Five USMNT players can blossom under Mauricio Pochettino’s leadership. The United States men’s national soccer team has appointed Mauricio Pochettino as its new head coach.
While Pochettino will not be on the sidelines for Tuesday’s match, he will take over from interim coach Mikey Varas after the final whistle, gaining full control of the roster. Let’s explore five players poised to thrive with Pochettino at the helm:
The following insights are drawn from “Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast,” edited for brevity.
5. The strikers
Johnny Cardoso is positioned to gain significantly from Pochettino’s expertise. Soccer analyst Stu Holden has a high opinion of Cardoso’s potential, especially after his experience in La Liga with Real Betis, where he honed his skills.
Despite being the standout player on the team, Christian Pulisic has yet to reach his full potential. With Pochettino’s fresh approach, Pulisic may find a renewed sense of tactical understanding, which could help him navigate the challenges he has faced in recent years.
Gio Reyna’s undeniable talent remains despite past complications with the coaching staff. The change in leadership could provide Reyna with a fresh start, free from the baggage of previous relationships with former coach Gregg Berhalter. This new dynamic might allow him to flourish without the weight of history holding him back.
Alexi Lalas serves as a soccer analyst for FOX Sports and hosts “Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast.” He represented the USMNT at the 1994 FIFA World Cup and enjoyed a nine-year professional career, later becoming the president of the LA Galaxy in 2006, where he played a key role in bringing superstar David Beckham to Major League Soccer.
