The latest international break proved to be a disappointing one for the United States Men`s National Team, highlighted by losses to Panama and Canada where they only managed to score one goal. With the World Cup drawing nearer, both coach Mauricio Pochettino and USMNT face increasing scrutiny, particularly regarding the team`s depth.
The absence of players like Folarin Balogun, Sergino Dest, and Antonee Robinson certainly impacted the team. Historically, the USMNT often enters major tournaments with key injuries, and the concern remains whether the broader squad, players ranked roughly 12-18, can adequately fill those gaps. This issue is further compounded when talented players like Gio Reyna struggle for club playing time, diminishing overall depth.
Despite the setbacks, some players did show promise during this camp. However, the worries about the team`s potential ceiling are valid as opportunities for competitive matches decrease. Upcoming friendlies against Türkiye and Switzerland in June, leading up to the Gold Cup, are scheduled. Even then, Pochettino might not have access to his complete roster due to the Club World Cup involving Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.
Let`s assess which players have potentially improved their standing after this international break:
Stock Up: Diego Luna
Amidst Gio Reyna`s limited playtime, Diego Luna demonstrated his ability to inject dynamism into the midfield and his willingness to take initiative in a central role. A match against Panama would have been a valuable test, but the Real Salt Lake midfielder capitalized on his opportunities, providing an assist against Canada and showcasing several ambitious passes. In the absence of effective wing-backs, creativity was crucial, and Luna stepped up. While there`s still room for development and competition for midfield spots is fierce, Luna has presented a strong case for inclusion in the Gold Cup roster, provided he remains fit.
Stock Down: Weston McKennie
Deployed as a number 10 against Panama and then in a deeper midfield role versus Canada, this international window was not favorable for McKennie. While his defensive contributions were satisfactory, his impact on the ball was insufficient. Opposing teams presented a more compact midfield against the USMNT than he typically encounters. This reflects a recurring issue: when the team isn`t performing optimally, individual performances, like McKennie`s, tend to suffer. Given limited midfield options, this trend is a cause for concern, though solutions are not immediately apparent.
Stock Up: Chris Richards and Tim Ream in Defense
For now, Richards and Ream appear to be the preferred central defensive partnership for the USMNT. While establishing a first-choice pairing is positive, the fact that it includes a 37-year-old and an injury-prone player raises questions about long-term stability. Ideally, the strongest USMNT defense at full strength would consist of Antonee Robinson, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, and Sergino Dest in front of Matt Turner. Joe Scally has performed well as a substitute but offers less attacking output. Ream’s composure and organizational skills are notably missed when he is absent, and while Richards is prone to errors, his recovery speed and resilience are valuable assets. This situation underscores the depth challenges Pochettino faces, but as the World Cup approaches, prioritizing the best available players, including Richards and Ream, is essential.
Stock Down: Christian Pulisic
The team’s success is heavily dependent on Christian Pulisic`s performance, and during the Nations League, his impact was limited. This international break was among Pulisic`s least effective in a USMNT jersey. He is expected to rebound, but as the team`s star player, consistent high-level performances are crucial for victories. Pulisic faces immense pressure, and unless other players emerge to become game-changers on his off days, this pressure will remain or intensify as the World Cup nears.
Stock Up: Patrick Agyemang
When Patrick Agyemang has possession, he evokes a sense of forward momentum reminiscent of a prime Jozy Altidore, suggesting he can bulldoze his way to goal. With three goals in four appearances for the USMNT, Agyemang has firmly entered the competitive forward pool. His goal against Canada wasn`t technically brilliant, but consistent shots from promising positions often result in goals. With Ricardo Pepi already offering pace from the bench, Agyemang provides a different, physically imposing option for the USMNT attack, capable of challenging defenses late in games.
