Some dual or multinational players have an exotic or glamorous aura, especially if they were born, raised or developed overseas in countries whose footballing pedigree exceeds the USA’s. Yunus Musah is a prime example. Yes, the midfielder was born in New York City. But he spent his childhood in Italy and his prime developmental years at Arsenal. He captained England’s U-18 national team and at 17 (he just turned 18), he was already making an impact at Valencia.
When U.S. national team coach Gregg Berhalter and his staff were able to entice Musah to join the squad for last month’s camp and friendlies in Wales and Austria, it represented a bit of a coup.