Is this true?

On Unfiltered Soccer podcast, Donovan explained caution with Cavan Sullivan and the young USMNT squad.

He said he’s seen many stories of Americans who were hyped as teenagers but failed to reach their potential— giving Freddy Adu, Santino Quaranta, Gio Reyna, and Eddie Johnson as examples.

Eddie Johnson didn’t take those comments kindly, and last night, he decided to respond to Donovan publicly on instagram.

Link to his Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DeffiiFgIxj/?cplk=cHVycXBpN2c4b3d2

I watched the game yesterday, his long balls looked impressive and he is obviously athletic with good vertical (see vid). Also had a beautiful pass to Peyton Miller to set up a third goal.

He unfortunately stalled in Europe... two seasons with Benfica B in ( 37 appearances, 6 goals), just one senior appearance, got loaned back to MLS (no purchase option). But Portuguese media reporting on his Benfica B performances said he had so impressed that the plan was to promote him into the 2025-26 first-team squad, taking the fourth CB slot then held by Bajrami.

Paulo Lopes, former Benfica keeper who coached him in the U23s, said on Rádio Renascença in April 2025 that he was "almost absolutely certain" Wynder would become an important player — and one of the "pillars of Benfica" — if he avoided injury misfortune. In 2025 he had a rupture of the plantar fascia in his left foot and he ended 2025-2026 with only 400 minutes.

Really dangerous, nearly scored a goal, great acceleration and really physical on the ball/didnt get pushed off it by CBs who were trying to body him, despite being only 16. In short, he looked extremely good with good athleticism base to work from. Apparently played for USYMNT u17s before, born in Honduras.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8d18-0yc2M

Keepers: Freese, Kochen, Shwauke. Personally though I wish freese would get dropped.

Backline: Starters - Freeman Richards Trusty Jedi Reserves - Cambpell Mckenzie Arfsten scally. Anybody but miles robinson lol.

Midfield: Adams Mckennie Tillman Reyna and Berhalter im assuming are locks. I feel like the last spots are between Musah, Johnny, Tessman, Aiden Morris, Maybe brooklyn raines gets a shot?

Attack/Wingers: Dest, CP, Flo, Pepi, and Weah are prob locks. Would love to see Cavan, Julian, and maybe Mathis albert in the team too.

According to Sport BILD, should Malik Tillman fail to seize this last opportunity, "a winter transfer will likely be on the cards."

Back in the summer, the 24-year-old was already close to leaving Bayer Leverkusen after just a solitary year at the club.

Instead of transferring, the playmaker wanted to make a fresh start under Carles Martínez – but as things stand, that hasn't worked out.

Tillman has largely been overlooked so far, and after six appearances with a solitary assist, a separation in January may be inevitable.

Interestingly, the Florian Wirtz successor is certainly delivering on the pitch while playing for the US national team.

Therefore, there are reportedly still interested parties, with Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham, and Bournemouth all keen in recent months.

With his recent MOTM performance against Real Madrid and his strong performances in the Stars and Stripes people have been talking about Freeman’s potential to be a top 5 RB in the world. Am I tripping if I feel like he could/should be more important to the USMNT as a CB or RCB in a back 3?

I just feel his confidence and comfortability on the ball are top notch and something no US CB has had before. Obviously all the defensive strengths would transfer over positionally along with his athleticism. Not trying to knock his ability going forward, he’s obviously proficient enough to contribute to the attack, I just feel he’s a little gangly/awkward carrying the ball at times. I also feel that his ball distribution and build up ability can be developed to a world class level which would again provide the US with something it’s never had. A well-rounded, truly world class CB. Idk let me know if I’m trippin yall 🤷🏼‍♂️

Edit: after seeing the first responses I guess we can conclude I am in fact trippin.

Although I will say I never stated his best position being either or my feelings were more about the usmnt specifically. Obviously you want your best guys in their best spots but he’s just so damn good in both spots and we don’t really have a guy solidified as Richard’s partner. I guess it depends on how Pierre develops. Looking back at the World Cup I think I’d have preferred dropping ream for a freeman cb and have weah or Dest in the wing back role idk maybe im still trippin

I thought it was interesting that Mr. Sullivan played forward when he was on the US national team, but he played attack in midfielder when he's with Philadelphia. I'm curious as to understand why they they felt he was better out forward than his usual attacking midfielder position

Berhalter is straight BALLING. idk how, but Poch should find a way to make him part of the full starting 11.

Anyway, FYI: most matches are on Paramount+. You can watch them side by side with UCL if you want. Good luck with your workdays...