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New York Times
5 hours ago
- General
- New York Times
Pochettino likens Pulisic to USA's Messi, addresses stars passing on Gold Cup
U.S. men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino said this week he hopes to instill in his team the type of urgency and desire to play for the national team that exists in other countries. Speaking on the Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard podcast, Pochettino cited some of the biggest names he has coached — Argentine legend Lionel Messi, French World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe and Brazilian star Neymar — as examples of top players who remain 'desperate' to play for their respective national teams. Advertisement 'The people need to prioritize the national team,' Pochettino said. 'We were talking about Argentine players, or Brazilian players or English players or Spanish players, they are desperate. Even Messi, even Neymar, even Mbappé for France, these guys are desperate to go to the national team. For them, when they go, they don't see if it's a friendly game, if it's an official game, it's a World Cup, it doesn't matter, because the possibility to defend one time more your flag, your shirt. It's about to feel proud. And that is the responsibility to us to translate.' The comments are striking after Christian Pulisic made the decision, in conjunction with U.S. Soccer, to skip this summer's Gold Cup. Citing his heavy workload with AC Milan and the U.S. — Pulisic is one of just 10 outfield players in the top five European leagues to appear in 50 games in each of the past two seasons — Pulisic felt he needed the rest in order to be healthy for next summer's World Cup. Donovan compared Pulisic to Messi in that he has the most eyeballs on him of any American player and asked how the staff could handle competing in the tournament this summer without Pulisic. Pochettino praised his team's top player and said he does not question Pulisic's commitment to the group or the country. 'I think Christian in the last year showed a great quality,' Pochettino said. 'He's performing in Europe, also he's performing with the national team. He's a very talented player that can help us to win. You say people compare Messi with Christian Pulisic. I don't want to be disrespectful with Messi or Pulisic, but I think in this country, Pulisic should be our Messi, because he's an iconic player, the kids on the street for sure if you ask one soccer player in this country, it's Pulisic. 'We have very good communication with our players. Christian is a very nice guy, is very committed to the national team and he wants to help and of course is desperate to play in the World Cup and arrive in the best condition. All these conversations that we were taking with the players, I think that was the best decision to help him because every player are in different circumstances, and even if I want Christian here or another player here – Antonee (Robinson, injured Fulham left back) or like this – I think no one or another teammate is going to see badly about if I'm saying that, because I think … sometimes you need to put the interest in the medium and long term than in the present. Advertisement 'Because for me after the March camp, if I say, 'OK I don't care about [anything], I want to win tomorrow,' [there] is [a] consequence after, because I think we are all preparing and focused on the World Cup. And sometimes we need to be open and flexible in some decisions. When we talk about these types of decisions for us, it was a tough decision … It was our decision in the end, because if you say you need to come — you cannot force the player to come — but I think I need to be fair and say it was a collective decision to try to find the best for the national team and the best for the player.' 'We are building something and always when you are building something, always there are up and downs in this period. It's true that we are a little bit disappointed. We were really excited after January. not because of the two (games) … but how the players, how the team showed the responsibility that we wanted to translate. Then with all the circumstances in March, it didn't help us to show that.' The Gold Cup was meant to be an important team-building month for the U.S. under Pochettino, his first extended camp with the U.S. since taking over after last summer's Copa América failure. Now it takes on new meaning as Pochettino evaluates his wider national team pool. That being said, Pochettino insisted the goal was still to win. Ultimately, even without Pulisic and other starters — Robinson, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Folarin Balogun and Gio Reyna are also missing the tournament via injury or FIFA Club World Cup duty — the tournament serves as a step toward next summer's World Cup. That is true for MLS players trying to break into the squad, but also for others, including World Cup starter Matt Turner. Pochettino said on the podcast he told Turner that the goalkeeper had to start finding minutes in order to be ready for the World Cup. Advertisement 'We are very open,' Pochettino said. 