Another international break for the United States men`s national team has concluded, marked by disappointing losses to Panama and Canada, with only one goal scored. As the World Cup approaches, questions are mounting for coach Mauricio Pochettino and the team, primarily focusing on the team`s depth.
The absence of players like Folarin Balogun, Sergino Dest, and Antonee Robinson could have changed the outcomes. Historically, the USMNT often enters major tournaments with injuries to key players, and the concern lies in whether the broader roster can adequately fill those gaps. The situation is further complicated by talented players like Gio Reyna lacking consistent playing time with their club teams, which impacts overall team depth.
Despite the setbacks, some players showed promise during this camp. However, the limited opportunities for competitive matches raise concerns about the team`s potential. Upcoming friendlies against Türkiye and Switzerland in June, before the Gold Cup, will be crucial. Even then, Pochettino might not have a full squad due to the Club World Cup involving Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.
Stock Up: Diego Luna
Diego Luna demonstrated his ability to inject energy into the midfield, unafraid to take initiative in a central role, especially with Gio Reyna`s limited playtime. While a match against Panama would have been a further test, Luna capitalized on his opportunities against Canada, providing an assist and displaying creative passes. In the absence of strong wing-backs, Luna offered needed creativity. Despite competition in midfield, Luna has made a strong case for inclusion in the Gold Cup roster, provided he remains fit.
Stock Down: Weston McKennie
Weston McKennie`s performances were underwhelming during this window. Deployed as a number 10 against Panama and then in a deeper midfield role against Canada, he struggled to make a significant impact offensively. While his defensive contributions were adequate, his ball distribution and attacking play were lacking. The USMNT faced more compact defenses than McKennie typically encounters, highlighting a broader team issue when key players are not at their peak. McKennie`s versatile role means his dips in form often mirror the team`s overall struggles, raising concerns given the limited midfield options.
Stock Up: Chris Richards and Tim Ream in Defense
Chris Richards and Tim Ream have solidified themselves as the preferred central defense pairing for the USMNT. While their effectiveness is positive, the fact that it relies on a 37-year-old and an injury-prone player is a long-term concern. Ideally, the strongest USMNT defense includes Antonee Robinson, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, and Sergino Dest in front of Matt Turner. Joe Scally is a capable backup but offers less attacking threat. Ream`s composure is critical, and his absence disrupts the defense. Richards, despite occasional errors, compensates with speed and resilience. This reliance on Ream and Richards underscores the depth issues Pochettino faces as the World Cup approaches, forcing him to rely on his best, albeit potentially aging or injury-prone, players.
Stock Down: Christian Pulisic
The team`s success is heavily dependent on Christian Pulisic`s performance, and this international break was one of his weakest in a USMNT jersey. While he is expected to recover, his subdued performances highlight the team`s vulnerability when their star player is not performing optimally. The pressure on Pulisic is immense and will only intensify as the World Cup nears. Unless other players emerge to share the scoring burden during Pulisic`s off days, the team`s progress will be limited.
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 now a significant contender in the forward pool. His goal against Canada, while not perfectly executed, reflects his ability to find scoring opportunities. Alongside Ricardo Pepi, who offers pace from the bench, Agyemang provides a different, physical dimension to the USMNT`s attack, potentially troubling defenses late in games.
