’s US team is only just behind.
The markets are supplied by sportsbooks affiliated with ArabianBetting.com. They are available to anyone and the figures are backed up by useful information including news stories and blog posts.
Odds will adjust and, if any reader feels it’s time to get involved, it’s easy to stake on the World Cup. Betting operators on the ArabianBetting recommended panel can accept new players and many lists a generous welcome package to get things moving.
Qualifying bets will be needed and a range of deposit providers are there when it comes to adding funds. Help options are in place if they are required, while extra add-ons are available moving forward.
Additional promotions, mobile app betting, and a selection of other sports are likely to be in place. It’s an essential site for anyone betting on the World Cup, but who are the key players for USMNT in Qatar?
Jesus Ferreira
In his first 15 internationals for the United States National Team, Jesus Ferreira has scored seven goals. The 21-year-old plays his domestic soccer with FC Dallas and, while his MLS record is more modest, that’s an impressive start at the international level.
There are surprisingly few transfer links involving the striker, but a positive display at the World Cup will change that situation.
Zack Steffen
He’ll have some competition but, at the other end of the pitch, Zack Steffen is likely to start as Coach Berhalter’s first-choice goalkeeper. He’s currently on the books of English Champions Manchester City but was loaned out to Middlesbrough at the start of the season.
It will be tough for any keeper to break into that City side and a solid World Cup could lead to a permanent deal elsewhere.
Ricardo Pepi
Striker Ricardo Pepi is another player who has already left MLS. He’s on the books at FC Augsburg in Germany but is currently on loan with Dutch side Groningen. While in Holland, he’s impressed with five goals in his first six games.
At 19 years of age, Pepi has 12 caps for USMNT and his fast start in the Netherlands, backed by an impressive World Cup, could lead to that big money deal.
DeAndre Yedlin
It’s strange that DeAndre Yeldin has become a regular in the USA team, yet he’s been unable to nail down a career outside of the country. Yedlin left Seattle Sounders in 2015 and subsequently played for three English clubs before moving to Galatasaray in Turkey.
He’s never been consistently chosen for the first team at Spurs, Newcastle United or Sunderland. The 29-year-old is now back in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami and has been a more effective defender for Coach Phil Neville’s side.
Yedlin may, however, feel that he has a point to prove in English football and, if he can help USMNT stay tight in defense, he may just get one more opportunity after the World Cup.