'We don't have fears to talk with the player. Sometimes it's painful because you need to tell some players: 'Look, you need to play.' At the moment OK, so far it's good, because we are checking your character, your personality, your capacity to be a leader, the leadership that you have, but at some point to be a leader you need to compete.' Pochettino also praised players like Diego Luna, who have started to show they bring value to the squad simply with their mentality and approach. Pochettino noted that Luna didn't want to come out of the game after being elbowed in the nose during a January-camp friendly, then bloodied and taped up, assisted on a goal. Asked about who the leaders are on the team, Pochettino alluded to giving everyone a chance to prove their role — whether as a squad player, a starter or a leader. 'When we arrived in October I think the picture changed in the national team. In the way that we like to translate the message and the way that we are open to give the opportunity to all the players to step up and show the character,' Pochettino said. 'Because we don't want to assume that because four years ago someone was captain now should be the captain, because the circumstance changed. I think we are very open and giving the opportunity to the group and the players that are involved to say, 'Come on, show me.' For me, it's a natural process. Sometimes some players can surprise you and can step up. 'The most important thing is to see in a spontaneous way who will step up when things are wrong, when the stress is there, when the pressure is there, who is going to say 'Hey, I am here.'' There is, of course, an enormous amount of pressure on the team to perform in next summer's tournament. The U.S. advance to the knockout round in the 2022 World Cup with one of the youngest squads in the world. The belief that the payoff would come in 2026. Struggles in last summer's Copa América, where the U.S. was eliminated in the group stage, and in this spring's Concacaf Nations League, where it lost to Panama and Canada, have upped the stakes. 'I feel the responsibility. We all feel the responsibility,' Pochettino said. 'Knowing that it's soccer or football, it's about the joy, it's about not to put too much pressure on the players, because the players need to perform. … But yes of course it's a massive pressure. The mentality and the culture of this country is to win. Advertisement 'The size of this country puts you in a position that you need to deliver. You need to show that you are brave, that you are a winner, but not talking like I am now. It's easy to talk. The most important is go and to show. Show on the pitch when you need to defend your flag there, fighting and being a team, that is a moment to say, 'Yes we have quality, I am a good player, but now it's about to defend your country.''
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Mauricio Pochettino subtly called out Pulisic and USMNT stars for skipping Gold Cup
Mauricio Pochettino subtly called out Pulisic and USMNT stars for skipping Gold Cup The U.S. men's national team is set to play in its last remaining competitive tournament before co-hosting the World Cup in 2026, and the vibes could not be much worse. Even head coach Mauricio Pochettino is speaking out about it. When the USMNT announced the rosters for the Gold Cup, the notable absences of stars like Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson and Yunus Musah sparked an uproar among U.S. soccer fans. The team was already going to be shorthanded with several key players tied into Club World Cup duties, so it seemed imperative for the best remaining players to take advantage of the last extended camp together for the next year. Pulisic — citing the need for rest — saw it differently. And that led to Pochettino pointing out the contrasting mentality global superstars take to national team duty. He said that players he's coached like Lionel Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane were all "desperate" to play for their national teams. Pochettino said in a podcast appearance with former USMNT stars Landon Donovan and Tim Howard: "Today, we have plenty of players playing abroad for USA. But the most important thing is the culture we saw in you (Tim Howard and Landon Donovan), that to be desperate to come and be the priority - the national team. ... Even Messi, even Neymar, even Mbappe for France. We were working with these guys, Harry Kane. These guys are desperate to go to the national team. And for them, when they go, they don't see if it's a friendly game. It's an official game. It's a World Cup. It doesn't matter. Because the possibility to defend one time more, your flag, your shirt, I want to feel proud about that. And that it the responsibility of us to translate." Those comments appeared to be an obvious jab at Pulisic, Robinson and others for viewing the Gold Cup as not worth their time. And sure, the Gold Cup has been relegated to a developmental tournament in recent years in light of the CONCACAF Nations League. But Pochettino wants to see a culture of players who look at USMNT duty as an honor regardless of the tournament or competition. That mentality had clearly been lost among this current generation of players despite the immense individual talent. And Pochettino is running out of time to reinstate it.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
News Analysis: Why are big-name U.S. players passing on World Cup tuneup?
