"Alphonso Davies only just bought a BMX!" - Canada coach John Herdman trying to ease pressure on Bayern Munich starlet
Bayern Munich teenager Alphonso Davies should be allowed to enjoy his football without all the added pressure that comes with being regarded as one of world football's most exciting young players, according to Canada coach John Herdman.
Davies made history by becoming the first player to score for Canada against the USA since 2007 in the northern American neighbours' CONCACAF Nations League Group A qualifier on Tuesday.
The Bayern starlet opened the scoring in the 63rd minute in Toronto, before exiting the pitch three minutes later to a standing ovation from the 17,126-strong crowd at BMO Field.
Canada won the match 2-0 to maintain their 100 per cent start to qualifying, and end a 34-year, 17-game winless run against the US.
"Phonzie was fantastic, but he just needs to be a kid and enjoy it," warned Herdman, reminding the world that his young charge is still only 18.
"Just let Phonzie play his football. We don't need to put him up in lights. He was telling us he just bought a BMX recently. He's always wanted one."
Davies' milestone strike was his fifth for Canada on only his 16th senior international appearance, and he says it ranks as the biggest of his budding career.
"Yes, that is my biggest goal, especially [coming] against the US," he revealed. "So much excitement - [I had] millions of emotions running through me.
"I'm happy to be able to score in this game. We knew it was a big one, we made history tonight, but our job is not done. We play them again next month. Our focus is on if we can repeat what we did tonight in November."
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Canada travel to Orlando, Florida for the return fixture on 16 November. Until then, Davies will look to build on his heroic display for his country back in Germany with Bayern.
The former Vancouver Whitecaps wide player has made 11 first-team appearances for the record champions since crossing the pond in January 2019, but is still awaiting his first start. He has scored twice, with both goals coming in the Bundesliga in games against Mainz.
Davies, who was born in a Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana before his parents moved to Canada when he was five, turns 19 on 2 November.
He is one of four Bundesliga players in the running for FIFA's Golden Boy award for the best U21 player in Europe.
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