Mihailovic deserves Nations League roster spot
The United States Men's National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino recently released the final 23-player roster for the 2025 Nations League games. The United States will first face off against Panama, and with a victory will have a second match against the winner of Canada vs Mexico.
Despite coming off his best statistical season and being among the best players in Major League Soccer (MLS), Colorado Rapids midfielder Djordjie Mihailovic was left off the roster.
Following his two season stay with Alkmaar Zaanstreek in the Netherlands, Mihailovic made a move to the MLS and signed with the Colorado Rapids. In his first season in Burgundy the midfielder scored 11 goals and assisted another 12. Mihailovic was one of the main reasons Colorado reached the postseason after being one of the worst teams in the league the year prior.
Through five games in 2025 Colorado’s No. 10 has recorded two goals and an assist. He has had good outings in every game but his two goal game against LAFC is the highlight of this year so far.
In the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup Mihailovic started four games and recorded four goal contributions. The midfielder led the USMNT to the semifinals before they were beaten on penalties by Panama.
Last summer Mihailovic was called up to play on the U.S.’ Olympic squad. During the teams group stage game against New Zealand the midfielder scored a penalty which marked the States’ first Olympic goal in 16 years. Against Guinea the Burgundy Boy smashed a free kick into the net.
Mihailovic is always among the U.S.’ best players when he steps on the pitch for them and never disappoints.
Borussia Dortmund’s Gio Reyna is one of the midfielders chosen to represent the stars and stripes instead of Mihailovic. Though Reyna plays in a top five league, he struggles to play meaningful minutes. In 14 appearances this season the midfielder has only bagged two goals. Reyna has failed to record a meaningful stat in eight straight games, he hasn't even shot the ball.
Last season Dortmund lent Reyna out to Premier League club Nottingham Forest. During the loan he appeared in 13 games and only assisted one goal. Reyna is not in form and is likely to be sold by Dortmund this summer.
It is obvious that Pochettino and the USMNT are beginning to shy away from MLS talent. Only four MLS players were selected to represent the U.S. this window.
