Fun fact: the U.S. Men’s National Team was the second-youngest squad across the 2024 Copa America and UEFA Euro, with an average age of 25.2 years. This is certainly quite reassuring, and fans can confidently say that the nation’s future is in good hands. Among the diverse group of players preparing for the 2026 World Cup showdown, Aiden Morris’s name stands out like a beacon. In fact, his potential is so bright that he has even shared some ‘unbelievable‘ plans for his career ahead, sending a clear message not just to Mauricio Pochettino but to Real Madrid as well.

The talented midfielder is one of the lucky players to be playing in Europe. Trying his luck in the second-best league in England, the Championship, Morris is doing just fine at Middlesbrough, having arrived earlier this summer from Columbus Crew. However, the 22-year-old isn’t here to settle for less, as he finally answered the question, which may bring you a bit of nostalgia; ‘Where do you see yourself in five years?’

Interestingly, the USMNT midfielder boldly replied, “I was talking to my brother [Jake Morris, who plays for USLC’s Louisville City], I told him the pinnacle of your career is playing for Real Madrid and wearing that white kit. But honestly, I don’t have a ceiling. I’m just taking it day by day”, as compiled by @golz_tv on X and via CBS Sports.

While it may sound like Aiden is a die-hard Madridista, he has another big club close to his heart while growing up. “As a young kid growing up, I was a big supporter of Manchester United. Playing for that club would be unbelievable,” said the Fort Lauderdale, Florida-born player. Then again, Morris knows what it takes to turn these dreams into reality. “I’m just taking it day by day, staying in the presence and focusing on my growth. If I just keep that mentality, it would take me a long way,” he added in his self-pep talk, before again giving hints and flirting with Los Blancos.

“But yeah, wearing that white kit would be pretty sweet too,” concluded Aiden. Be that as it may, it’s certainly quite a strong message from the youngster to his favorite clubs. Perhaps with the help of a little bit of guidance from Mauricio Pochettino can help make his case for either United or Madrid—also the very clubs that the USMNT boss has faced several times in his club career and even defeated them. Surely, Mauricio must have faith in Morris, just like the player had in him during his worst!

Mauricio Pochettino must repay the faith Aiden Morris had put in the USMNT boss

To remind you, shortly after USMNT secured their debut 2-0 win over Panama under Mauricio Pochettino, they lost against Mexico with a similar scoreline. While it dragged the former PSG boss into the negative limelight, Aiden Morris was one of the names to have stepped forward and saved his boss from the criticism.

“It’s early days. It’s tough you know. You work with such a talented coach and he has to fit in, in the span of four days before your first game. But I think the main thing was just the competitive piece,” said the midfielder, insisting the correct mentality will help the team get back on track. Perhaps, the upcoming doubleheader in the CONCACAF Nations League vs Jamaica may see them correct these mistakes. In the meantime, let’s see how Aiden Morris turns his dream into reality.