Despite the off-field allure of having a marketable U.S athlete in the ranks, this current crop have earned their place at the Champions League's top sides on merit, according to ex-national team goalkeeper Brad Friedel.
"The U.S. players that are at their clubs, including Christian, are in on merit and their ability alone. It’s not about marketing," Friedel tells
Goal.
"The marketing is not as big as people think in the United States just yet.
"As the sport grows in the U.S., there will be opportunities, but today, he’s in on his ability alone. Christian is arguably our best player, [he] definitely is on the attacking front and at one of the biggest clubs in the world.