Ex-Rival Blasts USMNT Fans for Overhyping Gregg Berhalter’s Squad- “That’s the Problem in This Country”

It’s the same old story for the United States Men’s National Team. Ahead of the Copa America 2024, Greg Berhalter’s side played a warm-up friendly against their potential tournament rivals Colombia last night. The result? A 1-5 thrashing from the South American side. As the Eagles once again stumble, former rival Craig Burley has slammed USMNT fans for their ‘continuous comparison’ of the current side with their national icons.

In the latest episode of ESPN Extra Time, host Dan Thomas presented the panel of Burley alongside Shaka Hislop, a question from a netizen asking whether USMNT is even ready for the upcoming CONMEBOL tournament or was Columbia a tough side. Interestingly, the former Chelsea star presented a rather different take. “One thing I don’t understand at the moment is this continuous comparison. All of them say, ‘It is a young US team, they’re all playing at a most decent level, they’ve got talent and this is the most talented, is it? Is it really?” he asked.

The former Scottish international continued, “There are some good players, but this continues ‘Oh, this is the most [talented] side,’ that to me is disrespect. I played with and against a lot of the [US team] guys from the late 1990s and early 2000 era, the ones that almost got to your semi-final of the World Cup—proper players.”

Burley has slammed people for initially flattering the deceivers and then watching the so-called ‘super talent’ US side get ‘punch in the face,’ like they got from Colombia yesterday. “That’s the problem here in this country, sometimes with some people. They need a reality check,” he added. It looks like Burley isn’t a fan of this USMNT side, especially after last night’s blunder. He had specific remarks for certain players from Gregg Berhalter’s side.

An honest report card of USMNT youngsters following Colombia’s upset

Craig Burley then evaluated the individual progress of USMNT stars. With utmost due respect, he first raised his fingers at the Fulham duo, Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream, who are struggling with the Cottagers in the Premier League. Likewise, defender Chris Richards of Crystal Palace was also questioned regarding his failure at Bayern Munich.

While Gio Reyna was backed as a ‘good player,’ Burley believes the on-loan Nottingham star has ‘lost his way.’ Furthermore, despite goalkeeper Matt Turner being a substitute at Arsenal, he remains ditched alongside Reyna with the Tricky Trees. Notably, Timothy Weah, who scored the only goal against Colombia, was spared. Yet, no one is safe as eventually, everyone is responsible for the nation’s downfall.

Certainly, Gregg Berhalter has a lot of work to do. Otherwise, they shall prepare themselves for whatever may come at them.