‘Form Is Fallacy’ – Alexi Lalas Cautions Against Overhyping Haji Wright’s USMNT Return

The U.S. Men’s National Team has a new-old face back in camp: Haji Wright. Fresh off an impressive run with Coventry City that has seen him climb among the Championship’s top scorers with eight goals, Wright has earned another shot at the national team. But not everyone is buying the hype.

U.S. soccer icon Alexi Lalas has urged fans to pump the brakes, reminding them that form at club level – especially in England’s second tier – doesn’t always carry over to international play.

The Championship Trap

Speaking on his State of the Union podcast, Lalas used Josh Sargent as a cautionary tale. The Norwich striker began the season in blistering form, even picking up the Championship’s Player of the Month award in August. Yet, when called upon by the USMNT, he faltered — struggling in a start against South Korea and failing to find the net since.

“We saw what happened with Josh Sargent,” Lalas said. “Form is fallacy. It often is — not always — but for the most part, it is.”

Wright’s Big Chance

Still, with injuries hampering Ricardo Pepi and the U.S. needing depth behind Folarin Balogun, Wright’s call-up is both timely and necessary. Lalas admits that Wright’s purple patch deserves recognition, even if skepticism remains.

“He will continue to at least get a look,” Lalas noted. “And this is a wonderful vein of form that he’s in.”

Wright isn’t the only Championship name in the mix. Lalas also pointed to Patrick Agyemang of Derby County as another striker who could catch the national team’s attention.

The Bigger Striker Picture

Right now, the U.S. striker pool feels unsettled:

• Balogun impressed at Copa América and again in September friendlies.

• Pepi has 13 goals in 33 caps but is battling injuries.

• Sargent has struggled to carry form from Norwich to the USMNT.

• Wright and Agyemang are knocking loudly on the door with club performances.

It’s a healthy competition, but as Lalas stresses, international football is a different beast. The Championship can be a proving ground — or a mirage.

What’s Next?

The striker debate remains wide open. Wright now has a chance to prove that his goals for Coventry aren’t just smoke and mirrors, while Balogun and Pepi will aim to show they are still the present – and future – of the USMNT frontline.

One thing is clear: the U.S. still doesn’t have its definitive No. 9, and until someone seizes it, the conversation will keep going.

At Sports Market International, we bring you the latest breakdowns, debates, and insights shaping the world’s game. From Coventry to Copa América, the striker race is heating up — and the best sport blog will be following every twist.