One of the stand out players from 2025 for the USMNT is moving to Spain. Villarreal announced that the team acquired right back Alex Freeman from Orlando City on a deal that is reportedly worth as much as $7 million. Freeman won the MLS Young Player of the Year award last year while also getting 13 caps and 10 starts for the USMNT.
The move sees Freeman take a step forward in his career after having proven that he is capable to playing at a high level in MLS and meeting the challenge of international
soccer with the national team. With Villarreal, he will join a team sitting in 4th place in La Liga with 41 points, three back with a game in hand of third place side Atletico Madrid.
The move also will give Mauricio Pochettino a chance to evaluate him against tougher competition ahead of the World Cup. Freeman can play right back, right wingback, and right center back and that versatility offers him several paths forward to making the roster for the tournament. It also gives the possibility of seeing him take the field at right center back in a five player backline with Sergino Dest playing on the wing to boost the attack from the defense.
At just 21 years old, Freeman has earned a chance to play in a top league and refine his skills further. His athleticism is undeniable, improving his technical ability will give him a chance to take a big step forward in his career.
