Summary of the Situation
Young midfielder Diego Luna has made the most of his opportunities with the USMNT during the Gold Cup, scoring three goals in the competition, including two against Guatemala in the semifinals. However, former USMNT star Kasey Keller has expressed reservations about the 21-year-old Real Salt Lake player`s readiness for more challenging opponents.
Kasey Keller`s Perspective
Speaking on the Futbol Americas podcast, Keller assessed Luna`s recent performances:
“So what have we seen from Diego? We’ve seen him take advantage of the opportunities he has gotten in a January camp and a Gold Cup. Because I don’t remember calling Diego Luna’s name against Turkey and Switzerland. Against European opposition that will be decent World Cup teams. We’re not talking about Spain or France or Argentina or Brazil, we’re talking about Switzerland that rolled them and Turkey that beat them. And nobody was saying ‘Hey look at the way Malik Tilman played against Switzerland or Diego Luna against Turkey.’ You’re talking about against Trinidad and against the 106th-ranked team in the world. We’re not talking against a great team.”
Keller further emphasized that success in tournaments like the Gold Cup, which he views primarily as preparation friendlies ahead of the World Cup, doesn`t fully indicate a player`s capability against top-tier competition.
“He’s giving himself a chance. But the jury is still out against difficult opposition because, to me, that is the gauge. I don’t care if the US wins the Gold Cup and flames out at the World Cup. These are all friendlies until that first match at the World Cup. And we’re trying to gauge who cares, who wants to be there and caring and being there is important. But you still have to have the quality to be able to beat good teams. There’s a reason why this national team has not beaten a European opposition since 2021. And right now, you’re seeing a side that beats a team they should beat but loses to everybody else.”
The Competitive Landscape
Luna is part of a promising group of young attackers vying for spots in the USMNT player pool. He faces significant competition for a potential place on the 2026 World Cup roster, with players like Tim Weah, Christian Pulisic, and Malik Tillman among those also seeking to secure their position.
Upcoming Fixture
Following their victory over Guatemala, the USMNT is scheduled to play Mexico in the final of the Gold Cup in Houston on Sunday.
