Probably not, if the coach/program thinks at that time he can really be of help. But that doesn't make waiting a 'no cost' option, in my view, assuming Dest would like to supplement a promising (hypothetically great) club career with a full international career. With us, Dest might be a star, who could contribute over several cycles. I would add in next year's Olympic Games as a signing bonus. As a contrast, Rossi only wanted to play for Italy, even if that meant never playing for Italy's full MNT. That was the right choice for him. Dest seems (logically) somewhat ambivalent, but he certainly hasn't been dismissive of us. I think if he dives into our program right now, he will get the full benefit, and it's very unlikely (imo) that 10 years from now - having chosen us at 18 - he'll wake up thinking, 'Man, I should have waited.'
Why is that good? How do we prepare for our games vs Mexico and CR? What if those were our first two games of the Hex (which is an year away)?
Because it gives him time to be improve to the point where he would be ready to start an important game against a top team. Given that he isn't ready now, but is young and hopefully improving, is it better to have a an important game vs a top quality team now, or ioneyear from now when he potentially can have a full season with Ajax's first team under our belt. Of course Dest's situation is really just a microcosm of our whole team. If Sargent gets a full season of game time at B1 level he should improve. If Pomykal moves on and gets more experience in MLS or...better yet experience in a higher level league, If Cannon moves on. If Chris Richards.... Heck, Pulisic is only 20 and McKennie is 21...they should still see significant improvement over the near term (1-3 years). A year at Chelsea...how might that benefit Pulisci? O Of course there is no guarantee but I hope you get my point. We have a very young team and as much as I disagree with some of the choices Berhalter is making I really don't think we would be on Mexico's level right now regardless of the coach. Mexico is good. Mexico has players in their prime. We have talent but most of our best players are 21 or under. another year to develop is very important and cannot be underestimated (IMO).
With Nations League, we have many more cap-tying games than friendlies going forward, so I’m not sure why we wouldn’t have time to call in and try other players.
I'm as high on the upcoming talent as anyone and hope they get fast tracked but that talent is where Mexico's was 4-8 years ago when they were winning CONCACAF tournaments and even a youth WC. They young players are much more talented but not as physically strong and much less experienced. There will be lumps to take if you play them and more if you play only the young players. Some games it will click and they will look great while other times their inexperience will show and they will be embarrassed. Of course the current peak age generation can be embarrassed too so that is why the rushing the prospects keeps coming up in the first place.
Ten Hag told newspapers when Dest received his USA invitation he called Koeman about it. He also said he doesnot know how they judged him, that's a KNVB matter.
In this article by Voetbal International explains why he called Koeman: https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/ten-hag-geeft-uitleg-over-dest-tip-aan-koeman
Offensively, Ajax is great experience for an attacking fb. Defensively, not. A glass of water can play defense for Ajax and look good.
Of course you do exchange ideas with him, but he has to make his own choice. As a Dutch trainer I want the best for Dutch football and of course I hope that he chooses Orange, but I would certainly respect a choice for America.
Meanwhile Ajax Twitter has no qualms teasing USMNT fans. You will like this one…Sergiño Dest -> 2022! 😍#Dest2022— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) September 13, 2019
If i was advising sergino, I'd have him wait to commit until very close to the Hex but actively try to play with both the USMNT and the Orange in non-cap tying camps, if possible. I'd probably rank the options at that point like this: 1. choose Netherlands if there's a high probability of being a rotation player in Euro qualifications 2. if not 1 above, choose USMNT if there's a high probability of being a rotation player in the Hex 3. if not 1 or 2 above, choose Netherlands if there's a small probability of being a rotation player in Euro qualifications 4. if not 1, 2 or 3 above, choose USMNT if there's a decent probability of being a rotation player in qualifications 5. don't commit at all and hope game improves for 2026 cycle where he'll still be young enough My guess is that he'll fall into bucket 2, 3 or 4, most likely 2.
6. (and I think there is a 70% chance of this happening) play for the U-23 qualifiers. Make it to the Olympics. This will keep NL options open and help his career immediately.
Makes a lot of sense. From what I hear, there's not much better than being an Olympian: they bring in an 18 wheeler filled with condoms for the athletes and run out of supply, if he's into that sort of thing.
Can he even do this without filing a one time switch since he has already represented the US in youth tournaments?
Dunno but I don’t think there’s a prohibition on joining camps or playing friendlies (not sure on the latter in particular)
Someone above mentioned we should try him as a winger. I whole heartedly endorce this idea. He looks more threatening on the ball than Morris, Arriola, Boyd ...... why not move him to that attacking wing role?
Impossible as these matches are played under UEFA/FIFA umbrella. Donot think anybody wants to have training camps with players not available for the match in preparation. Nope, he first has to file a permanent one time switch before even getting on the pitch.
So, I was correct. He can't play for Netherlands, even in a friendly, w/o being captie'd to Netherlands.
Yup. He can hop around as long as he wants in friendly USA matches, but has to stay away from official FIFA national team matches for the USA(=qualifiers or tournements) to keep himself free as a bird.