Daryl Dike ripping it up at WBA with aims to be USMNT starter

Daryl Dike has just eight appearances with the USA National team. His return of three goals does not jump off the wall, even if he is just 22 years old. He started up front in each of the 2021 Gold Cup games, except for the final. He scored twice, both coming in a group stage thumping of Martinique.

However, it is his club form that draws so much excitement from USMNT supporters. Now with West Bromwich Albion, Dike is back from a thigh injury that sidelined him from August to mid-November. In the process, he missed 20 total games.

However, he is back to bagging with the Championship side. In his return to action, three goals and an assists in eight appearances. Most of those are in a substitute role. However, in his last two games, he has made a crucial difference for WBA.

His 39th minute goal against Luton most recently started a comeback from 2-0 down that the Baggies would win. West Brom manager Carlos Corberan said it was more than his goal that proved the difference.

“His hard work, in how he attacked, in how he defended: what he did helped the team win the three points,” Corberan said after the Luton game.

In the game before, another start for Dike, he scored the only goal of the game against Reading.

Since Dike’s return to the Hawthorns in mid-November, West Brom has been one of the most in-form Championship teams. Dike returned on Matchday 21, when West Brom sat in 17th. Seven wins in eight games later, WBA catapulted into the playoff zone, currently in sixth.

West Brom’s next game, against Burnley on Friday, is live on ESPN+.

Daryl Dike fighting for USA discussion

Daryl Dike did not feature on the USMNT’s squad at the 2022 World Cup. Head coach Gregg Berhalter opted for Haji Wright, Josh Sargent, Jesús Ferreira and Jordan Morris. Wright plays for Antalyaspor in the Turkish Süper Lig, while Ferreira and Morris represent MLS clubs.

Dike and West Brom actually jumped Sargent’s Norwich City in the table upon the American’s return to play from injury. That being said, Sargent is also having a very productive season with Norwich. He has nine goals in 25 games played with the Canaries.

If Daryl Dike can keep up the scoring form, and importantly maintain fitness, there is no reason for him to be out of the discussion for a USA roster spot.

Come the 2026 World Cup, Dike wants to be in the mix for the starting spot up top. If this form can continue, or grow further perhaps in the English top flight, he could get that wish.

PHOTO: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire