Sports

USMNT’s Perfect Window Highlights Emerging Talents and Raises Questions About Key Absences

By Pablo Iglesias Maurer, Jeff Rueter

The United States’ recent World Cup qualifying window showcased a mix of promising young players and seasoned veterans, with several individuals standing out for their performances. 17‑year‑old Cavan Sullivan drew attention for his energy and willingness to challenge defenders, earning praise for his movement, combination play and defensive contributions, especially in the match against Mexico. Sebastian Berhalter, who often enters games early, proved effective off the bench and delivered strong starts against Mexico, noted for his line‑breaking distribution and reliable dead‑ball delivery. Diego Kochen, who had a calm debut before a 3‑0 win over Mexico, was praised for his command of the area and possession skills, attributes attributed to his Barcelona upbringing. Julian Hall, a New York striker, was highlighted for his spatial awareness and off‑ball movement, with his finishing improving as he gains experience. Folarin Balogun remains a comfortable first‑choice striker, while Hall is seen as a promising young apprentice.

Christian Pulisic was the most notable absentee from the squad, with reasons cited including the coach’s focus on younger players and Pulisic’s recent recovery from a leg injury sustained at the World Cup. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino declined to comment on individual exclusions but spoke about the importance of senior leadership and players who are eager to represent the United States. Pochettino’s comments on Balogun’s exclusion and his broader expectations for the squad were noted.

Pochettino’s return for a second cycle was met with some skepticism, but the coach’s ability to blend youth and experience was praised. He spoke openly about the energy of his young players and the positive impact on the team.

Sergiño Dest’s performance during the World Cup was criticized for failing to provide width or defensive solidity, leading to Belgium’s success in the last‑16. Pochettino experimented with moving Dest away from right‑back to the wing, but the move did not yield significant improvement. The right‑back position now appears to have a new contender in Alex Freeman, who shows versatility, and Frankie Westfield, a debutant who offers up‑field passing. Dest remains a regular for PSV and his future role in the national team remains uncertain. Pochettino’s use of Dest as an inverted left winger against Canada did not alter the outcome of the match, and he remained peripheral compared to regulars like Tyler Adams and Reyna.