Forward Christian Pulisic, America's active leader in goals and caps, will not participate in the last World Cup tuneup after a grueling schedule between club and country in the last year. (John Locher / Associated Press) 'To represent my country in a soccer game, there's just nothing better than that.' —Christian Pulisic, 2020 Never mind. —Christian Pulisic, last week With the World Cup, one the U.S. will play at home, just 380 days away, Captain America has decided to take a pass on the national team's last major competition ahead of the tournament. Advertisement That's Pulisic's choice, of course. He's played a grueling schedule with AC Milan this season, one that concludes Sunday, a week before the national team reports to camp in Chicago. And he has permission. 'Christian and his team approached the Federation and the coaching staff about the possibility of stepping back this summer, given the amount of matches he has played,' said Matt Crocker, U.S. Soccer's sporting director, noting that Pulisic has played more than 4,400 minutes for club and country the last 12 months. Read more: Congressional leaders call for streamlined visa process ahead of World Cup, L.A. Olympics Advertisement Nor is Pulisic alone in his absence. Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Gio Reyna, Antonee Robinson, Josh Sargent and Yunus Musah, Pulisic's teammate in Milan, were also left off the 27-man roster summoned to training camp ahead next month's Gold Cup, although some of those players will be participating in the Club World Cup. Yet even if reason and rules are strongly on Pulisic's side, the optics are bad. Over the last year the national team has suffered through two of its worst performances in recent memory, getting bounced in the group stage of last summer's Copa América — which cost coach Gregg Berhalter his job — then losing in heartless fashion to Panama and Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League under Mauricio Pochettino, Berhalter's successor. So with the national team in dismal form a year before the World Cup returns to the U.S. for the first time in 32 years, this is probably not the best time for the active leader in goals and caps to be asking out of the lineup. Especially since the Gold Cup likely will be the last, best chance for the team to rediscover the form that saw it reach the round of 16 in the last World Cup. Advertisement 'There is already doubt and concern regarding this team given recent failures. People are even questioning if they care and saying, 'If they don't care, then why should we?'' said Alexi Lalas, who played every minute in the 1994 World Cup, helping the U.S. reach the round of 16 and changing the trajectory of soccer in the U.S. forever. 'I can't believe we created an apathy towards this team a year out from hosting a World Cup. 'I just think this summer's Gold Cup, a tournament in the U.S., is a great opportunity to create a more positive vibe surrounding the team and reignite a belief that they can do something special next summer. I don't think we can afford to waste it.' That's all true. But Pulisic and the other first-choice players missing from the Gold Cup roster were put in a bad position by a global soccer environment with a rapacious appetite for matches — or rather a rapacious appetite for the money those matches produce. Former national team star Alexi Lalas, who played every minute of the 1994 World Cup, believes all Americans should be on hand for the final World Cup tuneup. (Jacob Kupferman / Associated Press) Consider Pulisic's schedule the last 12 months. For the U.S., he played in the Copa América, five friendlies and four Nations League matches. For AC Milan, the Italian club that pays his $5.8-million salary, he played in four tournaments, including Champions League. He's clearly banged up and needs some rest. Advertisement Traditionally, the Champions League final was the last game on the European calendar. Now it's followed by the Club World Cup, a competition I'm not sure anyone really needed but one that extends the club calendar for 32 teams for as long as another six weeks. Even at 26, that's a punishing schedule. If Pulisic and the others don't take a break now, they could head into the World Cup year running on fumes. 'Many people can say it's really important for us to be all together for the last time before the World Cup,' Pochettino said in virtual meeting with reporters. 'As a coaching staff we listen to the player. We have our own idea in everything, but after consideration we decided the best for him, the best for the team, the best for the national team is the decision that we made.' Lalas isn't buying that. Advertisement 'I recognize that players play a lot of games,' he said. 'But you know who plays a lot of games? Messi.' (Not recently. Messi played about half as many games as Pulisic in the last year, according to the website.) 'Of course I want U.S. players to be at their best in the summer of 2026, but we can't put them in bubble-wrap until then,' Lalas continued. 