It’s going to be an interesting rebuild post-Copa, pre-World Cup. Early list of my player pool in the upcoming calendar…. GOALKEEPERS Established: Matt Turner, Ethan Horvath Challengers: Roman Celentano, Drake Callender, Chris Brady, Gabriel Slonina, Patrick Schulte, Zack Steffen, Diego Kochen Drop: Sean Johnson Analysis: It’s no longer Turner’s job to lose. Goalkeeper should be considered wide open, and we need to hope that someone locks down the starting spot by the end of 2025. My money is not Horvath to win that spot. We desperately need one of the young bucks to step forward. RIGHT BACKS Established: Joe Scally, Sergino Dest (Injured) Challengers: Brooks Lennon, Bryan Reynolds, DeJuan Jones (also, left back), Marlon Fossey Drop: Shaq Moore, Reggie Cannon (already dropped?), DeAndre Yedlin Analysis: With Dest’s injury, this next year will really demonstrate if Scally is ready to be a starter for the national team or not. But a more pressing concern should be monitored…. Where is our depth? Shaq Moore isn’t going to cut it. Someone needs to step up. And there are not a lot who inspire confidence. Of note, I think DeJuan Jones is needed much more on the right than the left right now. But his versatility helps his case. CENTER BACKS Established: Chris Richards, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Miles Robinson, Walker Zimmerman Challengers: Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty, Jalen Neal Drop: Tim Ream Analysis: You can debate if Zimmerman, McKenzie, and Trusty are established or challengers, but what’s certain is that we should have identified 6 players to compete for the 4 center back spots. Tim Ream should be put out to pasture. Meanwhile, it’s probably too soon for Jalen Neal. But he could get a bump if he impresses at the Olympics. LEFT BACKS Established: Jedi Robinson Challengers: Kristoffer Lund, Kevin Paredes (also, wing), Caleb Wiley, John Tolkin, Jonathan Gomez, George Bello, Nathaniel Brown, DeJuan Jones (also, right back) Drop: Sam Vines (already dropped?) Analysis: I’m not so quick to anoint Lund to be Jedi’s successor. Maybe he is. But I really like for Wiley and Tolkin to compete for that spot. I haven’t forgotten the others (Bello, Gomez, Brown, etc.). But this might be simply solved if Paredes makes the full time switch to left back. He reminds me of the most like for like replacement for Jedi. And I’d select him over Lund right now. MIDFIELDERS Established: Tyler Adams, Yunus Musah, Johnny Cardoso, Weston McKennie, Luca de la Torre Challengers: Lennard Maloney, Tanner Tessman, Gianluca Busio, Aidan Morris, Jack McGlynn, Rokas Puktsas, Cole Bassett, James Sands (needs to do more), Kelyn Acosta (I’ll still consider. not willing to drop yet. But he’s on thin ice.), Tim Tillman (we’ll see. I didn’t think he deserved a Copa selection) Drop: Cristian Roldan (already dropped?) Analysis: Midfield might actually be getting crowded. Johnny has emerged as a real option. Hopefully Adams can get healthy. Busio and Tessmann are back in Serie A and ready to show their worth at the Olympics. I think Maloney was a major snub. Then, there are other promising youngsters. Honestly, we may need to move one or more of Musah, McKennie, and/or De la Torre to wing or attacking mid because we need options there. ATT MID / WINGERS Established: Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Tim Weah, Brenden Aaronson, Malik Tillman, Haji Wright (also, forward) Challengers: Kevin Paredes (also, left back), Alex Zendejas, Paxten Aaronson, Cade Cowell, Brian Gutierrez, Griffin Yow, Taylor Booth, Emmanuel Sabbi, Ben Cremaschi, Diego Luna, Esmir Bajraktarevic, Quinn Sullivan, Luca Koleosho (dual national, injured), Jesus Ferreira (ironically needed more here than at center forward where he’s poorly suited) Drop: Jordan Morris (already dropped?), Paul Arriola (already dropped?), Alan Sonora (already dropped?) Analysis: Pulisic. Reyna. Weah. Don’t be excited about the rest of our options yet even though there are a lot of names here. We need some of these guys to step up to be a true threat for us. Meanwhile, it’s very possible we might need to move some guys from the midfield up into one of these positions. Hopefully, we’re still reaching out to Koleosho. Of note, it’s very generous to consider Malik Tillman an established player. He’s been terrible so far for the USMNT. But the potential is there. FORWARDS Established: Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Josh Sargent, Haji Wright (also, wing) Challengers: Brandon Vazquez, Jordan Pefok, Damion Downs, Kahveh Zahiroslalem, Duncan McGuire Drop: Daryl Dike (sorry dude). Analysis: Berhalter needs to figure out to get our center forward to be more effective. That said, we have options. We just one or more to lock the spot down.
