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The USMNT Future Star Targeting Olympic Glory

The USMNT Future Star Targeting Olympic Glory

Robert Deziel Jr is only 21 and dreams about representing the United States at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. That path now runs through Legia Warsaw, the early pacesetters in the Polish Ekstraklasa, and beIN SPORTS caught up with the rising American defender.

Don’t Miss The Polish Ekstraklasa On beIN SPORTS CONNECT

From Palm Beach To Madrid, Munich And Legia Warsaw

Robert Deziel Jr is only 21 and dreams about representing the United States at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. That path now runs through Legia Warsaw, the early pacesetters in the Polish Ekstraklasa, and beIN SPORTS caught up with the rising American defender.

How Does A Kid From Palm Beach End Up At Legia?

Robert Deziel Jr: It definitely was a wild journey. When I was nine my father’s job saw him come to Spain. I spent six years there and another six in Germany.

It wasn’t the easiest thing to leave your home and friends behind at such a young age. But the way I was able to adapt after my move to Legia I can attribute to my childhood. I wanted to come out here and try. I am glad it worked out.

From Bayern Munich To Poland

How did the move from Germany to Poland happen?

For the last few years I was at Bayern’s academy and last season I played on the second team. I reached the point where I felt comfortable considering a move.

I have grown a lot as a player and was eager to make the next step, which I felt was important for my development. Legia is such a big club. They showed interest some time ago. My agent talked with them to get the deal done. And now I am in Warsaw, fortunate enough to be at one of the most accomplished teams in Poland.

Why Legia Warsaw?

How much did you know about Legia before joining them?

It’s one of the most historic and successful clubs in Poland. I had known about Legia since I watched them in the Champions League against Real and Borussia.

There have been many players who made the move from Poland to the Bundesliga, La Liga and other top leagues. There are also many exciting players coming here to play.

You’re only 21, so is Legia a platform for you to showcase your skills in Europe?

I want to achieve as much as possible, so the way I see it, Ekstraklasa is my next step. I don’t know what awaits me down the road, but I am very happy to be able to come to this club right now.

Everything is great: the infrastructure, the stadium, the coaches, the players and the quality. It is something new and different for me. I am grateful for the experience and that I can test myself in the Ekstraklasa.

Learning Under Marek Papszun

How has it been for you to work under Marek Papszun?

I cannot say enough about coach Papszun. What he’s achieved in Poland is tremendous and unbelievable.

Him taking Raków from the lower leagues and bringing them to the championship is like a script for a Hollywood movie. To be able to play for a manager like that is definitely an honor. I won’t take it for granted.

You’ve already started and played in six games for Legia. Seems like you’re becoming one of Papszun’s soldiers?

When I arrived, one of the first things he told me was to just be myself.

He said: “It will be a step up, maybe even two steps up, but don’t waste any time, don’t look around and get distracted. Try to adapt and show what you can do.”

I know it’s only six games, but to be able to play and help the team get off to a good start is just awesome.

A Strong Locker Room At Legia

How did the Legia locker room embrace you?

Sometimes when you join as a new guy the team tends to stay away from you, at least at the beginning. But not here.

Everyone was really helpful from day one. We went to a preseason camp in Germany and when we came back I knew more than half of the team really well.

So far I’ve only been here for a couple of months, but the team chemistry is very strong, everyone is good with everyone. That, I feel, can benefit us a lot this season.

USMNT Ambitions And The 2028 Olympics

One of your former teammates Sergio Oregel now plays with Lewandowski at Chicago Fire. Oregel and yourself were at the US U15 team, which also featured Reed Baker Whiting, Nolan Norris and Emmanuel Ochoa.

Yes, I was called up for a four-team tournament and played against Russia, Ukraine and actually Poland!

I also attended the US U19 team camp. We trained at Chula Vista, California. It was a great experience and I hope to be honored one day to get a call-up to the first team.

It’s one of the most special moments and greatest achievements for a player to reach.

In October the starting central defender for the USMNT Tim Ream will turn 39. Has anyone from Mauricio Pochettino’s staff been in contact with you?

No, but we will see what happens as there are a few international breaks coming up.

It would be amazing to play for the A team and represent my country at the Gold Cups. However, I am in the perfect age group to make the U23 team.

To play in the Olympics would be a tremendous honor for me. That definitely is a goal of mine and I hope it comes to fruition. I feel that playing for Legia is a step closer to reaching that goal.

Deziel Jr On The Level Of The Ekstraklasa

After six games Legia are unbeaten and first in the standings. Did you think it would be that easy in Ekstraklasa?

It is definitely not easy. In terms of intensity and physicality I would almost compare my first matches to the Bundesliga level.

You can easily see now why Ekstraklasa made the step to the top ten leagues in the world.

The Atmosphere At Łazienkowska

How would you describe the atmosphere and the fans at Łazienkowska?

It’s almost too tough to describe. I think it’s one of those phrases where one picture is worth a thousand words.

Being on the field there is unbelievable. I’ve never gotten goosebumps before the match, but now, whenever we play at home and I am walking out of the tunnel, I have them all over my body.

Why More Americans Could Choose Poland

Currently both Ekstraklasa and MLS are enjoying periods of growth. Do you think we will see more Americans in Poland?

In Poland soccer is the biggest sport. And that’s the main difference between Europe and the US.

As far as more Americans coming to Poland, I would say of course it’s a solid step forward in terms of football.

The American and Polish mindsets are similar: hard work is always the most important. Players from both countries are eager to learn, want to advance their development and push themselves.

At Legia we cultivate the winners’ mindset by trying to improve every day. We have really good players and coaches that teach us good tactics.

I also love Polish culture. Poland is very clean, safe and the food is amazing. People are also very open and welcoming. It’s been really great so far.