USMNT Legend Expresses Concern Over Malik Tillman's Leverkusen Future- "Shooting Yourself In the Foot"
With the new 2025-26 season approaching, many USMNT fans are excited to see the American players in Europe. One of the USMNT stars who made a big move was Malik Tillman, who joined Bayer Leverkusen.
Tillman's arrival at Leverkusen is seen as a positive for many USMNT fans as the move is a step up in level when comparing the Bundesliga to the Eredivisie. Tillman shone at PSV and is expected to improve his level at Leverkusen, but it also brings concern.
USMNT legend Alexi Lalas approves of Tillman joining Levekrusen this summer, but he also sees the risk that comes with it. With less than a year left until the 2026 World Cup, a move to a higher level in Europe could lead to fewer minutes and jeopardize his spot on the USMNT World Cup roster.
Alexi Lalas on Malik Tillman's Risk joining Bayer Leverkusen
On the Alexi Lalas' State of the Union podcast, the former USMNT defender talks about how Tillman may risk a spot on the national team depending on whether the player will play a big part for Leverkusen in the upcoming season.
Tillman appears to be part of Erik Ten Hag's plans due to his arrival this summer and has been given the number ten, which was previously worn by Florian Wirtz.
Despite appearing as a key part of the club, Lalas still believes that Tillman or any player is taking risks when joining a new club a year before a World Cup. Lalas does believe in the player and thinks he will be at the World Cup.
Alexi Lalas: "I always feel that there's nothing more important for a player ultimately than a World Cup, except a home World Cup...The risk of going someplace else and it not working and you shooting yourself in the foot, but as important as the World Cup is, the World Cup is going to come and go..."
Bayer Leverkusen's Upcoming Schedule
Bayer Leverkusen will soon play their first game of the season on August 15 in the DFB Pokal. Tillman is expected to be back soon and potentially in time for Leverkusen's Bundesliga opener on August 23.
Leverkusen will play two Bundesliga games before the September international break. They will play Hoffenheim at home and play Werder Bremen away.
Bayer Leverkusen's First Five Matches in 2025-26 Season
August 15: Leverkusen vs Sonnenhof GroBaspach (Away)
August 23: Leverkusen vs Hoffenheim (Home)
August 30: Leverkusen vs Werder Bremen (Away)
September 12: Leverkusen vs Eintracht Frankfurt (Home)
September 21: Leverkusen vs Borussia Mönchengladbach (Home)
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
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