The depth continues to grow and how it gets integrated will be a bug key over the next couple of years. The lineups and rosters are starting to write themselves and guys like Musah have been decent starters for us in the past may have their roles reduced. It isnt how our coach does things, but I really think the most important thing is to get our best players on the field together, with roles that maximize the collective. Outside CB and GK, any depth issues could be solved by moving guys around. Hopefully, we see that with Dest out. Adams, Mckennie, and Weah could all play right back and something I'd like to see tried. I think mentioned it with the CBs, but think in general, I would set your threshold for being established a little higher. I personally don't Aaronson and Tillman should be in a top category at this time. I'm a big fan of Tillman's skillset, but don't think he is there yet and don't think Aaronson ever should been rated that high and hoping people are starting be a little more level headed about it. The last thing to throw out, is to continue watching how Reyna is used. If it continues like this past game, id move his back to the midfield. I dint think it is best use for him but played very deep to be an outlet for everyone. I wouldn't put it past this coach to try to make him a DLP.
My view of where we stand two years out based on the Copa roster (adding in Dest and subtracting out Moore). Current locks World Cup: Pulisic, Weah, Balogun, Reyna, Musah, McKennie, Adams, Jedi, Dest, Richards, Turner Strong chance: Pepi, Sargent, Cardoso, Tillman Jury is out: Robinson, McKenzie, Scally, Lund, Ream, Wright Need to upgrade: CCV, LDLT, Horvath, Johnson, Aaronson Players I wouldn’t mind seeing in the September camp: Freese, Neal, Reynolds, Parades, Tessmann, Slonina, Kolesheo, Tolkin or Wiley Broad list of players I’m watching over the next two years in case they make a case they deserve a look with their club play by 2026 or make a big leap from some of the younger guys (and some of these are dual nationals we may lose). GK: Schulte, Beavers, Kochen, Celentano, Callander, Brady, Rick, Eyestone, Pulskamp, Carrera LB: Gomez, Bello, Allen, Brown, Vines, McFarlane RB: Lennon, Jones, Baker Whiting, Cannon, Harriel, Che CB: Trusty, Zimmerman, Miazga, Banks, Ragen, Fray, Cobb, Dietz, Campbell, Akinmboni, Wynder, Glad, Craig DM: Morris, Maloney, Sands CM: Busio, McGlynn, Tim Tillman, Bassett, Buck, Cremaschi, Tsakiris AM: Paxton Aaronson, Luna, Gutierrez, Cavan Sullivan, Pusktas WF: Esmir, Cowell, Yow, Booth, Zendejas, Fletcher, Quinn Sullivan, Berchimas, Campbell, Barajas FW: Vazquez, Pefok, Dike, Ferreira, Figueroa, Hall
I wonder how a new coach (especially if that coach is foreigner) will view our player pool, and how much things will change. I think most fans feel we know who our best players are, but fresh eyes may see things differently.
None of these lists have Max Dietz in them. He is one to watch at CB. Maloney can also play CB. And unless CCV test himself more we need an upgrade there.
Our improvement at CB, if it occurs, if going to be more about the existing pool peaking than young players coming in. Maybe a Jalen Neal makes a dent at 23, but if people think a 2005 or 2006 is going to be an impact CB at a World Cup ... I think that's very wishful thinking.
I think Banks is the guy with the most potential to break through. He’s with the first team in preseason. Not saying he will but if he does breakthrough he’s going to get fast tracked to the USMNT. Overall though we have a very good up and coming group and it feels like goalie where we are just a few years away. 2030 really seems like to me it’ll be our talent peak, not 2026.
