Valencia's Yunus Musah has established himself as a key part of the United States at just 19 years old. He made his senior debut for the national team at just 17, and has gone on to play over 1400 minutes since, more than any other American teenager. Born in New York but raised in London, Musah chose to represent his birth country over England, Ghana and Italy. A fan favorite for the American faithful, he is quickly becoming a household name, recently being linked with a move to Serie A giants Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan.
Often playing on the right hand side of a 4-4-2 for Valencia, Musah typically plays as an advanced central midfielder in the United States customary 4-3-3. He excels at finding pockets of space between the lines of the opposing midfield, receiving the ball and carrying it forward. He ranks among the top 15 percent of La Liga midfielders in progressive passes received this season, and is in the top three percent in dribbles leading to a shot.
He is a capable (though not exceptional) defender, ranking in the top 25 percent of tackles won. Upon winning possession Musah can drive forward himself or spray long passes to teammates to start counter attacks. He ranks in the top 25 percent in both switches and through balls, and the top 20 percent in terms of long ball accuracy.
Alongside Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie, Musah makes up one of the most promising young midfield trios in the tournament. The second-youngest team in the tournament by average age, the United States will need Musah to show up in Qatar if they hope to advance to the knockout stages.
Musah is a former member of Arsenal's youth academy and featured for England's youth national sides. He will now face the senior team on the world's biggest stage in under a week.
