Berhalter on Yunus Musah’s form: “It makes us happy for Qatar 2022″

Yunus Musah has exploded. The American midfielder is in his third season with the Valencia first team. At just 19 years old and in just four games he has already shown that this is going to be his season. Not only because of the experience he has gained in the last two seasons which has helped him grow personally and professionally, but because for the first time since he landed at the club from Arsenal, he is going to play in his position, as a midfielder and not on the wings.

USA head coach Gregg Berhalter travelled to Mestalla yesterday for Valencia’s 5-1 win over Getafe and AS caught up with him at the end of the game. “Valencia played very well, but especially Yunus, who had a great game. He is becoming a key player, getting on the ball, and he has two assists. He is on a great run of form,” said Berhalter.

The accolades are not in vain, Musah became the first American player to make two assists in a La Liga match on Sunday, something that Berhalter said “makes us happy ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar”, where he is almost guaranteed to be present in midfield.

Working under Gattuso

Asked about his new position at Mestalla (until now he had always played on the wing), Berhalter was not surprised by his performances. “For us he has always been a midfield player and it is proving that that is where he performs best, so it is perfect that with Gattuso he will play as a midfielder”.

Gattuso has been one of the main reasons for Yunus Musah’s progression and this was highlighted by the US coach himself, who spoke to the Italian after the match: “I spoke to Gattuso about Yunus’ progress. With young players it is very important that we understand how far they can go and what path they need to follow to reach their maximum level and I think Gattuso knows very well how to get the best out of him, he is doing a great job”, he concluded.