As one of several high-potential youngsters called into the United States men’s senior national team camp, 17-year-old midfielder Adri Mehmeti isn’t letting the international stage change his unassuming personality.
Ahead of potentially receiving his first senior cap, Mehmeti just wants to let his football do the talking.
“I’m just taking it in every single day and staying humble, of course, because that’s the biggest thing as a young player, showing what I can do on the field,” he said during Wednesday’s press conference.
The United States will play four international friendlies between September 26 and October 6, starting with a meeting with Peru at Orlando’s Inter.co Stadium this Saturday.
Mehmeti, who started his journey at a 10-year-old in the Red Bull New York Academy, now finds himself training with established USMNT midfielders Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman and Sebastian Berhalter.
Mehmeti on USMNT Call-Up: ‘I Didn’t Expect It To Happen So Fast’
“The journey from where I started there to where I am now, it’s definitely been an exciting one,” Mehmeti said. “You know, I didn’t expect it to happen so fast.”
During Wednesday’s press conference, Mehmeti sat next to Adams as the pair took questions from attending and virtual media. It was fitting as Adams once made the progression from Red Bull New York Academy product to starring for the Americans on the international stage.
Mehmeti was inspired by Adams from a young age in the Red Bull New York Academy. As a rapidly-developing No. 6, he hopes to emulate Adams’ national team success.
“Watching him kind of being a role model for me, because hopefully one day I can take that similar pathway that he’s taken,” Mehmeti explained. “Watching him, obviously at the highest levels, you can see the character that he has, the personality, what he’s willing to do with and without the ball.”
Adams also sees similarities in how Mehmeti has taken a fast path to the national team. Back on November 14, 2017, Adams earned his first cap against Portugal at age 18.
“Adri had a similar pathway that I did,” Adams said. “Playing with Red Bull II first, going after a championship, winning a championship in that league, like that breeds what you want to see in the youth American pipeline.”
Adams became the youngest USMNT captain at a FIFA World Cup at 23 years, 288 days at the 2022 edition of the tournament.
Adams on Mehmeti: ‘He Has All the Qualities To Become a Good Player’
The 2022 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year envisions Mehmeti having a bright future with the national team given his ability to hit line-breaking passes, composure on the ball and defensive instincts but also because of his strong work ethic and desire to improve.
“He has all the qualities to become a good player,” Adams said. “I’ve only heard good things about him and seeing how diligent he is in doing his work, turning into a really, really good professional. He’s going to be able to take the steps necessary.
“It’s just about obviously doing those things consistently, continuing to play games, stay healthy and continue to just work hard and improve.”
Soon, Mehmeti could be lining up alongside Adams with the USMNT badge on his chest.
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