MLS All-Stars reflect on tough matchup with 'high caliber' Arsenal squad

Premier League giants Arsenal left no doubts on the field in the 2023 Major League Soccer All-Star game, winning 5-0 against the likes of Hany Mukhtar, Thiago Almada, and Jesus Ferreira.

Some of the MLS All-Stars explained that they didn't have the chemistry that the Gunners had as they only began training together just days ago - but it didn't take away from their experience in the United States capital.

"They are well coached and we saw that tonight," 2022 league MVP Mukhtar said. "They are one of the best teams in the Prem. And I think we were a mixed team from a lot of different clubs, and it's always difficult. We didn't train for a long time together, but I think in general it was a cool event."

"To see how important it is to be tactically disciplined, to have your identity or your way of playing and not get caught up in transition and all that, that's important to see as a player."

Atlanta United midfielder Thiago Almada, who was substituted on late in the first half, praised Arsenal for the quality they have all over the pitch. After all, the 22-year-old has been attracting interest from European sides and could very well make the move across the pond in the near future.

"It was really lovely to play against them," the 2022 World Cup winner said. "They have a really high caliber of players. They have a really high caliber of coach. So they came out and they did their thing, and they left a good feeling for their fans. And for us, too, we leave here with really good memories from a lovely night."

Fresh off scoring seven goals at the Gold Cup, FC Dallas' Jesus Ferreira echoed the same things said by Almada and Mukhtar, citing the Gunners' elite level of players in their squad. Like Almada, the 22-year-old could also be on his way to Europe in the near future.

"Just the speed that they play, the speed that everyone's turning and running, the speed of the ball movement, I think that I can learn that a little bit there," Ferreira said. "Being able to be that player that obviously comes down in the pockets and turns and accelerates the game and runs at players, I think that [Martin] Ødegaard did that very well today."

MLS is now on pause as the 2023 Leagues Cup kicks off on July 21 with Lionel Messi's expected Inter Miami debut against Liga MX's Cruz Azul.

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