It would be wonderful if Dietz and Banks both breakout as legit players for the USMNT in the next year.
He's a 2006, right? We're counting on a 20 year old centerback? We had a locked in Ream and Walker Zimmerman. Let's hope we have a locked in Richards and Miles Robinson (or whatever).
Not counting on but hoping for. He may or may not be on the verge of breaking through and probably has the best chance of doing so of the up and coming guys. Meanwhile centerback is clearly a weakness. Ream is old, CCV looked poor this summer, Richards had a promising season but didn’t play well this summer, and Miles Robinson wasn’t trusted to play a single minute (and after a post injury Gold Cup where he was pretty bad). So yeah I’m hoping some young guys will break through. No guarantees of course.
USMNT Player Pool for 2026 Cycle July 27, 2024 ***First player pool update in the post-Berhalter era and pre-new coach era, and after the 2024 Olympic cyle*** ***Note: some positions are harder to differentiate between the classes than others because we don’t know who the new coach will prefer over others yet and/or the talent differences between players is minimal*** GOALKEEPERSCore/Contenders: Matt Turner, 1994(31), Nottingham Forest Patrick Schulte, 2001(25) Columbus Crew Gabriel Slonina, 2004(22) Chelsea FC Roman Celentano, 2000(25) FC Cincinnati Matt Freese, 1998(27) New York City FC Ethan Horvath, 1995(30) Cardiff City FC Chris Brady, 2004(22) Chicago Fire Olympic/Dreamers: Diego Kochen, 2006*(20) FC Barcelona [Spain] Julian Eyestone, 2006*(20) Brentford FC Gavin Beavers, 2005*(21) Real Monarchs Andrew Rick, 2006*(20) Philadelphia Union Adam Beaudry, 2006*(20), Colorado Rapids Duran Ferree, 2006*(19) Orange County SC Dog-House/Pretenders: Zack Steffen, 1995(31), Colorado Rapids Drake Callender, 1997(28) Inter Miami Joe Willis, 1988(37) Nashville SC Brad Stuver, 1991(35) Austin FC John McCarthy, 1992(33) LA Galaxy John Pulskamp, 2001(25) Sporting Kansas City Alex Bono, 1994(32) DC United Zac MacMath, 1991(34) Real Salt Lake Dual-National Recruits: Emmanuel Ochoa, 2005*(21), San Jose Earthquakes [Mexico] Drop-Zone: Sean Johnson, 1989(37), Toronto FC Steffen Frei, 1986(40) Seattle Sounders Josh Cohen, 1992(33) Atlanta United Earl Edwards, 1992(34) New England Revolution Andrew Thomas, 1998(27) Seattle Sounders Antonio Carrera, 2004(22) North Texas SC Chituru Odunze, 2002(23) Charlotte FC Abraham Rodriguez, 2002(23) Colorado Rapids Alex Borto, 2003(22) Fulham [Poland] Alex Rando, 2001(25) New York City FC Ethan Wady, 2002(24) Millwall FC Fred Emmings, 2004(21) Minnesota United Outlook: Zackory Campagnolo, 2007*(20) Colorado Rapids Aidan Strokes, 2008*(18) New York Red Bulls [England] RIGHT BACKSCore: Joseph Scally, 2002(23) Borussia Moenchengladbach {RB, LB} Sergino Dest, 2000(25) PSV Eindhoven {RB, LB} [INJURED] Contenders: Bryan Reynolds, 2001(24) Westerlo {RB, LB, RW} Marlon Fossey, 1998(27), Standard