Former LA Galaxy chief executive Alexi Lalas has backed recent European moves from promising young American players.

Striker Charlie Davies recently shifted from Sweden's Hammarby to France's Sochaux whilst Oguchi Onyewu moved to AC Milan from Belgian club Standard Liege.

Of the Davies move, Lalas said it would have a positive effect on the US national team.

"It's a step up," he said in an interview with Fanhouse.

"His performance with the national team has turned some people onto his ability and his viability up top. Whether he's the ultimate solution remains to be seen. From what we've seen so far, it's a positive future for him.

"As a national team fan it's a good thing because you can never have too much ability up top."

When asked about other young American's playing abroad, including Benfica's Freddy Adu and Villarreal's Jozy Altidore, Lalas' message was clear.

"Play, play, play, that's the big thing," he added.

"If you're not playing, you're of no use, to be honest. Training and sitting on the bench, we're too far along to have that be the criteria to be called into the national team. There are other players that are playing in other leagues that have that sharpness when they are called in."