United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has praised Canadian striker Jonathan David, revealing that he had tried to sign him multiple times during his previous coaching stints. David has started the season in impressive form with Atletico Madrid, scoring three goals in as many games after joining on loan from Juventus. Pochettino's US side is set to face Canada in an international friendly at Allianz Field in Minnesota on Tuesday.
David, nicknamed the "Iceman," has had a successful career, enjoying five prolific seasons in France with Lille, scoring 109 goals after joining for a Canadian record 30 million euros in 2020. However, his impact was limited at Juventus, where he scored just eight goals. His recent form has caught the attention of Pochettino, who described him as one of the greatest strikers in the world.
Pochettino, who coached in Spain's La Liga with Espanyol, is impressed with David's current form and the challenge he poses. He added that David's success is not limited to his current club or league, but is a global talent. The US coach emphasized the need for his team to be focused on David during the upcoming friendly match.
The US clash with Canada is the fourth of an intense international window for Pochettino's team, which has used the post-World Cup period to blood exciting young prospects. The team has been rewarded with three emphatic wins, beating Peru 4-1, Chile 4-2, and Mexico 3-0. Teenagers Cavan Sullivan, Julian Hall, and Mathis Albert have all contributed goals during this period.
Canada has also had a successful international window, racking up wins over Chile and Peru, with David scoring the sole goal in the victory over Chile. Los Angeles FC striker Jacob Shaffelburg scored twice in Canada's 2-0 defeat of Peru on Saturday. Pochettino expects Jesse Marsch's men and their supporters to be fired up for the clash with their giant neighbor to the south.
Pochettino highlighted the competitiveness of matches between the US and Canada, stating that the fans and teams are always eager to win. He acknowledged the significance of the match, saying that everyone knows what it means to play against Mexico and Canada. The US coach is preparing his team for a tough encounter against a motivated Canadian side.
Atletico Madrid has an option to buy David worth around 25 million euros ($29 million), according to Spanish media. Pochettino praised David's qualities, saying he has a fantastic mix of skills and goal-scoring confidence. The Canadian striker's recent form has made him a key player for his country, and Pochettino's US team will need to be at their best to contain him.
Key points
- Pochettino tried to sign Jonathan David multiple times during his previous coaching stints.
- David has started the season in impressive form with Atletico Madrid, scoring three goals in as many games.
- The US and Canada will face off in an international friendly at Allianz Field in Minnesota on Tuesday.
