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Johnny Cardoso might be the hottest player for the United States men’s national team as February comes to a close. The 22-year-old continued his fantastic start with LaLiga side Real Betis on Sunday with a brilliant goal.
Cardoso has completely won over Real Betis fans since his January transfer from Brazil club Internacional. Supporters love his work in the defensive midfield, his passing and ability to win back possession. Now the fans adore his finishing abilities.
He scored his side’s third goal against Athletic Club with a thunderous strike.
Johnny Cardoso goal vs Athletic Club
JOHNNY CARDOSO BEAUTY OF A GOALLLLLL
pic.twitter.com/BaU4YMenMV— American Hooligans ⚽️ (@AmericanHoolis) February 25, 2024
JOHNNY CARDOSO SCORES HIS FIRST LALIGA GOAL FOR REAL BETIS
He's been ON SMOKE since joining the club in January pic.twitter.com/Jnz0Ub6MrY— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 25, 2024
What. A. Goal.
Cardoso doesn’t score often — just seven goals in 144 appearances for Internacional — but his first LaLiga goal proves that he’s more than capable of producing a world class finish.
The USMNT were stuck with a big question: who could step up and fill in for defensive midfielder Tyler Adams? Now a bigger question begins to loom: Will Cardoso take the starting job from a healthy Adams?
Adams, who was the captain for the USMNT in Qatar, has been dealing with a serious hamstring injury that has limited him to one appearance for club and country since March 2022.
While Adams recovers it’s clear that Cardoso is currently the right man for the job.
The Real Betis midfielder made five appearances for the USMNT in 2023 including one start during a friendly vs. Ghana.
Cardoso's performances over the past two months with Betis have made quite the case for him starting more games with the national team. His next chance will be on March 21 as the U.S. faces Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals.
