A Conversation With: Caleb Wiley

This season, the Watford FC matchday programme, The Hornet, is sitting down with members of the first-team squad for a conversation and a catch-up. 

For the Millwall game we spoke to American defender Caleb Wiley, with his interview re-produced here in full.

Make sure to buy your copy of The Hornet for more exclusive player interviews, and lots more Watford content, during the remainder of the season.

Hi Caleb – you’ve been with us at Watford for a few weeks now. How are you finding it?

Yeah, it’s been good. From the very first day I was welcomed into the club by everyone – the players, the staff, even the cooks! I felt appreciated and in the locker room it’s a good group of guys. They all get along well with each other and you can see that translates to the pitch. I’m looking forward to spending some time getting out on that pitch and playing with these guys.

You must be really keen to get a regular run of games?

It’s been a long time as I have been out injured. It’s not fun sitting around and seeing your team-mates out there and enjoying it, but it’s what comes with the game. To finally be fit again, and back doing what I love, is a great feeling.

Can you tell us a bit about your injury?

At the end of November when I was playing with Strasbourg I dislocated my shoulder. I had to get surgery because this was the second time it had come out in the last year. I had surgery so I wouldn’t have to deal with the problem again.

How did you get into football – or soccer! – growing up in the US?

I was born and raised in Atlanta and the cool thing about the city is that soccer/football continues to grow. We have these small pitches that are always being used by kids playing – having fun and enjoying the game. You can also see that the amount of talent has grown constantly throughout the last few years. I started playing when I was three, my parents threw me into it and I enjoyed it.

Did you play any other sports in your childhood?

I was very athletic back then and I always enjoyed playing different types of sports –basketball and lacrosse, and American football for fun. It was when I was eight or nine when I really saw that soccer was the one that I loved the most and the one that I found the most joy in. I stuck with it and carried on, and I guess the rest is history!

How would you describe yourself as a player?

I’m a player who enjoys attacking; I’m very attack-minded. I like to be creative in the final third, to whip in crosses, to go one v one, to not be scared to go after players. At the same time I’m willing to do defensive duties, and make recovery runs. I enjoy one v one defending just as much as I do attacking. I’m up and down the flank.

What was it like to represent your home city with Atlanta United in the MLS?

Now that I’ve been over here, I’ve had some time to reflect on my time with Atlanta. It was an honour to play for my hometown in front of family and friends, it’s something that I’ll never forget and something that doesn’t get old. I was playing with my team-mates who I grew up with, so to see them grow as well was really cool.

The MLS seems to be really improving and attracting some big names?

I played against Messi! It’s really nice that the league is bringing in all these legends and these big players. You can see that the league continues to grow each and every year. The talent grows and you see what we call the ‘homegrowns’, the young talent, getting the chance to go out there and express themselves. For me the MLS was a good starting point for my career, to really jump start it and get it going.

We have to ask – what are your memories of taking on Messi?

I think in my head I was just like ‘stay tight, stay tight’. But the thing with him is that he is always thinking two steps ahead of you. You’ve always got to be on your toes, watching the runs behind your back and always having an eye on him. He’s an unbelievable player. I would have never thought that I would be on the same pitch as him. That was definitely a unique experience.

What was it like getting a big move to Chelsea while still a young man?

My dream growing up was always to play professionally, and for me it was to go abroad. As a young American that’s the goal for a lot of us. To sign with Chelsea was a huge deal for me and my family. Signing was a no-brainer, the people there are amazing and made me feel welcome and they had a true plan for me when I came over. Now, it’s just about staying healthy, feeling good and playing well.

Did you enjoy your loan in France with Strasbourg?

It was a great experience. They had Liam Rosenior in charge and the coaching staff he brought in were great. It’s a young team and most of the guys speak English, which was helpful for me and my transition. I thought I was going to struggle with the language barrier! I learnt a lot in the little time that I was there, and it’s a very pretty city. It’s a time I will always appreciate.

You’ve been capped by the USA – how important is this period for American players with a home World Cup in 2026?

Playing in the World Cup is always the dream, especially when one of the countries hosting is America. That has always been one of my goals. I’ve been given the opportunity to represent my country at senior level and it’s always an honour to wear that jersey. I never take it for granted and whenever I go to the camps I try to come back with as much knowledge as I can, as I’m surrounded by all these great players that have so much experience. I try to enjoy every second that I have and come back to my club feeling that I’ve gained something out of it. The goal is to make that World Cup roster, so I’ve got to keep on working.

Is excitement building in America for 2026?

Yeah, most definitely. I think it’s been building for the past few years now. Soccer in America continues to grow and once the tournament gets started you’ll definitely see the amount of support Americans have for this game. I’m excited to see it all.

You played at the Paris 2024 Olympics – how did you find that experience?

That was pretty special. It’s something I grew up watching as a kid and if you told me I was going to go to the Olympics at 19 when I was very young, I wouldn’t have believed you. It was definitely a surreal moment, especially having my family travel over and be able to watch. It’s something I’ll never forget, and I’ll tell my kids about it and share some stories.

Have you met Jay DeMerit – another American defender who did so well for us at Watford?

I haven’t, but I’ve heard some things about him. We’ve not had the chance to talk yet!

What are the main differences between living in England and the USA?

The one thing that comes to mind first is the weather. It’s taken a while to get adjusted to that. In training a few days ago it was cold, it was raining! My toes and my hands were freezing. The roads are also really small. I’ve had people say the roads in America are massive. But I’ve enjoyed my time here, I’ve taken some trips into London and explored a little bit.

What do you like to do with a day off from football?

I enjoy thrifting, finding some vintage shops. When I feel like chilling I’ll sit around and play some Xbox or watch some Netflix. Right now, I’m just getting comfortable and figuring out the area.

What is your favourite thing that you’ve found while thrifting?

I’ve got this vintage varsity jacket which I found. 

Is fashion something that you are interested in?

I think there’s something about vintage clothing and going out and finding that golden piece. I’ve always enjoyed that and growing up I’ve always been into the fashion industry, especially me and my brother. We always loved to put things on and just be creative and ourselves. 

Do you keep everything that you buy or sell some of it?

If it’s something that I don’t wear then maybe I’ll re-sell it or hand it off to a friend. But usually I wear everything.

What do you play on the Xbox and what do you watch on TV?

For the Xbox it’s mainly FIFA and Fortnite. My favourite show is Prison Break; a classic.

Thanks for your time, Caleb!

Awesome – thank you too!