“What has he done to deserve it?” - MLS icon Alexi Lalas questions Pochettino over ‘Ronaldo-type’ situation involving USMNT teenager's call up

USMNT legend Alexi Lalas has criticized the inclusion of Diego Kochen in the USMNT squad, calling it a ‘Ronaldo-type’ situation. The 18-year-old is one of 25 players invited by Mauricio Pochettino for the USMNT’s November CONCACAF Nations League clashes.

Kochen plays for Barcelona Atletic and received his first call-up to the senior national team in September. The La Masia academy graduate, however, has yet to make an appearance for the USMNT.

Crystal Palace's Matt Turner is the USMNT's first-choice goalkeeper. However, Turner's lack of regular playing time at the club level and the emergence of promising talents have led Pochettino to consider other options, such as Kochen.

Speaking on his State of the Union podcast, Lalas opined that the young goalkeeper has not made any significant contributions to deserve a place in the national team. He questioned Kochen’s inclusion and referenced Cristiano Ronaldo's recent inclusion in Portugal’s national team despite his decline with age.

“Is this a Ronaldo-type situation where we’re just planning ahead?” he asked.

“What has he done to deserve it?” the former USMT defender continued.

Lalas added that only players who have proven themselves in one capacity or the other should be invited to the national team.

“Shouldn’t you be selecting individuals who can truly compete?” he asked.

The USMNT will play Jamaica in a two-legged CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals on November 14 and 18, respectively. It will be Pochettino’s first set of competitive games since he was appointed head coach in September.

Cristiano Ronaldo receives highest accolade in Portuguese football

Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo was recently honored with the prestigious Platinum Quinas trophy. The award given by the Portuguese Football Federation recognizes his exceptional career and contributions to the nation on the international stage.

The 39-year-old is his Portugal's all-time leading goalscorer with 133 goals in 216 appearances. He also captained Portugal to their 2016 European Championship triumph and the UEFA Nations League in 2019.

The Al-Nassr star is the top goalscorer of all time (908) and will look to add to his tally in Portugal's upcoming UEFA Nations League clashes with Poland (November 15) and Croatia (November 18).