'You don't want to be associated with that' - USMNT icon Alexi Lalas questions Johnny Cardoso's Atletico Madrid debut performance against Espanyol

U.S. international Johnny Cardoso endured a rough Atletico Madrid debut, pulled at halftime of a 2-1 season-opening loss to Espanyol despite his team leading 1-0. After struggling in the USMNT's June friendlies and having a limited role at the Gold Cup, former U.S. star Alexi Lalas said he’s concerned about the 23-year-old’s confidence and World Cup hopes.

“This is not good,” Lalas said on his State of the Union podcast. “This is not good for Johnny. I know it's just one game and but you know, you're associated ultimately with, you know, I guess it would be a surprise result and you want to get your best foot forward."

Lalas wondered if Cardoso added extra pressure as a result of Mauricio Pochettino attending the match in Spain. 

“But when they [the U.S. coaching staff] get on the plane and they go and they start sitting in the stands, yeah, I guess there's a an added pressure and an added pressure for him because this is his big move," he said. "But here's a situation where unlike most of the time when we're talking about Johnny, where we're lamenting the fact that it [his club form] doesn't translate to the national team."

Lalas stressed his concern is if Cardoso is now also struggling with Atleti, this could be an example of a move that didn't pan in the way intended. 

 “I think we have all been in agreement that the reason why he has even gotten this move is because he's been so consistent and so good from a club perspective," he explained. "And yet in his first game out, while it's great that he got the start, they get pulled off and they end up losing.

“You don't want to be associated with that. Again, early, early days. I don't think it's 'cause for panic here, but if Johnny isn't doing it at club and we know he hasn't been able to translate it to the international game, then what are we left with here?”

Cardoso's $28 million summer move from Real Betis to Atletico Madrid represented one of the largest transfers for an American midfielder, creating significant expectations.

Following their 2-1 loss, Atletico Madrid sit 16th on the La Liga table and will host Elche in their second La Liga game and their first home game of the season.