Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie have spoken of their excitement at reuniting with former teammate Haji Wright with the United States Men’s National Team.
Wright enjoyed a stellar 2021/22 campaign at club level, scoring 15 goals in 22 starts (34 overall appearances) across all competitions for Antalyaspor, on loan from SønderjyskE, helping them finish seventh in the Turkish Super Lig, level on points with Besiktas.
His excellent form has been rewarded with a first-ever senior call-up to the USMNT after over 50 caps at youth level – scoring in excess of 30 goals. Wright has been named on Gregg Berhalter’s roster for friendlies against Morocco and Uruguay, as well as Concacaf Nations League fixtures against Grenada and El Salvador.
Pulisic and Wright played together extensively at youth level – including at the 2015 U-17 World Cup – with the Chelsea star acting as the playmaker and Wright scoring the goals.
“That was the duo back in the day, me and Haji,” Pulisic told reporters of Wright. “We played a lot of games together in the youth national teams. And it’s cool to have him back in, first of all, seeing him do so well at club level, and having him in here is great.
“So he’s gonna get his opportunity and yeah, I’m just so excited for him. And I know he’s going to use the opportunity.”
McKennie also featured alongside Wright at youth level for the United States, while the duo represented Schalke together in the German Bundesliga between 2017 and 2019.
Wright had a seemingly easier route to the national team than McKennie, picking up far more caps at youth level. In the end, it was McKennie who made the big breakthrough, but the Juventus midfielder is happy to see his former teammate now catching up.
“I think it’s beautiful,” McKennie said of Wright’s call-up. “I didn’t have an easy path through the national team, especially in the youth. We had a bit of a different story at the youth age. And just to see that some players would be knocked down, some players would be [where] their spirit is gone, and I think just for him, finding his own path to get back in here is definitely one that’s inspirational and something that I can kind of relate to.
“It’s wonderful and exciting just to see him in here, and kind of sharing the same story at the same time.”
Haji Wright 11 goals and 1 assist for Antalyaspor in Turkey this season..
Possible call up to the USMNT incoming? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/ozk2WsaUjN
— USMNT 🇺🇸 (@USMNTTAKES) April 26, 2022
On Wright’s upturn at club and international levels, Pulisic added: “I really respect people who haven’t necessarily had it easy and given to them and everyone’s on their own path. I’ve seen it myself. Ups and downs and to come out the other side and be performing like he is now is impressive.”
Wright will now seek to use this window as a chance to impress Berhalter as the 2022 World Cup in Qatar draws near.