Liege {RB, RW} DeJuan Jones, 1997(28) New England Revolution {LB, RB} Olympic/Dreamers: Reed Baker-Whiting, 2005**(21) Seattle Sounders {WG, 10, M8, RB, LB} Aiden Harangi, 2006*(20) Eintracht Frankfurt {RB} [Hungary] Oscar Verhoeven, 2006*(20), San Jose Earthquakes {RB, CB, LB} Andrew Baiera, 2007*(19) New York City FC {RB} Dog-House/Pretenders: Shaq Moore, 1996(30) Nashville SC {RB} DeAndre Yedlin, 1993(32) FC Cincinnati {RB} Brooks Lennon, 1997(28), Atlanta United {RB, RW} Nathan Harriel, 2001(25) Philadelphia Union {RB, LB} Lynden Gooch, 1995(30) Stoke City FC {WG, M8, 10, RB} Thomas Totland, 1999(26) Saint Louis City SC [Norway] Cameron Harper, 2001(24) New York Red Bulls {WG, FW, RB} Kayden Pierre, 2003(23) Sporting Kansas City {RB} Jake Davis, 2002(24) Sporting Kansas City {RB, M8} Caden Clark, 2003(23) Minnesota United {10, WG, M8, RB} Reggie Cannon, 1998(27) Queens Park Rangers FC {RB, CB} Mauricio Cuevas, 2003(23) LA Galaxy {RB, LB} Justin Che, 2003(22) Brondby {CB, RB, RW} Bode Hidalgo, 2002(24) Real Salt Lake {RB, WG, CB} Kyle Duncan, 1997(28) New York Red Bulls {RB, LB, CB} [Jamaica] Sebastian Anderson, 2002(23) Colorado Rapids {RB, RW} Cody Baker, 2004(22) Seattle Sounders {RB, LB} Dual-National Recruits: Devan Tanton, 2003(22) Fulham FC {RB, CB} [Prefers Colombia] Wesley Okoduwa, 2008*(17) Wolverhampton {RB} [Prefers England] Drop-Zone: Erik Duenas, 2004(21) Los Angeles FC {RB} [Prefers Mexico] Michael Halliday, 2003(23) Orlando City SC {RB} Jacob Greene, 2003(23) DC United {LB, RB} Brandon Bye, 1995(30) New England Revolution {RB, LB} Nick Lima, 1994(31) New England Revolution {LB} Tristan Blackmon, 1996(29) Vancouver Whitecaps FC {RB, CB} Julian Gressel, 1993(32) Inter Miami {RB, RW} Alex Freeman, 2004(21) Orlando City SC {RB} Collin Smith, 2003(22) Birmingham Legion FC {RB} Noah Hall, 2003(23) Columbus Crew {RB} Justin Reynolds, 2004(21) Chicago Fire {RB} Outlook: Nolan McGuire, 2005*(20) Saint Louis City SC {RB} Frankie Westfield, 2005*(20) Philadelphia Union {RB, CB} Jace Clark, 2005*(20) DC United {RB} Diego Rosales, 2005*(20), Los Angeles FC {RB, CB} Owen Presthus, 2006*(20) Columbus Crew {RB} Shawn Lanza, 2006*(20) Atlanta United {RB} Joshua Santiago, 2007*(19) Los Angeles FC {RB} [Mexico] CENTER BACKSCore: Chris Richards, 2000(26) Crystal Palace {CB, RB, LB, M6} Walker Zimmermann, 1993(33), Nashville SC {CB} Miles Robinson, 1997(29), FC Cincinnati {CB} Cameron Carter-Vickers, 1997(28) Celtic {CB} Contenders: Mark McKenzie, 1999(27) KRC Genk {CB} Auston Trusty, 1998(27) Sheffield United {CB, LB} Max Dietz, 2002(23) Greuther Firth {CB, DM} Jalen Neal, 2003(22) LA Galaxy {CB} Olympic: Noahkai Banks, 2006*(19) FC Augsburg {CB, M6, RB} Noah Cobb, 2005*(20) Atlanta United {CB, M6} Joshua Wynder, 2005*(21) Benfica Lisbon {CB} Matai Akinmboni, 2006*(19) DC United {CB} [Ghana] Dreamers: Tyler Hall, 2006*(20), Inter Miami {CB} Stuart Hawkins, 2006*(19), Seattle