Since former New York Red Bulls starter Matt Miazga made his debut in the English Premier League last week, the chorus of American fans who are relieved that he is cap-tied to the US and not Poland has grown.
But to hear the young defender tell it, his Polish ancestry was never really a factor in his international plans. US coach Jurgen Klinsmann cap-tied Miazga to the US in November, but the 20-year-old Miazga says he wanted to play for the US regardless.
“To be fair, I always envisaged myself playing for the US national team,” Miazga told NBC Sports. ”I had an opportunity for the Polish national team and have been in contact with their federation for years now and still have good connections with some people over there because I played with the U-18s. When the opportunity came with the US, I always knew this was what I wanted.”
Miazga made the move from MLS to the EPL in January and made his first appearance for Chelsea last week, putting in a solid performance against a weaker opponent.
The New Jersey native had a breakout 2015 as New York’s regular starting center back in their run to capture the Supporters' Shield. He first joined the Red Bulls as a Homegrown Player in May 2013, transferring to Chelsea in the final year of his contract.
