Stock down: Yunus Musah
Yunus Musah was another player who failed to impress during Pochettino’s first games in charge of the USMNT. The Valencia midfielder struggled to make an impact in both matches, leading to his early substitution in the game against Mexico. Musah has shown promise in the past, but he was unable to showcase his best form during this international break. With competition for places heating up in the USMNT squad, Musah will need to raise his game to secure a regular spot in the team.
Stock up: James Sands
One of the bright spots for the USMNT during Pochettino’s first games was the performance of James Sands. The New York City FC defender impressed with his composure and defensive awareness in both matches. Sands showed his versatility by playing in both central defense and defensive midfield, providing valuable cover for the team. His solid displays earned him praise from the coaching staff and fans alike, making a strong case for a more prominent role in the squad moving forward.
Stock down: Matt Turner
While Matt Turner has been a reliable presence in goal for the USMNT in recent years, his performances in Pochettino’s first games left something to be desired. The New England Revolution goalkeeper was beaten twice in the match against Mexico and looked shaky at times. Turner will need to regain his form quickly to fend off competition from other goalkeepers vying for the starting spot. With the World Cup on the horizon, Pochettino will be looking for consistency in key positions, including the goalkeeper position.
Looking ahead
Overall, Pochettino’s first games in charge of the USMNT provided a mix of positives and negatives. While some players impressed and staked their claim for a regular spot in the team, others failed to make the most of their opportunities. With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, Pochettino will need to address the team’s depth issues and ensure that he has a strong squad at his disposal. The upcoming Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals will offer another chance for players to make their mark and catch the eye of the new head coach. As Pochettino continues to implement his vision for the team, the USMNT will be hoping for continued improvement and success on the road to the World Cup.
Change rarely happens in an instance, though, so expect this long-running storyline about the USMNT’s depth to linger for a little while longer.
The depth of talent within the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) has been a topic of discussion for quite some time now. With a plethora of young, up-and-coming players making their mark both domestically and internationally, the future looks bright for American soccer.
But change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time for these young players to develop and reach their full potential. And as they continue to progress in their careers, the USMNT’s depth will only improve.
One of the key factors in the development of the USMNT’s depth is the growing number of American players plying their trade in top European leagues. Players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Giovanni Reyna have all made a name for themselves in countries like England, Germany, and Italy, respectively. Their experiences playing at the highest level in Europe will only benefit the national team in the long run.
In addition to the European contingent, the MLS has also played a crucial role in developing young American talent. With clubs investing more in their academies and youth development programs, we are seeing a new generation of homegrown talent emerge. Players like Brenden Aaronson, Daryl Dike, and Bryan Reynolds have all made the transition from MLS to top European clubs, showcasing the quality of talent being produced in the United States.
As these young players continue to grow and improve, the competition for spots on the USMNT roster will only get fiercer. Head coach Gregg Berhalter will have a wealth of options to choose from, making for some tough decisions when it comes to selecting his squad for upcoming matches.
Change rarely happens in an instant, and the evolution of the USMNT’s depth is no exception. But as these young players continue to develop and reach their full potential, we can expect to see a more competitive and talented national team in the years to come. So while the storyline about the USMNT’s depth may linger for a little while longer, the future looks bright for American soccer.
