News of Jordan Allen’s inclusion on the U.S. U-20 National Team for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand was still 12 hours from being formally announced, but already a buzz had stirred in the Real Salt Lake locker room.
Over the course of the first nine matches for RSL, Allen has shown a knack for dynamic play in the attack while also maintaining his defensive responsibilities in the process. His talent may have earned him a spot on the roster, but it’s his work rate that has earned him the respect of his teammates, especially after he came back from microfracture surgery in his knee last season.
Now, while he is becoming a fan favorite on the field, his teammates are also singing his praises after another strong performance on Wednesday against the LA Galaxy, which came on the heels of Allen learning that he would have a spot on the U-20 World Cup squad.
“He’s a hungry kid that when given an opportunity, he grabs a hold of it,” said goalkeeper Nick Rimando, who himself played at the U-20 World Cup (then called the World Youth Championship) in 1999. “I’m not the coach, but he’s definitely making the coach have a tough decision when game time comes. He’s putting in his work on defensively and offensively he’s getting his chances. He’s getting to the line, crossing the ball. He’s shooting. He’s everything we need in that position.”
To defender Tony Beltran, Allen’s transition into the professional ranks could be foreseen as far back as when he was 16 years old.
“When he was training with us four years ago I knew he was going to be incredible. He’s got it all. He’s fast, he’s strong, he’s technical and I think most importantly he’s hungry,” said Beltran, a veteran of the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup. “He’s a very hungry young man and he’s got a good head on his shoulders. Sometimes it’s tough to deal with that kind of talent when you’re that young and you know the pressure, but he continually does the right things here in the locker room and outside of the game and that’s why he’s getting his chance on the field.”
Praise from teammates is one thing, but when the head coach has things to say about a player like RSL’s Jeff Cassar does about Allen, it takes on a different meaning.
“He’s just dynamic, and he’s willing to take people on,” Cassar said of Allen on Wednesday. “He’s responsible defensively as well. He just brings energy. I love to see him play because he’s aggressive in his mind, but responsible defensively as well.”
Allen will remain with RSL through Saturday’s match against the Chicago Fire before joining the U.S. U-20 team in camp ahead of the World Cup, which opens May 30 in New Zealand.
