The No 9 slot in the USMNT’s first team has been the subject of speculation in recent days with numerous noteworthy candidates vying for selection.
And among them is West Bromwich Albion striker Daryl Dike, whose solid physique might just sway things in his direction.
Interim coach Antony Hudson has a proper headache on his hands when it comes to the striker’s department, the US currently have Dike, Ricardo Pepi, and Josh Sargent all contending for the spot.
And that is without the reported arrival of Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun, who has grabbed 17 goals this season with Ligue 1 outfit Reims.
For the ongoing International games, Pepi looks to be the first choice, but it won’t be long before Dike gets an opportunity to stake his claim.
Dike dwarfing his teammates in USMNT training
The 22-year-old has had a steady climb up the footballing ladder, beginning with his college football days with the Virginia Cavaliers.
Dike was picked up by MLS side Orlando City in 2020, and he went on to bag 18 goals in 35 appearances.
He earned a move to English Football through a loan spell with Barnsley, the striker netted 9 goals in the Championship that season.
Impressed by his talents, West Brom came knocking in 2022, following which the USMNT International signed a 4-year deal at The Hawthorns
Dike has notched up 7 goals in the Championship this season, with signs indicating that there’s plenty more to come from the young striker.
The 22-year-old’s build coupled with his pace and intelligent movement make him a bother for opposition defenses. The striker would’ve likely made USMNT’s World Cup squad for Qatar had it not been for a string of unfortunate injuries.
Nevertheless, Dike has returned to the International scene, and he continues to turn heads with his incredible physique.
How big is USMNT forward Daryl Dike?
The West Brom striker stands at a colossal height of 6 ‘1 and weighs a hefty 100kgs (220lbs).
His physical makeup appears to be almost entirely muscle, and despite the weight, Dike has retained a decent bit of mobility on the pitch.
The striker’s legs in particular are absolute trunks, with muscle bulging out everywhere you look.
His hamstrings look especially ripped, Dike clearly hasn’t missed a single leg day.
The 22-year-old has even earned the reputation of a ‘tank’ at the USMNT training camp, as suggested by his teammate Alejandro Zendejas.
In an interview alongside Dike, Zendejas stated his first impression of the striker, ‘Man, you could tell that this guy’s a tank bro.’
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) March 20, 2023
A Nations League game against El Salvador will close out USMNT’s International break, and Dike will undoubtedly be in line to get some valuable minutes.
