Alexi Lalas has been a controversial figure as an analyst for FOX Sports and its coverage of major international soccer tournaments. The two-time World Cup player for the USMNT is arguably the most recognizable face among American soccer analysts, and that is what he wants. His loud style embodies the American patriotism that the country has turned heads for. At its best, it is a funny skit that Americans can laugh off. At its worst, Lalas does not provide any new, critical analysis of games due to his fanaticism and attempts to entertain.
Although we are six years past the 2018 World Cup in which the USMNT did not qualify, his capitulation as a pundit traces back to that tournament in Russia. With the USA failing to participate, Lalas lost his role as a cheerleader for the United States. There was no opportunity to promote a promising player like Christian Pulisic or the usual players like Clint Dempsey or Michael Bradley. Without being able to use the USA as his crutch, Lalas had to focus on the other teams worldwide, particularly North American neighbors Mexico.
Six years of mediocrity: Alexi Lalas, analyst for FOX Sports
FIFA World Cup 2018 was a turning point for Lalas. It was his first World Cup under the FOX brand. Previously, he had done an admirable job at ESPN where he engaged in intellectual conversations around World Cup and European Championship games.
At FOX, however, his method changed. Studio coverage became less about the games, and more about embracing debate. The dumbing down of the coverage also reduced Lalas to the lowest common denominator.
Mediocrity is one thing. Selling yourself out to promote a nemesis is an entirely different matter. This was the moment where Lalas lost all credibility as a soccer analyst.
With no United States team at World Cup 2018, Lalas had no shame in supporting Mexico. Of course, it helps that Soccer United Marketing (SUM), which is Major League Soccer’s marketing arm, paid Lalas to promote…
Author : Kyle Fansler
Publish date : 2024-06-26 18:11:21
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Author : soccernews
Publish date : 2024-06-27 03:01:51
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.