'I know I am from a different generation, and I try not be a grumpy old man. But I just can't fathom turning down the privilege of representing my country. Read more: Women's World Cup will expand to 48 teams in 2031 'We need all hands on deck. We can rest in 2027.' Advertisement Pochettino might not be buying his own words either. Because in the same news conference in which he excused Pulisic and the others, he made it clear that every spot on his World Cup roster is up for grabs. And the best way to grab one is to show up at training camp. 'What we want to create in our national team is people desperate to come, but desperate to come to perform,' said Pochettino who, in his eight months in charge, has been unable to rouse his players from a listless funk. 'To perform means follow the rules, create a good atmosphere, be part of the team. 'We need to create this culture about winning and we need to chase our aim. If we want to be good in one year's time, we need to think that today is the most important day. It's not to say, 'OK, I wait. The World Cup is in one year. It's in six months. It's in one month.' And then it's late.' The U.S. has been building for this since 2018, when FIFA awarded the World Cup to the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The roster has been carefully cultivated, players have been methodically groomed; broadcast contracts have been negotiated and sponsorships signed, all in the hopes of the U.S. making a deep run next summer. Advertisement Now that the tournament on the doorstep, those plans appear to be crumbling. Read more: Congressional leaders call for streamlined visa process ahead of World Cup, L.A. Olympics Could the U.S. really field a World Cup team without Pulisic, Reyna, Weah and the others? Well, it will be fielding a Gold Cup team without them. And Pochettino seems to have found a sense of urgency that was missing in the Nations League debacle. It's all a gamble. If the U.S. makes a long run in next year's World Cup, no one will remember who played in the Gold Cup. But if the U.S. is ousted early, Pulisic and the other absentees will get blamed, no matter how well they play. Advertisement 'A home World Cup can create a legacy. We should be doing everything possible, on and off the field, to make it successful,' Lalas said. 'There is pressure, responsibility and opportunity, especially for a country like the U.S. Home World Cups in 1994 and 1999 fundamentally changed the landscape and trajectory of soccer in America. 2026 can have the same impact. 'If we mess this up, on or off the field, we only have ourselves to blame.' ⚽ You have read the latest installment of On Soccer with Kevin Baxter. The weekly column takes you behind the scenes and shines a spotlight on unique stories. Listen to Baxter on this week's episode of the 'Corner of the Galaxy' podcast. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
News Analysis: Why are big-name U.S. players passing on World Cup tuneup?
'To represent my country in a soccer game, there's just nothing better than that.' —Christian Pulisic, 2020 Never mind. —Christian Pulisic, last week With the World Cup, one the U.S. will play at home, just 380 days away, Captain America has decided to take a pass on the national team's last major competition ahead of the tournament. That's Pulisic's choice, of course. He's played a grueling schedule with AC Milan this season, one that concludes Sunday, a week before the national team reports to camp in Chicago. And he has permission. 'Christian and his team approached the Federation and the coaching staff about the possibility of stepping back this summer, given the amount of matches he has played,' said Matt Crocker, U.S. Soccer's sporting director, noting that Pulisic has played more than 4,400 minutes for club and country the last 12 months. Nor is Pulisic alone in his absence. Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Gio Reyna, Antonee Robinson, Josh Sargent and Yunus Musah, Pulisic's teammate in Milan, were also left off the 27-man roster summoned to training camp ahead next month's Gold Cup, although some of those players will be participating in the Club World Cup. Yet even if reason and rules are strongly on Pulisic's side, the optics are bad. Over the last year the national team has suffered through two of its worst performances in recent memory, getting bounced in the group stage of last summer's Copa América — which cost coach Gregg Berhalter his job — then losing in heartless fashion to Panama and Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League under Mauricio Pochettino, Berhalter's successor. So with the national team in dismal form a year before the World Cup returns to the U.S. for the first time in 32 years, this is probably not the best time for the active leader in goals and caps to be asking out of the lineup. Especially since the Gold Cup likely will be the last, best chance for the team to rediscover the form that saw it reach the round of 16 in the last World Cup. 