“This Is Compliment” – Ex-USMNT Stars Support Thierry Henry’s Criticism of Current Roster’s Inferiority

“I thought the American-based players in the MLS were better than the American players now in the MLS.” These words speak for themselves but for context, this is what Thierry Henry recently remarked to ex-forward Mike Grella about the lack of good American-born MLS talents in the current USMNT roster, unlike previous generations. While this claim is already sending shockwaves in the soccer world, Jimmy Conrad and Charlie Davies rather look to be on the same page.

The former Star and Stripes players believes that Henry is right to judge the lowliness of the ‘Golden Generation’ of players that are from the MLS. Of course, that’s because Conrad and Davies themselves were a part of USMNT’s historic squad and did their most in the MLS. Regardless, the singing from the same hymn sheet came in the CBS Sports Golazo America‘s Call It What You Want podcast.

“I think this is a compliment for me [Conrad] and you [Davies] that the American players that were playing in MLS when Titi was playing, they were different. 100% built different,” said Conrad, acknowledging the commendation. Interestingly, Davies agreed with his fellow co-host and succinctly added, “Titi knows a thing or two about football.”

Both former American stars agree with Thierry’s claim that, compared to previous generations of national teams, there are no top American-born players in MLS who are actually part of the current generation, often referred to as the ‘Golden‘ one. Then again, Conrad added, “So I have nothing but the highest regard for those sentiments for Mr. Thierry Henry. The guy knows, he’s been around and I agree with him on that.”

This is surely a subtle dig at the current American-born players representing their respective MLS teams. Unfortunately, instead of thriving in their own nation’s domestic league, the majority of players on the national team now represent European clubs, such as Christian Pulisic at AC Milan and Tyler Adams at Bournemouth.

Though playing at such a high level with foreign clubs is itself an achievement, Henry still knows that won’t be enough for the USMNT to end their on-pitch woes.

Thierry Henry demands a ‘collective’ effort from USMNT to strive despite big-name players and coach

The root of this discussion stems from the recent episode of the CBS Sports Golazo Champions League show, where Thierry Henry was asked whether he sees the USMNT breaking out of their worst stretch. In response, Henry said, “Well, that depends on Pochettino and what he’s going to do with the team.”

The French U23 coach claims that people often target the main guy in the team, like Pulisic. However, Henry believes that isn’t how a team can achieve success. “When you’re the main man, people are going to wonder what you’re doing or not. I think it’s a collective thing for me when I watch them play.”

Henry was also displeased with the Mikey Varas-led team’s display against Canada and New Zealand. He rather praised Jesse Marsch for proving himself to the CanMNT. “It’s been the story for a very long time. I played there and I know how it is,” added the Arsenal icon, underlining the lack of American-born MLS players in the current USMNT squad.