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Alejandro Zendejas ‘could join Brandon Vazquez in US camp this month’…with dual Mexican-Americans ‘called up to the senior team for the first time’ before deciding which country to play for
National double Alejandro Zendejas, who plays midfielder for Club América, and Cincinnati FC forward Brandon Vázquez are set to be called up to the United States national team for the first time.
According to Host of Soccer Americas Hérculez Gómez and Sebastián Salazar, both 24-year-old players, will be named in the squad that will face Serbia and Colombia in friendlies at the end of January.
It was previously reported that Vázquez would be invited to the camp, however it was unclear if he would accept the call-up at that time.
Double international Alejandro Zendejas is ready for his first call up with the US national team.
Brandon Vázquez will also be called up for the USMNT camp and friendlies this January.
Zendejas has represented both Mexico and the United States at the youth level and made two senior appearances for Mexico in late 2021 and early 2022.
In August, ESPN Mexico reported that FIFA was investigating the player’s eligibility, who reportedly had yet to file a one-off trade with Mexico.
He also faces the possibility that Club America may not have to release him for the US camp due to friendlies landing on non-FIFA dates.
Zendejas faces the possibility that his call-up will be blocked by Club América of Liga MX
If Zendejas does decide to commit his talents to the US team, it would be a huge blow to the Mexican national team, which longtime member Hector Herrera says is already having a difficult time when it comes to having talented players for to choose.
“Today, the truth is that there are few options for the national team to choose from,” said Herrera. ‘The development and opportunities for Mexican players is something we have stopped doing. We used to do very well.
“Today we have players who, for me, should be playing in Europe, not in Liga MX,” added Herrera.
Losing Zendejas and Vázquez to their biggest rivals would only compound this lack of talent in Mexico’s national group.
Vázquez played for the United States at many youth levels, with the Under-17, Under-19, and Under-20 teams.
Vázquez, who had a breakout season last year, has recorded 83 appearances for FC Cincinnati and scored 24 goals since joining the Atlanta United squad in 2020.
Last season, Vázquez had 18 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances, including an 86′ win over the New York Red Bulls in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
He has also featured for the United States at the youth level and with Cincinnati only in preseason rather than having started the season as Club America, Váquez does not have the potential to be blocked by the club like Zendejas.