Versatile New York City FC player James Sands has claimed that Major League Soccer provides a better test than the Scottish Premiership. The 22-year-old center back/midfielder previously spent the last year on loan with Scottish side Rangers.
Sands was supposed to remain with the Glasgow club for the remainder of the current campaign, but he asked to cut the loan deal short. The American’s playing time had diminished in recent months. He returned to his parent club NYFC in early March. Sands has started every MLS match for the team since being implemented back into the squad.
James Sands praises quality of MLS over Scottish Premiership
Reporters recently asked Sands about the competition in MLS. “I really look forward to those sorts of challenges,” said Sands. “That’s something that I get here in MLS that I didn’t get at all, really, in Scotland in the league there. So it’s a nice change.”
“Those guys [opposition players] will get the better of me sometimes, but it’s all about learning. I’m still a young player, and I’m trying to improve, so those are night-shifts I really look forward to.”
Sands back in the USMNT squad
The versatile Sands was also recently recalled to the United States men’s national team. He was last in the squad for World Cup qualification matches in March of 2022. However, Sands did not feature in the trio of games. The defender/midfielder hasn’t played for his country since September of 2021.
Along with fielding questions about his time at Rangers, Sands was also asked about the USMNT call-up.
“It’s good. I’ve been out of the national team for a little bit now, so it’s nice to have another opportunity,” Sands stated. It’s just a couple days I’m there, so I just have to give it everything. I think I’ve worked really hard over the last couple months, so I’m very excited.”
Sands has the opportunity to possibly face Mexico on Wednesday. The two bitter rivals are set to play in the inaugural Allstate Continental Clasico in Glendale, Arizona.
PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images
