Yunus Musah on life at Milan, Christian Pulisic and the USMNT

Gregg Berhalter returned to the USMNT dugout on Saturday after a period away and his side recorded a 3-0 win over Uzbekistan. Yunus Musah, one of the youngsters tipped to lead the next generation of US stars, was one of the standout performers in the win in St. Louis.

Musah has spoken to the media at the US training camp about the USMNT and his new life in Italy, after making the move from Spanish outfit Valencia to AC Milan.

Musah wanted Milan move

Italian giants Milan paid Valencia $21.5 million to secure his services in the summer transfer window and joining the Rossoneri was the move the versatile midfielder wanted to make.

“I wanted to go there because it was like a different stage,” Musah said. “Just being able to play at the highest level - that’s my goal.”

He speaks Italian, which will help with the transition to Serie A, and lived in Italy before moving to London at the age of nine and going on to join Arsenal’s academy.

“I already had to adapt, obviously, to being at a new club. But I didn’t have to adapt to being in a new country,” he added.

Pulisic in Milan

US team-mate Christian Pulisic is also plying his trade at San Siro. The forward joined the club from Chelsea this summer and Musah is happy to have him around the place.

“It’s been really nice having Christian there,” Musah explained. “Seeing him day to day, it’s even more special. And it’s nice to have a fresh start.”

As the USMNT look to kick on under Berhalter for the second time, New York-born Musah, who is still only 20, does not feel part of the senior crop of the players - the likes of Tim Ream and Pulisic - despite already playing 28 senior games.

“It doesn’t feel like I’ve been here a while,” he said. “I’m still one of the younger ones.”

Berhalter on Musah

He has yet to score for the USA and Berhalter admits they are challenging him to do so.

“We’re challenging Yunus with final passes and goals,” the head coach admitted. “He had opportunities [last] game to make the final pass, to really make the incisive move. He had one chance on the cutback cross that he just missed. So I think he’s close.”

USA vs Oman

Next up for the USMNT is a friendly against Oman on Tuesday, September 12.