Micah Richards slammed USA stars Yunus Musah, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie for their ‘naïve’ World Cup performances. They started against the Netherlands this Saturday.
The Stars and Strips faced Oranje at the Khalifa International Stadium in the first Round of 16 tie at Qatar 2022. Gregg Berhalter’s squad had secured their place in the knockouts as the runners-up from England in Group B. The Netherlands won Group A ahead of Senegal.
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Musah, Adams and McKennie have all been instrumental to the USA’s efforts at the World Cup this winter. Berhalter also handed £20m Leeds United midfielder Adams the captain’s armband ahead of the tournament. A role he lived up to and more during the group stage.
Adams was the heartbeat from the USA’s engine room against Wales, England and Iran. He set the tone for their 1-1 draw with Cymru, 0-0 stalemate with the Three Lions and 1-0 win over Team Melli. Musah and McKennie offered further impetus with Adams sitting deeper.
Richards slams USA trio Adams, Musah and McKennie for ‘naïve’ displays
Yet Adams, Musah and McKennie all disappointed Richards during the first half of the USA and the Netherlands’ World Cup tie. The former England defender tore into the trio during BBC One’s (03/12, 15:48) coverage after Berhalter’s squad went into half-time 2-0 behind.
“After the way they’ve played, with high energy, you think they’d make it that sort of game. But it wasn’t meant to be,” Richards said. “I think the USA have been very naïve. Naïve is the word I would probably use, trying to press too high, leaving gaps in behind.”
He added: “From a defensive point of view, we bigged them up before the game – Musah, Adams and McKennie. But they’re just, again, naïve in trying to press. They’re out of position and then they are running backwards instead of already being in these positions.
“You see Memphis Depay here, he’s run away from Adams. We’ve been talking about how good they have been in reading situations. But it’s just that split second, they switch off and the Dutch have really hurt them.”
McKennie did not give Tottenham a reason to sign him vs the Netherlands
McKennie’s troubles defending against the Netherlands in the USA’s World Cup tie would not have impressed Tottenham. Tuttosport reports Spurs admire the €2.5m-a-year (£41k-a-week) Juventus man. They are also in contact with the midfielder’s agent over a transfer.
Tottenham boss Antonio Conte and managing director Fabio Paratici both appreciate the 24-year-old’s ability. Yet Calciomercato also reports Juventus are pushing to sell McKennie as soon as possible for €25-30m (£21.5-26m). He only lasted 67 minutes against the Dutch.
Haji Wright took McKennie’s spot in the USA midfield in the World Cup tie as the Juventus ace did not improve after the break. Although he at least left the pitch having offered two key passes, per WhoScored. The Texan had also attempted three shots with one on target.
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