On Saturday we got the first look of the United States men’s national team under Mauricio Pochettino in a 2-0 victory over Panama. It’s a result that was never in doubt with Yunus Musah and Ricardo Pepi finding the back of the net, and while Panama had a few chances, Matt Turner was there when needed and Pochettino’s USMNT controlled the game with defenders getting on the ball and pushing the pace.
You wouldn’t know that this was the same USMNT that had one win in seven matches entering play or the one that couldn’t play through Canada’s press which is where Pochettino’s fingerprints are beginning to show. Even formation-wise, while they were set up in a standard 4-3-3, it was more of a 3-4-3 when they took the pitch so Musah could push the pace from wide areas. Changes needed to happen without Tim Weah’s pace and at least in game one, Pochettino pushed the right buttons.
While the entire team’s performance has to be strong in securing a shutout victory, here are the players who may have improved their stock following a strong start under Pochettino:
Right back: Joe Scally
No player felt more underutilized during the Gregg Berhalter era than Joe Scally. Going from being a solid right back in the Bundesliga to struggling for the national team was something that didn’t add up but under Pochettino that could be changing. Scally was used as more of a third center back where he could really get on the ball and help push possession and it worked to great effect. The USMNT won the possession battle and also only allowed three shots on target. More of that, please.
Striker: Ricardo Pepi
Ricardo Pepi may have missed the 2022 World Cup squad but at this rate he won’t be absent from the 2026 crew. USMNT strikers spent most of the match isolated but Pepi came off the bench and made the most of his chances hitting the back of the net. Pepi has consistently been able to change matches for the USMNT when he comes off the bench which is such a valuable skill. He’ll want to become the starter but there’s a clear role for him in this squad now and he’s quite good at it.
Midfielder: Yunus Musah
Pochettino values flexibility in a formation and that’s something that Musah has quite a lot of. Already able to line up wherever he’s needed in midfield, Musah was essentially a right winger against Panama and was able to contribute a goal too. While he hopefully won’t be needed in that position often, it’s good to know that in a pinch it’s something that Musah can do when Pochettino wants to smother teams. Musah also showed no signs of rust despite his inconsistent playing time for Milan which will help ensure that he keeps getting opportunities.
Midfielder: Gianluca Busio
Shocker, it’s another member of the midfield making this list, but when you control the match for so long, you have to win the midfield battle to do it. Gianluca Busio played a large part in that keeping possession ticking over. After Christian Pulisic, Busio also created the second most chances on the team with two playing in a different role. Only misplacing three passes, it was a great day for the Venezia man.
Midfielder: Aidan Morris
This could easily become the year of Aidan Morris. He’s become central to the Middlesbrough midfield and is pushing that experience right into the center of the park for the USMNT. Morris was absolutely everywhere taking the second most touches of any member of the team. Also making three tackles, Morris was a menace for Panama attacks. This is a team that has been missing an enforcer since Tyler Adams has been absent due to injuries but they just may have found one. Morris’ performances have been good enough that he should be a starting midfielder in the USMNT setup for the foreseeable future as of now. He’s stepped up to meet every challenge so far in his career and is excelling in his most recent one to become a regular under Pochettino.
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