Ceiling is high for Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Ahmed, says Canada coach Marsch

Jesse Marsch issued Canada's men's soccer squad a challenge — get physical.

The edict came after the Canadians surprised many at this summer's Copa America tournament, making it through to the semifinals. As his players departed for their professional clubs, the head coach wanted them thinking about continued growth.

When Canada reconvened for a pair of friendlies last week, the coach saw some players had already heeded his call, including Vancouver Whitecaps product Ali Ahmed.

The 23-year-old midfielder started in both Canada's 2-1 victory over the United States on Saturday and Tuesday's 0-0 draw against Mexico.

"I'm really happy for him," Marsch said. "I think he's still young and still has a lot of room and potential to continue to grow."

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Playing under Marsch — who took over as head coach in May — has been a boon for the young athlete, currently in his second full season with Major League Soccer's Whitecaps.

"Jesse has a very clear way of playing," Ahmed said. "And I think the way we've been training and the way we've been growing as a group, it's been helpful for me."

The reward of getting minutes for a national team can spur a player's growth, including Ahmed, said Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini.

"Of course that fuels him inside to say `Hey, I want to be a better player. I want to get to that stage,"' said Sartini.

Vancouver had six players — including Ahmed — away on international duty during its 0-0 draw against Dallas FC on Saturday. The absences are a good problem to have, Sartini said.

"Because we have players that are close to the national team, we have a lot of players that development is faster, better, bigger than it would