'There is already doubt and concern regarding this team given recent failures. People are even questioning if they care and saying, 'If they don't care, then why should we?'' said Alexi Lalas, who played every minute in the 1994 World Cup, helping the U.S. reach the round of 16 and changing the trajectory of soccer in the U.S. forever. 'I can't believe we created an apathy towards this team a year out from hosting a World Cup. 'I just think this summer's Gold Cup, a tournament in the U.S., is a great opportunity to create a more positive vibe surrounding the team and reignite a belief that they can do something special next summer. I don't think we can afford to waste it.' That's all true. But Pulisic and the other first-choice players missing from the Gold Cup roster were put in a bad position by a global soccer environment with a rapacious appetite for matches — or rather a rapacious appetite for the money those matches produce. Consider Pulisic's schedule the last 12 months. For the U.S., he played in the Copa América, five friendlies and four Nations League matches. For AC Milan, the Italian club that pays his $5.8-million salary, he played in four tournaments, including Champions League. He's clearly banged up and needs some rest. Traditionally, the Champions League final was the last game on the European calendar. Now it's followed by the Club World Cup, a competition I'm not sure anyone really needed but one that extends the club calendar for 32 teams for as long as another six weeks. Even at 26, that's a punishing schedule. If Pulisic and the others don't take a break now, they could head into the World Cup year running on fumes. 'Many people can say it's really important for us to be all together for the last time before the World Cup,' Pochettino said in virtual meeting with reporters. 'As a coaching staff we listen to the player. We have our own idea in everything, but after consideration we decided the best for him, the best for the team, the best for the national team is the decision that we made.' Lalas isn't buying that. 'I recognize that players play a lot of games,' he said. 'But you know who plays a lot of games? Messi.' (Not recently. Messi played about half as many games as Pulisic in the last year, according to the website.) 'Of course I want U.S. players to be at their best in the summer of 2026, but we can't put them in bubble-wrap until then,' Lalas continued. 'I know I am from a different generation, and I try not be a grumpy old man. But I just can't fathom turning down the privilege of representing my country. 'We need all hands on deck. We can rest in 2027.' Pochettino might not be buying his own words either. Because in the same news conference in which he excused Pulisic and the others, he made it clear that every spot on his World Cup roster is up for grabs. And the best way to grab one is to show up at training camp. 'What we want to create in our national team is people desperate to come, but desperate to come to perform,' said Pochettino who, in his eight months in charge, has been unable to rouse his players from a listless funk. 'To perform means follow the rules, create a good atmosphere, be part of the team. 'We need to create this culture about winning and we need to chase our aim. If we want to be good in one year's time, we need to think that today is the most important day. It's not to say, 'OK, I wait. The World Cup is in one year. It's in six months. It's in one month.' And then it's late.' The U.S. has been building for this since 2018, when FIFA awarded the World Cup to the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The roster has been carefully cultivated, players have been methodically groomed; broadcast contracts have been negotiated and sponsorships signed, all in the hopes of the U.S. making a deep run next summer. Now that the tournament on the doorstep, those plans appear to be crumbling. Could the U.S. really field a World Cup team without Pulisic, Reyna, Weah and the others? Well, it will be fielding a Gold Cup team without them. And Pochettino seems to have found a sense of urgency that was missing in the Nations League debacle. It's all a gamble. If the U.S. makes a long run in next year's World Cup, no one will remember who played in the Gold Cup. But if the U.S. is ousted early, Pulisic and the other absentees will get blamed, no matter how well they play. 'A home World Cup can create a legacy. We should be doing everything possible, on and off the field, to make it successful,' Lalas said. 'There is pressure, responsibility and opportunity, especially for a country like the U.S. Home World Cups in 1994 and 1999 fundamentally changed the landscape and trajectory of soccer in America. 2026 can have the same impact. 'If we mess this up, on or off the field, we only have ourselves to blame.' ⚽ You have read the latest installment of On Soccer with Kevin Baxter. The weekly column takes you behind the scenes and shines a spotlight on unique stories. Listen to Baxter on this week's episode of the 'Corner of the Galaxy' podcast.
