Brandon Vazquez desires USMNT callup but leaving 'door open' for Mexico

Brandon Vazquez's rise to form has been on of the more remarkable storylines in Major League Soccer over the past few months.

In his last 22 MLS appearances, Vazquez has scored 11 goals and provided the primary assist for another five.

That's an impressive run in its own right, but is made to look even better when you consider the striker managed just two goals and three assists in his first 41 appearances for FC Cincinnati after joining from Atlanta United ahead of the 2020 season.

It's not just raw goals and assists where Vazquez has improved. The striker has proven himself more than capable at linking up play and holding onto the ball, while his physical stature and smart movement makes him tough for defenders to mark.

There have been calls recently for Vazquez's form to be rewarded with a call up to the United States Men's National Team. In an interview with 90min back in April, the 23-year-old admitted this was something he greatly desired.

And now, speaking to the Extratime podcast, Vazquez has revealed he's held talks with Gregg Berhalter, who has been left impressed with the California native's form.

“I spoke to Gregg a couple weeks ago,” Vazquez said. “He said he likes my movement in the box, and (he said) to keep scoring, to keep this momentum up and that anything could happen. It's a World Cup year, so I know it's harder to make it into a squad that's already been working for years together for this tournament. But anything could happen.”

Vazquez was capped 18 times for the United States at youth level, scoring three goals - including two at the Fifa U-17 World Cup in 2015. But earlier in his career, Vazquez also spent time with the Mexican youth setup.

Though the United States seems to be at the forefront of his mind, Vazquez has refused to rule out a switch to El Tri - managed by his former Atlanta United head coach Tata Martino.

“I haven't made a decision,” Vazquez said, adding: “I'm still eligible for Mexico. Doors are open for both, I guess. I have to make that decision when we cross that bridge.”

Right now, Vazquez is just happy to see years of grind rewarded out on the field for FC Cincinnati. But keeping standards high, the striker doesn't feel like he's reached his peak yet, certain he has a lot more to give.

“Years and years and years of just putting in that extra work, it's paying off for sure and it feels so, so good,” Vazquez said. “I'm still so hungry for it and like I haven't proven anything. I just want to go out and keep doing what I've been doing. I just want more, I'm hungry for it.”

Should Vazquez's improvement continue on its upward trajectory, he might well find the United States and Mexico fighting over him in the not-too-distant future.