FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — Adri Mehmeti, a 17-year-old midfielder for the New York Red Bulls, is expected to receive his first senior national team cap for the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) in the coming weeks. Mehmeti has been having a breakout season, showcasing a calmness on the ball that has drawn comparisons to Tyler Adams, who made his first national team appearance at 18 after a similar rise through the same club system.
"It’s a big step for me," Mehmeti stated. "Coming in with all these young guys and experienced guys, being able to learn from them, seeing the different characters and how it blends into the style that the U.S. wants to play, it’s been great. It’s a big jump. It’s going to take some time to get used to."
Adams, who has known Mehmeti and fellow Red Bulls player Julian Hall since their middle school days in the academy, emphasized the importance of support during this opportunity. He noted that making mistakes is part of the learning process for players called into the camp. "Every single player that’s got called into this camp has the potential to become a really good player," Adams said. "It’s about going through that process."
Mehmeti is recognized for his technical ability and distribution from central midfield, which could complement Adams’ defensive style if they play together. "Watching him at the highest levels, you can see the character that he has, the personality. What he’s willing to do with and without the ball, watching him be a role model for me," Mehmeti remarked about Adams. "Because hopefully one day I can take a similar pathway that he’s taken."