Sounders {CB} Grayson Dettoni, 2005*(20) Bayern Munich {CB} Christian Diaz, 2006*(20), Los Angeles FC {CB} Ramiz Hamouda, 2008*(18) Sporting Kansas City {CB} Drew Murray, 2005*(20) Freiburg {CB} Luis Rivera, 2007*(18) Real Salt Lake {CB, LB} Santiago Suarez, 2005*(21) New England Revolution {CB} Dog-House/Pretenders: Tim Ream, 1987(38), Fulham {CB, LB, M6} Ian Murphy, 2000(26) FC Cincinnati {CB} John Brooks, 1993(33), unattached {CB} Matt Miazga, 1995(30), FC Cincinnati {CB} [INJURED] Jackson Ragen, 1998(27) Seattle Sounders FC {CB} Sean Nealis, 1997(29) New York Red Bulls {CB} Nkosi Tafari, 1997(29) FC Dallas {CB} George Campbell, 2001(24) CF Montreal {CB} Jack Maher, 1999(26) Nashville SC {M6, CB} Andrew Privett, 2000(25) Charlotte FC {CB} Erik Palmer-Brown, 1997(29), Panathinaikos {CB, M6} Aaron Long, 1992(33), Los Angeles FC {CB} Justen Glad, 1997(29), Real Salt Lake {CB} Kipp Keller, 2000(25) FC Cincinnati {CB} Henry Kessler, 1998(27) New England Revolution {CB} Sean Zawadzki, 2000(26) Columbus Crew {M6, CB} Ian Fray, 2002(23) Inter Miami {CB, DM, RB} Garrison Tubbs, 2002(24) DC United {CB} Jonathan Tomkinson, 2002(24) Norwich City {CB} Michael Wentzel, 2002(24) Saint Louis City SC {CB} Kobi Henry, 2004(22) Reims SC > FC Villefranche-Beaujolais {CB} Brandan Craig, 2004(22) Philadelphia Union {CB, M6} Donovan Pines, 1998(28) Barnsley FC {CB} Dual-National Recruits: Tyler Meiser, 2007*(19) Borussia Dortmund {CB} [Germany] Bryan Okoh, 2003(23) RB Salzburg {CB} [Prefers Switzerland] Jack Elliott, 1995(30), Philadelphia Union [England, eligibility pending] Kik Pierie, 2000(25) Excelsior {CB, LB} [Prefers Netherlands] Drop-Zone: Justin Haak, 2001(24) New York City FC {M6, M8, CB} Nico Carrera, 2002(24) Toluca {CB} [Mexico] Thomas Williams, 2004(21) Orlando City SC {CB} Mauricio Pineda 1997(28) Chicago Fire {M6, CB} Samual Rogers, 1999(27) Lillestrom SK {CB} Brenden Hines-Ike, 1994(31) Austin FC {CB} Philip Quinton, 1999(26) Real Salt Lake {CB} Marcus Ferkranus, 2003(23) LA Galaxy {CB} Casey Walls, 2003(22) San Jose Earthquakes {CB} Outlook: Josh Maher, 2005*(20) Saint Louis City SC {CB} Jack Neeley, 2005*(21) Charlotte FC {CB, RB} Fernando Venegas, 2005*(21) Sacramento Republic FC {CB} Mateo Pinilla, 2005*(21), Houston Dynamo {CB} [Colombia] Adrian Pelayo, 2006*(20) North Carolina FC {CB} [Mexico] Tate Lampman, 2006*(19) Houston Dynamo {CB} Shakir Nixon, 2006*(20) Los Angeles FC {CB} Davi Alexandre, 2007*(19) New York Red Bulls {CB} Neil Pierre, 2007*(18) Philadelphia Union {CB} Ian James, 2008*(17) Sporting Kansas City {CB} LEFT BACKSCore: Antonee ‘Jedi’ Robinson, 1997(28) Fulham {LB} Kevin Paredes, 2003(23) VfL Wolfsburg {WG, LB} [Dominican Republic] Contenders: Caleb Wiley, 2004(21) Chelsea FC {LB, LW} John Tolkin, 2002(23) New York Red Bulls {LB, M6} Jonathan Gomez, 2003(22) Real Sociedad {LB} [Mexico] Nathaniel Brown, 2003(22) Eintracht Frankfurt {LB, DM} [Germany] Kristoffer Lund, 