As the World Cup approaches, transfer windows become crucial. Moving from a position of strength at a club can lead to risks as a player aims for a spot in the national squad. This is especially true for Alex Freeman, who hopes to solidify his role in the USMNT with a potential transfer to Villarreal, seeking to build on his recent progress after earning accolades like the Young Player of the Year award.

Freeman’s trajectory has been impressive considering his recent history with Orlando City SC and his aspirations to compete against Sergino Dest for the national team’s starting right-back position. As Villarreal looks to fill the gap left by Juan Foyth, who is sidelined due to injury, Freeman’s chances of becoming a starter significantly increase.

While there are uncertainties ahead, Freeman’s strong physicality and skills might aid during his transition into La Liga. Improvement in defensive skills and passing will be essential as he moves to a more tactical league.

His first attempt at making an impression at the USMNT against Turkiye showcased both his promise and the challenge of international play. “It was my first U.S. game; facing a player like a Juventus star was daunting. I had to adapt quickly,” Freeman remarked. His ability to perform under pressure could define his future role in either Orlando or Spain and is a reflection of his journey thus far, emphasizing a blend of risk and opportunity as he bets on himself in this new chapter.