Musah’s happy he switched to land of opportunities
YUNUS MUSAH will be suffering mixed emotions when he lines up against England in the World Cup tomorrow night.
New York-born Musah represented England at Under-15 level through to U18s, but made the move to represent the USA at senior level in 2020.
Musah’s decision to switch allegiances was a big blow to Gareth Southgate, who had high hopes the midfielder would choose to represent England.
But the 19-year-old, who spent seven years at Arsenal’s academy before joining Valencia in 2019, chose the US and revealed he did a great deal of soulsearching before committing himself to Gregg Berhalter’s side.
Musah said it will be a strange experience lining up in the Al Bayt Stadium against the country he moved to aged nine and one he admitted gave him so much in his formative years.
“I don’t think I know how I’m going to feel,” said Musah.
“But it’s a special game, for sure, because I’ve played for both sides.
“I made the decision because I was born in the US. That was one of the main things.
“Also, to get the opportunity at such a young age was something that I wanted to take, so it was great when the manager called me and gave me that chance.”
Musah said he was forced to take the decision to leave Arsenal at 16 because he could not see a pathway for him to the first team.
The switch has been vindicated, with him becoming a regular starter at Valencia and an automatic pick for the USA.
“That was one of the reasons I chose to move to Spain,” said Musah. “I felt at the time – maybe we’ll never know – that I wasn’t able to be in the Arsenal team so early.
“The team was really good but I felt at my age that I could play first-team football and there was the chance to move to Valencia. Things turned out great, so I’m very grateful for that.”
US keeper Matt Turner hailed his Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka as one of the biggest talents at the World Cup following his two goals in England’s 6-2 trouncing of Iran.
“It’s clear he’s one of the young stars of world football,” said Turner, below.
“He’s a top player and you don’t need me to tell anybody on our team how much of a threat he poses.
“He’s scoring in a variety of ways. He’s matured, I understand, as I’ve only worked with him for a few months.
“We’re looking forward to playing against familiar faces and, again, he’s a really good player that can change any game he’s in.”