Photo courtesy of New York Red Bulls
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Daniel Edelman doesn't need extra motivation, but he gladly accepts it when it's offered to him.
The 20-year-old New York Red Bulls midfielder was often left as an afterthought during his formative years due to his small stature, but his burgeoning technical ability has made him an essential cog for the MLS team. This also caught the attention of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).
Edelman was once captain of the U-20 club that won the CONCACAF U-20 Championship two summers ago, but head coach Marko Mitrovic is preparing to field a 23-man U-23 team. I was unable to participate in the first two Olympic camps that I planned. He will represent the United States at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris.
After a strong start to the MLS season in New York, Edelman was called up to Mitrovic's third Olympic camp last month, and was the last of the game for the USA's 3-0 win in a friendly against Guinea on March 22. He appeared from the 27th minute of the game.
“Just being a part of this group was an amazing experience,” Edelman told amNewYork. “It was definitely a very different experience from the U20s…I am very grateful for this opportunity. The U23 Olympic Camp is very important in the lead-up to the Summer Olympics.”
Edelman, who missed the past two camps in October and January, admitted he spent a lot of time “getting up to speed.” Consider the added motivation to add to the never-ending chip on his shoulder.
“There was a bit of a sense of relief, like, 'Okay, we've started the season pretty well.' My coaches and the American staff have definitely seen me improve since the end of last year, but I've always had a chip in my shoulder. I think that's adding fuel to the fire,” Edelman said. “I just want to be a part of this team and get on the roster. Not being in the first two camps and being there from the very beginning of this cycle, I'm hungrier and I want to be on the roster.” With more chips coming in and this being a big opportunity, we’re even hungrier.”
This summer, the U.S. men's team will compete in the Olympics for the first time since 2008. However, there has been no representation from the Red Bulls franchise since 2000, when the team was still the Metro Stars.
Defender John Tolkien is expected to break the drought, but Edelman could double his impact for the Red Bulls if he can continue to perform at the high level that has been his norm over the past year.
“It would be a really great story and it would really come full circle for me to be a part of this team,” Edelman said. “That's something I'll continue to strive for. It's not going to be easy, but I have to stay focused on playing well for Red Bull and keep progressing.
“I don't think I'm thinking too far ahead. “More than that, I wanted to give myself the best opportunity to join this team… It was a big opportunity for me to get called up. It's good. I wanted to make a first impression.”