The Guardian
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Pulisic's surge to Balogun's plunge: How USMNT stars fared in Europe this season
There is, understandably, a lot of angst going around the US men's national team fanbase. Recent performances have not been up to standard, and disappointing results are creating a distinctly doom-y feeling just over a year out from the start of a home World Cup. What might be lost in all of this is what was, by and large, a very solid season for Americans abroad. Here's how the major figures affected their international standing this past season (Major figures meaning: players who have been involved with the senior team within the last year or so). The USMNT's best player also enjoyed his finest season as a professional, emerging as a crucial player for Milan, even as the team suffered a disappointing campaign. Pulisic appeared in 50 games for Milan for the second straight season, but scored more goals and added more assists in those appearances. He can claim to be one of the best all-around attacking players in Serie A, leading the league in chances created, according to Opta. If his Gold Cup absence helps him stay fit and in form for the World Cup, it's doubtful anyone will care about missing this summer's tournament come next June. Johnny has been a minor revelation over the course of Real Betis' season, which could end in silverware with Wednesday's Europa Conference League final against Chelsea. The Brazilian-born defensive midfielder ranks among the elite at his position in interceptions, clearances, aerials won, and take-ons (all according to FBRef), showing his importance as a defensive shield and press-breaker. He could be in line for a step up: Atlético Madrid are reportedly interested in prying him from Betis. Aaronson appeared in all 46 of Leeds's league games and started the vast majority of them, racking up a little over 3,500 minutes – by far the most he's played in a season. He had 11 goal contributions (nine goals, two assists) for the best attack in the Championship, and helped his team off the ball with relentless pressing. There's no guarantee Aaronson will get as much time in the Premier League next season, but his 2024-25 campaign was still important to establish himself at a decent level. Tillman had a breakout season for PSV in 2023-24, and he topped that this season as PSV once again captured the Dutch title while he earned Player of the Season nods from multiple outlets. Tillman set a career high in goals and came close to doing the same in total minutes – especially impressive considering he missed two months with an ankle injury. The question now for Tillman is whether PSV will get an offer they can't refuse for him from a bigger league. When the season started, Robinson was among the best left-backs in the Premier League. Now that the season is done, he's still in that conversation. Robinson was a consistent threat down the left for Fulham, only taking a step back towards the end of the year due to a case of tendinopathy (which will also keep him from the US squad this summer). There continue to be rumors of an incoming move for Robinson from one of the Premier League's Big Six, and they continue to be justified. The only thing keeping Pepi from the top category was January's knee injury that ruled him out for the rest of PSV's season. Before that point, Pepi had scored 17 times in 27 appearances, including twice in the Champions League. He seemed to be forcing a genuine competition between himself and grizzled vet Luuk de Jong. If he can keep this up next season, he'll continue to be relevant in the US's striker debate. Tessmann struggled to establish himself early on at Lyon, but gradually got more time at defensive midfield and looked more comfortable after jumping from Serie B, where he spent last season with Venezia. In all, it was a season of growth for Tessmann, who got an extended look with the US at the Nations League but missed the cut for the Gold Cup. His numbers with Crystal Palace are similar this season as last, but playing all 90 minutes of every game of the team's captivating run to FA Cup glory counts for a lot. The center back is starting to look the part of the US's first-choice central defender, though his ideal partner is still very much an open debate. Speaking of which … McKenzie was a consistent starter for Toulouse in Ligue 1, and there's much to be said for establishing oneself as that in a top European league. His individual performances have not always stood out, but this season certainly improved his standing. One wrinkle: at Toulouse he has usually played as the left side of a three-man backline – not a formation that the US plays often. A surprise inclusion on the Gold Cup training camp roster, Downs scored 11 times in all competitions for Köln in the this season, helping the club top the table and get back into the top flight. The Germany/US dual national has speed, size and an eye for goal, but it's hard to know how where he ranks in the rest of the striker pool right now. We'll find out more this summer. The Norwich City striker continued to bang in the goals – 15 this year after 16 last year in the Championship, with five assists this season. Also like last season, Sargent missed significant time in the middle of the campaign due to injury (in 2024-25 it was groin surgery, in 2023-24 it was an ankle injury). Sargent is still looking for a season in which he a) stays healthy for a full season, b) maintains his scoring record in a top division, and c) carries at least some of that form over to the national team. As it is, he remains in the Championship for now and was left off the Gold Cup squad in what Pochettino called a 'football decision.' Zendejas was a key contributor to a strong Club América side that may yet compete in the Club World Cup. His numbers are in line with where they've been for the previous two seasons, and his direct style on the wing provides a different look than many USMNT players at the position. Wright scored 12 goals while helping Coventry reach the Championship