The recent international break was disappointing for the United States men`s national team, marked by losses to Panama and Canada and a meager single goal scored. As the World Cup approaches, questions are mounting for coach Mauricio Pochettino, primarily focusing on the team`s depth.
The situation might have differed with players like Folarin Balogun, Sergino Dest, and Antonee Robinson available. Historically, the USMNT often enters major tournaments with injuries to key players, highlighting the need for reliable substitutes from the wider roster. This issue is compounded when talented players like Gio Reyna lack playing time with their clubs, further straining team depth.
Despite the concerns, some players showed promise during this camp. However, doubts about the team`s potential are valid as opportunities for competitive matches decrease. Upcoming friendlies against Türkiye and Switzerland in June, before the Gold Cup, are scheduled. Yet, Pochettino might still lack a full squad due to the Club World Cup involving Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.
Let`s assess which players improved their standing after this international break:
Stock up: Diego Luna
With Gio Reyna`s limited playtime, Diego Luna demonstrated his ability to inject energy into the midfield and his willingness to take risks centrally. A game against Panama would have been a good test, but Luna capitalized on his chances against Canada, providing an assist and attempting ambitious passes. In the absence of wing-backs, Luna delivered needed creativity. While there`s room for growth and competition in midfield, Luna deserves a spot on the Gold Cup roster if healthy.
Stock down: Weston McKennie
McKennie`s performance during this window was underwhelming. Deployed as a number 10 against Panama and then in a deeper midfield role against Canada, he struggled to make a significant impact. While his defensive contributions were adequate, his attacking play was lacking. The USMNT midfield faced tighter defenses than usual, exacerbating existing team weaknesses. When the USMNT isn`t at its peak, many factors need to align for success, and McKennie`s fluctuating performances often mirror the team`s overall struggles. With limited midfield options, this is a concern.
Stock up: Chris Richards and Tim Ream in defense
For now, Richards and Ream are clearly the USMNT`s preferred central defense pairing. While reassuring, relying on a 37-year-old and an injury-prone player raises concerns about long-term stability. Ideally, a full-strength USMNT defense would consist of Robinson, Ream, Richards, and Dest ahead of Turner. Joe Scally is a capable backup but offers less going forward. Ream`s composure and positioning are crucial, and his absence is noticeable. Richards, despite occasional errors, compensates with speed and resilience. This situation highlights the team`s depth issues, forcing Pochettino to rely on his best players, including Richards and Ream, as the World Cup nears.
Stock down: Christian Pulisic
The team`s success is heavily reliant on Christian Pulisic`s form, and this international break was among his weakest in a USMNT jersey. While he is expected to recover, a team with World Cup aspirations needs its star player to consistently perform at a high level. Pulisic faces immense pressure, and unless other players emerge to contribute offensively during his off days, this pressure will remain or intensify as the World Cup approaches.
Stock up: Patrick Agyemang
Patrick Agyemang`s presence on the field evokes memories of a prime Jozy Altidore, suggesting a forward capable of overpowering defenses to score. With three goals in four appearances for the USMNT, Agyemang is firmly in contention within the forward pool. His goal against Canada wasn`t perfect, but consistent shots from good positions lead to goals. Alongside Ricardo Pepi`s speed off the bench, Agyemang offers a different, physical dimension to the USMNT attack, capable of challenging defenses late in games.
