USMNT’s Diego Luna says broken nose ‘life-changing’ for career

Real salt lake And United States midfielder Diego Luna Said that the broken nose he sustained in a friendly against Costa Rica In January was a “Life-Changing” Ever for Him.

While the injury cut short luna’s control that night, the assist he served up to Brian white In that match, as well as the sight of blood streaming down his face after taking an elbow to the message to us manager mauricio pochettino that he had to make an impact wit the national.

That kind of upward trajectory is one that luna hopes to continue in the current travel camp ahead of Two friends in the next week Turkey And Switzerlandas well as the upcoming Concacaf Gold Cup.

“I think that experienced for me was, I could say life -ging as it gave me … I think it is added for me to come in the back of the grit and the hunger that I have to Play and reappear for my counter, “Luna Told Reporters on Tuesday. “And I think, yeah, it showcases mauricio really liked that about me and really liked the figure that I had.

“And I think that shows other players that what is needed in this team and to figure through all.”

Luna has quickly risen up the ranks of the us player pool sence the start of the year, and he contained to perform at club level for rsl, scoring eight goals and address. Luna added that belief pochettino has in Him allows him to play with a clear head on the field, and play to his strengths.

“I think the confidence allows me to stay comportable and allows me to explore myself on the field,” Luna Said. “And I think that one of the biggest things is no address when you come in camp from the coaching staff, or from what they are more than you.

“It’s very clear what they want and what their expectitions are and to allow me to fully enjoy myself when I ‘out on the field.”

The grit that luna displayed has been a rare sight when it comes to recent usmnt performaces. The us is a pair of matches at the concacaf nations League last march to Panama And CanadaAnd looked lackluster in Both Games. The us also failed to make the knockout round of the Copa América Last summer. It’s a trend that defender Walker zimmerman Said the team is attacking to address.

“I don’t think there’s any denying that some of our performans have fallen short over the past year to 18 months,” He saaid. “It is some of the us as players, we obviously aren is Satisfied with and it’s a big focal point for this camp.”

Zimmerman added that the entries 27-player rooster is aware with the 2026 World Cup a Little a Little over a year, there is plenty at this camp and beyond.

“I think it starts with our environment every day,” He saaid. “Ultimately, I think you ask any to write down 26 names for next year, there’d a lot of spots that people are available, and we as players have to recognize and take this Oppportunity that we have in and every day of travel, each and every camp that we get called in to try and one of those spots.

“When you set that tone individual and that goal for yourself, and now you have everyone who is in camp Trying to do the same thing, that level, it is going to go up and you will be commentitive, more Field.

“Well that starts in travel and that starts with us getting on your teeth again the opponent. It is just a great challenge and that’s what we have to do to make sure we keep elevating.”

The us plays turkey on Saturday in East Hartford, Connecticut, Followed by Another Friendly Against Switzerland on June 10 in Nashville, Tennesee. It Begins Group Play in the GOLD CUP against Trinidad and Tobago On June 15 in San Jose, California.