U.S. Under-23 National Team midfielder Richie Ledezma has joined PSV Eindhoven’s first team for training camp in Qatar, joining a growing list of American prospects who head into the winter with opportunities to stake their claims to first-team places.
Sources tell SBI that the U.S. Men’s National Team wanted to call in Ledezma for its January camp, but PSV’s decision to bring Ledezma to its first-team camp in Qatar kept the teenager from accepting Berhalter’s invitation.
Ledezma is coming off a big year that included an impressive showing at the Under-20 World Cup. His performance against France in the Under-20 World Cup Round of 16 cemented his status as one of the most talented young midfielders in the USMNT pipeline.
He has since parlayed that into a regular starting role with PSV’s second team, Jong PSV. The Real Salt Lake academy product has settled in as a playmaker, playing well enough to earn a call-up to the U.S. Under-23 national team, and catch the attention of Berhalter, as well as the Mexican Football Federation, which has made inquiries in the past to the Phoenix, Arizona native.
The 19-year-old central midfielder has made an impressive recovery from a foot injury that sidelined him for six months, from the fall of 2018 to spring of 2019. The injury cost him a chance to play in the Concacaf Under-20 Championships, and almost cost him a place on the U.S. Under-20 World Cup Team.
He has since rebounded well and is on the verge of breaking through with PSV’s first team. He has already made it to PSV’s first-team bench for official matches, but is still waiting for his first-team debut.
An attacking 4 of Pulisic, Sargent, Weah & Ledezma could become a very potent attack for many, many years if they continue to progress.
When you add in McKennie & Addams as ball winning CM’s and Dest & A. Robinson as outside backs there are the makings of a very strong XI in the making.
–
What we need now is for these players to stay healthy and continue their development.
–
Where I get nervous/concerned are the back-ups. There appears to be a fairly steep drop-off from our potential starting XI and the next in line. I’m hoping that a few more of the youngsters take the steps necessary to elevate their game…..
Great player on a different level. Great passing ability with through balls and great ability to turn around with the ball and playing under defensive pressure. The future is very bright these young kids are way ahead of MLS 1st team play. Playing in Europe is just a faster more offensive style of play. MLS is improving but still not close to European top leagues like premier la liga bundesliga erevedise.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e__HF3p1glI
–
Lets see if he can break into an Eredivisie league first team and get regular minutes. He looks comfortable on the ball, with good passing and ball control. Hope this is his breakout year with PSV Eindhoven
Really like Richie since I saw him in the USL a couple years ago. My only concern is 2g and 1a in 19 matches this year and those were all in one game.
I am sure PSV sees much more in his potential than just his stats. He has all the right tools to be something special. If he continues on this path I just hope the USSF doesn’t screw it up. The one i want to keep my eye on is Gloster. If he can just get to the first team i believe USMNT will have the starting left back for years to come.
Babyshinguards: What I’m saying is if he’s going to contribute for the national team in the immediate future he needs to finish these chances. Obviously with better teammates with the PSV first team or the full NT some of his passes get finished. We need more Pulisic types to develop who score and assist not Nagbe’s that pull off pretty dribbles and passes that result in nothing.