play-offs, where they fell to Sunderland. He missed about three months with an ankle injury and split time between left wing and center forward. The same versatility and finishing instincts that brought him to the national team are still there, which is why he'll re-join the US this summer. To see McKennie's value to Juventus this year, just look at the positions they had him play. Central midfield, right-back, left-back, attacking midfield, second striker … McKennie did just about everything for La Vecchia Signora this season. And this after he was once again shopped very openly by the club in the off-season. That probably won't be happening this time around, with McKennie signing a deserved contract extension earlier this month. He's a lock in a first-choice US squad, and seems as if he'll be in the picture for Juve for at least another year. Another season, another consistent role in the heart of the Celtic defense, another Scottish Premiership title. That's four straight domestic league trophies now for CCV with Celtic. Those consistent minutes and trophies didn't lead to a spot with the US for this summer's Gold Cup, though. Sign up to Soccer with Jonathan Wilson Jonathan Wilson brings expert analysis on the biggest stories from European soccer after newsletter promotion Busio enjoyed a consistent role in central midfield for Venezia and enjoyed some bright moments, but the season ends with a bitter taste due to Venezia's relegation to Serie B. Busio is 22 and just completed his fourth season with Venezia, with this being the club's second relegation in that time. Busio has been solid enough in Serie A to merit a move to stay at that level, and his contract expires in 2026 – the time is right for Venezia to make a move. After missing the first couple months of the season with ongoing back problems, Adams put together his best and, perhaps more importantly, healthiest season since joining Bournemouth. Adams finished with just over 2,000 minutes played for the second time in three years, and ranked in the top quarter among his positional peers in the Big 5 leagues in tackles, interceptions, blocks, clearances, and aerial duels won. His case to stay on the national team doesn't need to be made now that he's fully healthy. Scally was a dependable, every-game starter for Borussia Mönchengladbach, just as he was for the previous three seasons. His role on the national team is also well-established – primarily depth at full-back. He hasn't made a leap into the next category yet, but he's still just 22 – that's more than OK. What's his best position? Weah started off as a center forward, rose through the ranks at PSG and the US as a winger, but has been playing a fair amount of wingback for Juventus over the past season. Versatility is no bad thing, but Weah has yet to establish a consistent role and much depends on whether Juventus manager Igor Tudor sticks around, and what system he or his successor will deploy next season. For Dest, this season was all about one thing: getting healthy. He has done so, recovering from an offseason ACL tear in time to make appearances in PSV's last handful of league games before capturing the Eredivisie title. He will make his return to the national team this summer, and it remains to be seen to what degree he'll mesh with Pochettino. Tolkin had a rough introduction to the German Bundesliga after making the move from his hometown New York Red Bulls, playing 11 games and notching two assists as Holstein Kiel finished in the relegation zone. The question, then, is whether Tolkin will be able to stand out in the which is what might be needed for him to get another call to the national team before the World Cup. For the second straight season Fossey was a consistent starter at right-back for Standard Liège. They are usually traditionally a power in Belgium but finished seventh this season. Fossey was a part of the United States squad at the most recent Nations League, but did not impress enough to make the cut for the Gold Cup training camp. Miljevic moved from Newell's to Huracán in Argentina, reportedly after some disciplinary issues. He has seemingly done alright so far this season, but wasn't part of the Gold Cup training camp and seems a longshot to be a consistent fixture in the US team. There is no questioning Reyna's raw talent, but it's clearly long past time for him to get a fresh start. Reyna amassed just over 600 minutes for Borussia Dortmund this season, the vast majority of which were late appearances off the bench in which he usually failed to make much of an impact. Even if it means dropping to a less-fancied team or league, Reyna needs time on the field. Musah requested to be excluded from the US national team this summer with what the federation called a 'personal issue.' We don't know if that issue is part of what led to Musah's funk at Milan this season, where he was in and out of the lineup, tried in many different positions, and generally failed to impress much at any of them. It seems like Musah needs a reset, and that's what he'll get this summer. Turner is still locked in a competition to be the US No 1 goalkeeper, but every day he spends on the bench for his club side weakens his case a little bit more. Turner either needs to find a way to beat out Dean Henderson at Crystal Palace (unlikely), or move somewhere he'll get consistent time as a starter. Trusty traded long periods as Carter-Vickers' first-choice central defensive partner with multi-week stints on the bench for Celtic. He impressed at various points in the Champions League, but overall didn't do much to increase his standing internationally. It's fair to say at this point that the move to Monaco after a 21-goal season with Stade de Reims has not worked out. Balogun has only scored 12 times in the two seasons since, and in 2024-25 he spent long periods out with shoulder and ankle injuries. In the meantime, his competition at striker for the national team has only gotten more intense. When healthy and in form, Balogun is an easy pick for the US. He hasn't been either of those things for a while now.
