DeAndre Yedlin hails Seattle Sounders' impact on current USMNT squad | OneFootball

As the US men's national team prepares to kick off their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign against Wales on Monday, veteran defender DeAndre Yedlin looks back at his connection with the Seattle Sounders and the influence the Major League Soccer team has on this generation of American players.

The Sounders are well represented in the USMNT squad, with current players Cristian Roldan and Jordan Morris and former figure Yedlin. Though he hasn't featured for the Western Conference side since 2014, he maintained that the connection established with the team can help the American side in Qatar.

“I love it, I love it. They're putting on for the city. I’m obviously a big Seattle fan, so anybody who puts on for the city, I love them. And especially those two guys, they’re like my little brothers," said Yedlin.

“I remember watching Cristian when he was in college at the University of Washington, so I’ve known him from way back. Obviously [I know] Jordan Morris through youth soccer, and then obviously up into here. So it’s great to see those guys having so much success.”

DeAndre Yedlin won Supporters’ Shield and US Open Cup titles with the Sounders in 2014, before going on to play in Europe and Inter Miami. Despite being the only player with previous World Cup experience, after having played in Brazil in 2014, the 29-year-old believes that the Sounders duo who are both making their World Cup debuts have a lot to offer to the team.

“First of all, they’re both incredible guys," said Yedlin, who carries a team-leading 75 caps. "That’s the first thing. Secondly, they both, whether they’re on the field, whether they’re in training, whether they’re on the bench, they’re both just amazing.

"They have amazingly positive attitudes. They want the best for the team. They want the best for everybody else. They’re not selfish at all. So those are the kind of guys you want around. Those are the guys that help push the team to be the best they can be.”