Diego Luna dazzles as USMNT’s new No.10

Diego Luna delivered another headline-grabbing performance on Wednesday night, scoring twice in the opening 15 minutes to lift the USMNT to a 2-1 victory over Guatemala and propel Gregg Berhalter’s side into the CONCACAF Gold Cup final.

Diego Luna’s Rapid Rise from USL to International Stage

Just three years ago, Diego Luna was sharpening his craft with El Paso Locomotive in the USL Championship. A mid-season move to Real Salt Lake in 2022 accelerated his trajectory, but few predicted that the 20-year-old would become the creative heartbeat of the national team so quickly. Wednesday’s brace — a clever near-post finish followed by a curling effort from 20 yards — underlined how smoothly Luna has translated club form to the international arena.

Praise from U.S. Legends Highlights Luna’s Impact

Broadcast analysts Landon Donovan and Alexi Lalas, who know a thing or two about wearing the U.S. No.10, were effusive in their praise. Donovan called Luna’s journey “an incredible story,” marveling at the youngster’s composure. Lalas went further, arguing that “the shirt is his to lose.” Their assessments aren’t mere hyperbole: Luna created five chances, completed 91% of his passes, and tracked back tirelessly to protect full-back DeJuan Jones.

Stat Sheet: A Brace That Rewrote Records

• Youngest USMNT player to score twice in a Gold Cup knockout match
• First U.S. midfielder to record multiple goals before the 20-minute mark since 2007
• Most key passes (5) by a U.S. player in this Gold Cup edition

Inside Berhalter’s Tactical Shift

Berhalter handed Luna the traditional No.10 role in a 4-2-3-1, pushing Gio Reyna wide right and giving Tyler Adams a single-pivot brief. The tweak allowed Luna to drift between the lines, isolating Guatemala’s double pivot. Even when the Americans sat deep after the interval, the youngster orchestrated counters with quick one-touch passes that kept Guatemala’s back line retreating.

Can Diego Luna Claim the Permanent No.10 Shirt?

Competition for the creative hub is fierce. Christian Pulisic, Reyna, and Brenden Aaronson have all occupied the role. Yet Luna offers qualities that set him apart: a low center of gravity, two-footed distribution, and the fearlessness of a street footballer. Berhalter hinted post-match that the shirt may not change hands soon: “He earned it,” the coach said. “Now he has to keep it.”

Locker-Room Reactions Underscore His Influence

Captain Tyler Adams praised Luna’s “swagger,” while veteran defender Walker Zimmerman applauded his defensive work rate: “He doesn’t just attack — he presses, he tackles, he talks.” Those comments echo what Real Salt Lake staff have stressed for months: the midfielder’s mentality is as elite as his skill set.

Next Step: Gold Cup Final Showdown

The U.S. now prepares for a titanic clash against arch-rivals Mexico, who dispatched Costa Rica in their semifinal. Luna is expected to start again, and Berhalter hinted that tactical continuity is likely: “If it isn’t broken, I’m not fixing it.” Mexico will surely target Luna, but his ability to release wide runners quickly could prove decisive.

Historical Context: USL to USMNT Pipeline

Luna’s rise invites comparisons to Clint Dempsey, who also jumped from lower-tier football to national stardom. While MLS academies dominate current pathways, Luna proves the USL remains fertile ground. His journey could prompt scouts to dig deeper into America’s second division, searching for the next diamond.

Why Donovan’s Perspective Matters

Donovan’s own storied career as America’s most prolific Gold Cup scorer lends weight to his assessment. He pointed out that “the best players seize moments,” adding that Luna’s confidence at age 20 surpasses his own at that stage. Such endorsements accelerate public trust and, by extension, a player’s market value. European clubs will have taken note; scouts from PSV Eindhoven and Real Sociedad were reportedly in attendance.

Guatemala’s Resilient Fightback

To contextualize Luna’s impact, consider that Guatemala nearly stole an equalizer late on. Only Matt Turner’s sprawling save preserved the 2-1 margin. Guatemala’s coach Luis Fernando Tena credited Luna’s early goals for “changing the entire tactical landscape,” forcing his side to chase from the outset.

Opinion: Luna’s Story Embodies the Modern U.S. Dream

Diego Luna represents the democratization of American soccer pathways. He is proof that with talent, resilience, and the right coaching, a player can leap from modest surroundings to the national spotlight. If he continues to perform at this level, the No.10 debate may be settled sooner than expected — and the USMNT will be better for it.