Of course, if that explains Pepi's lack of playing time, I wonder how that translates to Reyna, who is further back in the field and, at least theoretically (in my mind), would have more defensive responsibilities...
There is some value here but it isn't nearly as "significant" as the author makes it out to be. Those sprint numbers in particular are not far apart at all. And cherry picking out at couple of plays up the pitch where the press wasn't good enough doesn't tell the whole story at all. Most of the vulnerability I have seen from PSV this season on D comes from their CBs playing a high line and not being athletic enough to hold on counters. They have also gaffed quite a few easy passes in these losses. Also, losing Dest's recovery speed at RB is pretty glaring right now too IMO. All in all, I think it's fair to say Pepi could be better on the press... but not enough to warrant this kind of article IMO.
One of my many pet projects, most never acted upon, would be to see how often PSV has conceded the first goal this season. Without checking, my guess would be a lot, as in a shocking amount for a team so comfortably in first place. My hypothesis: it takes a goal (or two) against for PSV just to wake up. Often they do, and turn the tide, but not always. If I interviewed the players off the record, I would expect to hear variations on a theme: BFD! Wake us up when someone gets within ten points of us.
Well, of course it's from PSV's perspective and not ours. They're not terribly worried about scoring league goals with almost anyone they run out. And they're also thinking about how much they could get to sell him to a Premier League team, where it might become more important. That said, they're also comparing him to Til, who isn't a natural 9 in the first place.
Yeah, I was pondering that also. Would a more central mid have a better understanding of where to press? Kind of seems Pepi as a forwards should know better but I may be wrong thinking that. I also bet that experience plays a big part so it's no wonder he's not as good as their old legend was the last few years. I bet he wasn't as good at 21 / 22 as he ended up at the end. What's the story? By the time a player really understands everything their body gives out. So it's a athleticism vs brain thing that never has the best of both.
not sure about who should have a better understanding. Both actions are defensive but I see pressing as proactive and the majority of defending that a mid would do as being more reactive. Pressing is analogous to “diving in”. I think your experience angle is an important key. Positioning and working in a system is important. It’s pretty hard to outrun the ball but positioning and anticipation can be smothering…which is what you want
I've not watched a ton of Pepi at PSV, but my general view of his pressing with the US has never been about a lack of effort ... but the dude absolutely needs a ton of work on his routes in pressing. He's just not very good at applying pressure AND covering passing lanes. But he always seems up to the work with the US.
I've noticed the same but occasionally he surprises and gets a long leg out and steals one near goal. Like he did for Big Pat. If he could improve angles and decisions ....
Is Campbell still playing mostly fullback? If so, I'm not sure I'd try him at straight CB, but certainly backing up Freeman's role might be interesting.
Banks is getting karma and hasn't started in a while. Did he talk to our Italian American forward from back in the day about what happens when you do something like that?
Just saw Jude Terry's score his first goal for LAFC in their 2-1 loss to Portland. I know he is only 17 but Pochettino should consider bringing young talent. Why not? He scored a beauty! 17-Year Old Jude Terry Scores Top Bins Goal on His Full LAFC Debut vs. Portland FC
I want Montrell Culbreath on this roster, take a flyer on the kid. He's 18 years old, plays right wing and attacking mid. Has played really well for Bayer Leverkeusen, including in a 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich. I'd take him over Roldan, Berhalter, Brendan Aaronsen, and maybe even Reyna at this point.
We're ~6 weeks from squad announcement. We're not in "this kid had a good week, let's call him up" mode. The squad is the squad.
I'm generally in agreement here. However, given the injuries to Agyemang and Dest (and the distinct possibility that Gio won't make the squad) there's a slim chance that Poch takes a flier on someone young and in a real purple patch. I think it's fun to at least talk about who that player could be.
There seems to be meltdown in the twitterverse about this Brian Gutierrez story. Meanwhile, who do I think it was that took the open slot in the attacking midfield? Diego Luna. A Mexican-American dual national. If Poch doesn't prioritize Luna, then maybe we lose him instead of Gutierrez. "Next man up" is probably Zendejas. Another Mexican-American. We're not replacing Pulisic, Tillman, Aaronson, McKennie, etc. on the roster with Gutierrez. We all like Gutierrez. There's no reason not to like Gutierrez. But he was on the fringes of the US I17s, U20s, U23s, and USMNT. I mean, he has 1 goal and 1 assist in the Clausura. What are we talking about here? Playing for Mexico was the second choice for 22-year-old Brian Gutiérrez — who preferred to wait for the USMNT — after playing for the U.S. throughout the youth national teams and playing a pair of friendlies for the senior team in 2025.Andres Lillini, director of youth teams… pic.twitter.com/J7WXaIOZ4k— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) April 14, 2026
George Campbell maybe (but I think really unlikely). A keeper? No chance any of the 3 are guys he hasn't had in camp over the last year, and there aren't any others better anywhere. Gozo is the kind of guy that could provide a last-ditch spark (which he'd be desiring from Reyna, for example, or Luna).
Although he has not been impressive for his chances at the usmnt, Johnny Cardoso is going to be playing in the Champions League semi-finals. He played the final minutes against Barca. Backing up Adams is a top priority.