USMNT let this one slip and Greece is about to cash | OneFootball

The Hellenic Football Federation (HFF) has officially started the process to secure Noah Allen, the Inter Miami left-back, for Greece’s youth national team. The move comes at the recommendation of head coach Giannis Tausianis, who sees the young defender as a promising addition to Greek soccer.

Born in the United States, 20-year-old Allen has already played 62 games for Inter Miami, even scoring a goal in the process.

Noah Allen and the nationality dilemma in football

As national teams look to strengthen their squads for the future, scouting dual-nationality players has become a key strategic move. In Allen’s case, he was born in the U.S., but his Greek heritage has put him on the radar of the HFF.

It's not rare that players of mixed nationalities are being targeted by various federations. There have been quite a number of instances in the European soccer where players have been eligible to play for more than one nation based on their birth or residence.

What’s interesting here is that, despite playing in the United States and developing within the American soccer system, Allen hasn’t caught much attention from the USMNT. That lack of interest from the U.S. opens the door for Greece, which sees the left-back as a valuable asset for its national team setup.

Why is Greece interested in Allen?

The answer likely lies in the state of Greek soccer. The national team has been working to rebuild its roster, particularly by adding players who can offer more technical ability and long-term competitiveness. With a defense that needs to be rebuilt, it is logical to wager on a young defender with professional experience, even one who plays in the MLS.

Allen may not be a household name, but his consistency at Inter Miami and his versatility as a defender make him a compelling choice. On top of that, playing for Greece could be a stepping stone to European club soccer, an opportunity that may not come as easily if he stays solely within the American system.

In recent years, Greece has made efforts to modernize its squad and become more competitive internationally. Seeking talent from different backgrounds could be a way to ensure a higher level of quality within the team.

Would he have a shot with the USMNT?

Let’s be honest: Allen’s chances of making the USMNT are slim. The U.S. has been heavily investing in youth development, and the competition for a spot on the national team keeps getting tougher.

At left-back, players like Antonee Robinson and Joe Scally are already part of the senior squad, with new prospects emerging from European academies. This means that, even though Allen is a solid player, he wouldn’t realistically be in contention for a USMNT call-up anytime soon.

That makes Greece's move all the more astute. If the U.S. is not expressing interest, the HFF is acting to sign a player who might be beneficial in the long run.

Is this the proper move for Noah Allen?

For Allen himself, selecting Greece may be the proper choice for his career. Playing for a European national team could lead to doors opening up with the continent's clubs and potentially boost his odds of obtaining a transfer abroad.

On top of that, there is playing international soccer, which comes with exposure and visibility, and could improve his market value and open new opportunities. Remaining in the waiting room of the USMNT may be for years to come, with no actual assurance of an invitation.

But there is also the danger. Allen can take up the invitation from Greece, but never quite become a regular. That happens more frequently than one imagines, take the international chance, get a couple of initial games, and then drop from view as managers change their approach.

If Allen is to have a long-term career with Greece, he will need to establish himself in a hurry. Otherwise, he might be stuck in limbo, with no future with the USMNT and no guaranteed spot in the Greek team.