United States Team Analysis: World Cup Outlook
The September international window presented a mixed panorama for the United States team, although it culminated on a positive note. Despite an unfavorable first half against South Korea, which resulted in a 2-0 defeat, the team recovered against Japan. Attackers Folarin Balogun and Alex Zendejas took advantage of their rare starts, contributing a goal each in a 2-0 victory. This tactical change, adopting a 3-4-3 scheme, provided greater defensive stability, although there is still room for improvement. These results, added to injuries and club changes of some players, have generated movements in the list for the World Cup. In addition, coach Mauricio Pochettino has indicated that the phase of testing new players has concluded, and it is expected that he will call a team closer to his starting lineup for the next international window in October. Here’s an analysis of the possible 26-player squad and those who could make the final list.Goalkeepers (3)
Matt Freese: His performance in the September friendlies suggests he could be the starting goalkeeper. However, Pochettino has emphasized that no position is guaranteed, which keeps the competition open.Matt Turner: He is expected to be called up in October if he maintains his level. After a promising start, his performance has declined, so he needs to regain his best form to secure his place.Zack Steffen: He has maintained consistency throughout the season. His statistics are slightly superior to Freese’s in terms of goals prevented per game, although Freese has a better save percentage. Steffen remains in the fight for October.Center Backs (5)
Chris Richards: He established himself as a starter in September. The three-center-back system seems to suit him, as he plays in a similar lineup with his club, although with a slightly different role in the American team.Tim Ream: The three-defender scheme also seems suitable for him. The formation reduces exposure to speed, and his leadership and passing accuracy are emphasized. His age raises doubts, but as long as no one displaces him, his position is secure.Mark McKenzie: McKenzie and his team had a good start in Ligue 1, until they faced PSG. McKenzie will seek to reaffirm himself in the coming weeks.Cameron Carter-Vickers: Although he was not responsible for the elimination in the Champions League, playing in the Europa League could affect his level of competition. It remains to be seen how his history with Pochettino influences his situation.Miles Robinson: He recently renewed his contract, but has yet to make a significant impact under Pochettino’s management. An injury sidelined him in September, and he didn’t have much participation in the Gold Cup. Will he be benched?Side Dishes (4)
Sergiño Dest: He has stood out at his club, but the September window showed the ups and downs of his game. His positioning contributed to South Korea’s goals. The change of lineup could favor him, highlighting his offensive strengths and mitigating his defensive weaknesses.Antonee Robinson: His recovery from knee surgery came too late for the September window. He is expected to be back in top form in October, regardless of team alignment.Alex Freeman: He continues to get opportunities from Pochettino and showed solidity against Japan. His inclusion in the final list could depend on whether Pochettino prefers Yunus Musah as a full-back.Max Arfsten: He continues to have consistent playing time and the change in formation puts him in a similar role to the one he has at his club. His understanding with Zendejas was key for the first goal against Japan. With Robinson’s return, his minutes could decrease, but he has made great progress in consideration for the World Cup.Midfielders (5)
Tyler Adams: He finished the window better than he started it. His performance needs to improve.Weston McKennie: Pochettino seems determined to motivate him. Currently, he is a squad player at Juventus and needs to stand out at his club to secure his place.
Johnny Cardoso: He still hasn’t replicated his club performance with the national team. He remains on the list due to his potential. He needs to perform for Pochettino in October.Yunus Musah: He completed his loan move to Atalanta just before the transfer deadline. His versatility could earn him minutes in Bergamo. This has taken him from being a player on the edge to being part of the team.Tanner Tessmann: He was another absence in the September window. He has had a good start with Lyon.Attackers (5)
Christian Pulisic: The relationship with Pochettino seems re-established. The new formation also favors him, and his place on the roster seems assured.Tim Weah: Zendejas’ performance could hurt him. His speed is important, but he now faces competition for a place in the starting eleven.Malik Tillman: Recovered from an injury. Needs to keep performing at Leverkusen to maintain his status.Diego Luna: He could have reached his peak internationally. His best role could be as a game changer in the final minutes.Alejandro Zendejas: He was the big winner of the window, with an outstanding performance against Japan. Pochettino considers him in the fight for a place in the World Cup. He must maintain his level at América.Forwards (4)
Folarin Balogun: His presence on the field energizes the attack. He could be the starting forward, as long as he stays healthy.Folarin Balogun was one of the standouts for the United States in the September window.
Ricardo Pepi: He just returned from an injury. He needs to play minutes and score goals to convince Pochettino.Josh Sargent: He’s struggling to score with the national team, despite his good performance at the club. He could lose ground to Balogun and Pepi. He needs to break his goal drought.Haji Wright: He is close to Sargent in the Championship’s top scorer table. His ability to play on the wing helps him, but his position also seems vulnerable.
