- Lalas frustrated over perceived MLS bias
- Contrasts Brazil‘s approach with Argentina‘s model
- Believes Brazil missing opportunity in rebuilding phase
USMNT icon Alexi Lalas criticized Brazil for repeatedly overlooking FC Cincinnati star Evander despite his standout performances in MLS. He expressed frustration over the midfielder’s exclusion and contrasted Brazil’s approach with Argentina’s, noting how the latter has successfully integrated MLS-based players.
“I may be annoyed, but I won’t be surprised,” Lalas said on his State of the Union podcast. “I think that there is still a bias when it comes to Brazil. Keep in mind that you know, their friends Argentina, who are current world champions, they didn’t have a problem accessing MLS players. And ultimately, that’s what got them over the hump, maybe.
“But undeniably, they had an MLS player on their team [in Thiago Almada], and they were able to win the World Cup…When it comes to Brazil, Brazil is not Argentina. As much as you love Brazil, I think you’d be the first to admit that Carlo Ancelotti has his hands full. This is a team in transition. This is a team that is kind of trying to figure out what they are and kind of return to some of the glory and therefore the impact that they had just by putting on those yellow shirts and walking on the field. And I think they’ve lost some of that.”
The former defender acknowledged Evander’s relative status among Brazilian greats, but suggested that the nation’s dismissive attitude toward MLS talent represents flawed thinking.
“I’m not saying that Evander is the greatest Brazilian ever to play, but you have a guy who is now consistently scoring goals, doing it in a league that, yes, is very different,” Lalas said. “And if your criteria from a Brazilian perspective, whatever it is, Ancelotti or the press or just Brazilian fans over there, is, ‘Yeah, but you got to be doing it in Europe,’ OK, fine. Fair enough. But I think that you’re leaving some quality on the table. And at the very least, take a look at him, see how he fits…
“Would this be an outlier? Would this be a unique situation simply because this is a player at MLS? Yes, but perish the thought. And I think you’ve got to get creative, especially in this moment with this particular Brazilian.”
Evander has enjoyed an excellent debut season for FC Cincinnati, netting 15 goals and eight assists in 23 MLS league appearances, with four goal contributions in the Leagues Cup. He finished last season with 15 goals and 19 assists for the Portland Timbers, with his goal tally already on par with that figure.
Evander continues establishing himself with FC Cincinnati, where he signed through the 2027 MLS season with a club option for 2028. The club are currently competing in the Leagues Cup and will face Guadalajara next on Aug. 7.
