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14 USMNT Players Poised for a New Beginning Under Coach Mauricio Pochettino

14 players who could get a fresh look under new USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino

Fourteen players could receive a fresh look under new U.S. Men’s National Team coach Mauricio Pochettino. The common belief in national team coaching is that one is limited to the existing roster, and while there is some validity to this notion, Pochettino has the opportunity to reshape his squad in unique ways. Unlike club teams, where managers often have the luxury of significant financial resources to acquire new talent, Pochettino must navigate a different landscape.

Pochettino’s task involves building a cohesive unit around established players, particularly star forward Christian Pulisic. However, the idea that he cannot introduce fresh talent is a misconception. In contrast to club environments, where contracts can be cumbersome, Pochettino has the flexibility to exclude players who are not performing, who are out of shape, or who do not align with his demanding style of play.

This flexibility is essential. Pochettino requires athletes who can endure the rigors of a full match, consistently playing 90 minutes or close to it each week. Unfortunately, several key American players are currently sidelined due to injuries or other circumstances. This includes notable names like Tyler Adams, Johnny Cardoso, Sergiño Dest, Gio Reyna, and Luca de la Torre.

As a result, fans can expect some adjustments to the roster for Pochettino’s inaugural USMNT squad, which will be unveiled ahead of upcoming friendlies against Panama and Mexico.

Here are 14 players who were either overlooked or underutilized by former coach Gregg Berhalter during the 2026 World Cup cycle. These players are now making regular appearances in their respective leagues and could merit Pochettino’s attention:

D Reggie Cannon, 26, Colorado Rapids (MLS)

Cannon was a reliable presence throughout the last World Cup cycle but found himself on the cutting room floor before Qatar 2022. He expressed disappointment over the decision and has not earned another cap since. However, with Pochettino at the helm and Cannon returning to MLS after stints in Portugal and England, his chances may improve. The right back position remains highly competitive within the U.S. player pool.

D/M Maximilian Dietz, 22, Greuther Fürth  (Germany)

Dietz, a member of the 2024 U.S. Olympic team, showcased his skills as a defensive midfielder during the Paris Games. Although he is uncapped at the senior level, he is projected to play as a center back. “The new coach doesn’t affect my mindset here at Fürth,” Dietz shared with FOX Sports. “Regardless of who the coach is, performance is what matters.”

D Marlon Fossey, 26, Standard Liège (Belgium)

Fossey made a strong impression during his USMNT debut in a recent match against New Zealand. “I aimed to bring energy and seize the opportunity,” he remarked afterward. His performance, along with those of Joe Scally and others, could lead to a battle for the starting right back position until Dest returns from injury early next year.

M Julian Green, 29, Greuther Fürth (Germany)

Green, who scored for the U.S. in the 2014 World Cup, has not donned the national jersey since 2018. However, he has been in excellent form, netting three goals in six Bundesliga matches while playing every minute for Fürth this season. “A new coach often brings new chances for every player,” Green stated. “My goal is to return to the national team.”

M/F Luca Koleosho, 20, Burnley (England)

Koleosho is eligible to represent multiple nations, including Canada, Nigeria, Italy, and the U.S. He recently played for Italy’s U-21 team but has roots in Connecticut and began his senior career at Espanyol, where Pochettino made his mark. The new coach may seek to persuade Koleosho to commit to the USMNT.

Luca Koleosho, originally from Connecticut, has played for Italy’s U-21s. (Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts/Getty Images)

D/M Richie Ledezma, 24, PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands)

After recovering from an ACL injury, Ledezma has secured a spot as the starting right back for the Dutch champions this season. This performance could lead to his first USMNT cap since his lone senior appearance nearly four years ago.

M Diego Luna, 21, Real Salt Lake (MLS)

Luna, a surprising omission from the U.S. Olympic squad, has excelled this season with a career-high six goals and 12 assists in nearly 2000 minutes of play for RSL. After earning his first senior cap in January, he could be a valuable addition alongside Europe-based regulars.

M Lenny Maloney, 24, Heidenheim (Germany)

D Mark McKenzie, 25, Toulouse (France)

With center back positions available, McKenzie is in a prime position to claim a spot following his transfer from Belgium to Ligue 1, a league where Pochettino has had notable success.

M Aidan Morris, 22, Middlesbrough (England)

Morris has made a significant impact in his early months at Middlesbrough, which aims to improve its performance and push for promotion to the Premier League. He could play a crucial role for Pochettino in October, especially with Tyler Adams recovering from back surgery.

D/M Kevin Paredes, 21, Wolfsburg (Germany)

Paredes has missed the initial weeks of the Bundesliga season due to a foot injury sustained at the Olympics. However, the agile former D.C. United player is poised to make an impact when he returns. All three of his senior caps came last fall.

Kevin Paredes, the agile former D.C. United player, is ready to make his mark when healthy. (Photo by John Todd/ISI/Getty Images)

G Zack Steffen, 29, Colorado Rapids (MLS)

With Matt Turner and Ethan Horvath sitting on the bench in England, Steffen’s opportunity to reclaim a spot in the national team could be approaching. This may be his best chance to compete against young goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.

D John Tolkin, 22, New York Red Bulls (MLS)

Tolkin, an Olympic left back, possesses stamina, skill, and intelligence on the field. He could challenge Kristoffer Lund for the left back position under Pochettino.

F Brandon Vazquez, Monterrey (Mexico)

Vazquez, a prolific target striker, has yet to receive a call-up from Berhalter. Nevertheless, he continues to find the net in Mexico, with three goals and an assist in his last five matches for Los Rayados.

Source

Written By

Dave Gallo is a leading sports bettor and handicapper since 1999, known for his impressive 10-0 winning streaks. A journalism, advertising, and media studies major at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he combines his betting expertise with academic knowledge. Gallo's strong work ethic and passion for sports fuel his ongoing success and scholarly pursuits.

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