The former USMNT defender raises questions about Musah's ability, place for club and country
Lalas questions Musah's USMNT squad status for 2026 World CupAnalyst suggests summer transfer likely for AC Milan midfielderMusah's struggles at Milan fuel speculation about his futureAFPWHAT HAPPENED
Following Yunus Musah’s early substitution against Fiorentina last weekend, several pundits have given their own opinions about the 22-year-old midfielder. The U.S. international was hooked after 23 minutes following an error that led to opener, although Milan eventually managed to walk away with a 2-2 draw.
In light of that, Alexis Lalas, a former USMNT star, has cast doubt on Musah's automatic inclusion in Mauricio Pochettino's national team in the future.
“It's a rough day,” Lalas said on his podcast, . “And if it had happened to, you know, let's say Christian Pulisic or Weston McKennie, you would not give grace, but you would be much more inclined to just say, 'Hey, it's one of those days.' Every player, regardless of who you are, has one of those days. However, this comes in the midst of a reassessment of Yunus Musah and what he is – and it's always relative to what he was and when he burst on the scene, obviously very, very young, but it wasn't all about potential.
“There was plenty of talk about potential, but it was what he was doing in the moment and especially in that midfield for the the U.S.. Now we're at a point where we are questioning whether he is even going to start for the U,S.. And I think a real fair and valid argument for others to potentially start over him when it comes to the U.S. And it's not going well from a club perspective.”
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Lalas added that Musah’s time at AC Milan may be over, with a potential move in the summer.
“Now again, as I've said time and time again, form is fallacy – or it can be fallacy out there in terms of what you were doing with your club team," Lalas said. "It doesn't always translate either in a positive way or a negative way. So there's nothing to say that Musah can't go with the U.S. men's national team and provide help and be good and in this case, be better than what is happening with the club perspective."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Musah's situation at AC Milan reflects the challenges many young American players face when competing for spots in elite European clubs.
The 22-year-old has endured a tough season at this term, struggling to impose himself due to various reason.
Getty ImagesWHAT’S NEXT?
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Musah's situation at AC Milan. His performances for going forward will be closely watched by the USMNT coaching staff to gauge the 22-year-old’s levels.
The Rossoneri face Udinese next in the Serie A on April 10 and then host Atlanta BC on April 20.