2002(24) Palermo FC {LB} George Bello, 2002(24), Linzer ASK {LB} Olympic: Nolan Norris, 2005**(21) FC Dallas {LB, CM, CB} Peyton Miller, 2007*(18) New England Revolution {LB, WG} Dreamers: Luca Bombino, 2006*(19) Los Angeles FC {LB} Sawyer Jura, 2006*(20), Portland Timbers {LB, RB} Manu Romero, 2009**(17) Real Madrid [Uruguay, Spain] Tahir Reid-Brown, 2006*(20) Orlando City SC {LB} Dog-House/Pretenders: Sam Vines, 1999(27) Colorado Rapids {LB} Devin Padelford, 2003(23) Minnesota United {LB, CB} Noah Allen, 2004(22) Inter Miami {LB} Mauricio Isais, 2001(25) Leon {LB} [Mexico] Dual-National Recruits: Christian McFarlane, 2005*(19) New York City FC {LB} [Prefers England] Jaheim Headley, 2001(24) Huddersfield Town [Prefers England, Jamaica] Drop-Zone: Andrew Gutman, 1996(29) Chicago Fire {LB, M6, CB} Jonathan Dean, 1997(28) Chicago Fire {LB, RB} Marco Farfan, 1998(27) FC Dallas {LB} John Nelson, 1998(27) LA Galaxy {LB, RB} Will Sands, 2000(25) Columbus Crew {LB, LM} Adam Armour, 2002(23) Charlotte FC {LB} Zack Farnsworth, 2002(23) Real Salt Lake {LB} Isaiah Parker, 2002(23) San Antonio FC {LB, LW} Isaiah Foster, 2003(22) Colorado Rapids FC Anthony Sorenson, 2003(23) Philadelphia Union {LB} Jackson Travis, 2004(22) Colorado Rapids {LB} Outlook: Curtis Ofori, 2005*(22) New York Red Bulls {LB} Victor Enriquez, 2006*(20) Portland Timbers {LB} Riley Dalgado, 2006*(20) LA Galaxy {LB} Tristan Brown, 2007*(18) Columbus Crew {LB} Linkon Ream, 2009**(17) Real Salt Lake {LB} MIDFIELDERSCore: Weston McKennie, 1998(27) Juventus {M8, 10, M6, WG} Yunus Musah, 2002(23) AC Milan {M8, 10, WG, M6} Johnny Cardoso, 2001(24) Real Betis {M6, M8} Tyler Adams, 1999(27) Bournemouth {M6} [INJURED] Tanner Tessman, 2001(24) Venezia FC {M8, M6} Gianluca Busio, 2002(24), Venezia FC {M8, M6} Lennard Maloney, 1999(26) FC Heidenheim {CB, M6} [Germany] Contenders: Aidan Morris, 2001(24) Middlesbrough FC {M8, M6} James Sands, 2000(25) New York City FC {CB, M6} Jack McGlynn, 2003(22) Philadelphia Union {M8, M6} [Ireland Republic] Rokas Puktsas, 2004(21) Hajduk Split {M8, M6} [Lithuania] Cole Bassett, 2001(24) Colorado Rapids {10, WG, M8} Daniel Edelman, 2003(23) New York Red Bulls {M6, M8} Olympic/Dreamers: Pedro Soma, 2006*(19), UE Cornella {M6} [Brazil] Taha Habroune, 2006*(20) Columbus Crew {M8, M6} Ethan Kohler, 2005*(21) Werder Bremen {DM, CB, RB} Adrian Gill, 2006*(20) FC Barcelona {M6, M8, RB} [Spain] Matthew Corcoran, 2006*(20) Birmingham Legion FC {M8} Brooklyn Raines, 2005*(21) Houston Dynamo {M8, 10, WG} Sergio Oregel, 2005*(21) Chicago Fire {M8, 10} Miguel Perez, 2005*(21) Saint Louis City FC > Birmingham Legion FC {10, WG, M8, M6} [Mexico] Bento Estrela, 2006*(20) New York Red Bulls {M6, M8} [Portugal] Adri Mehmeti, 2009**(17) New York Red Bulls {M6, M8} Jude Terry, 2008*(18) Los Angeles FC {M8} [Mexico] [INJURED] Adyn Torres, 2007*(18) Atlanta United {M8} Stivin Jimenez, 2007*(18) FC Cincinnati {M6} Dog-House/Pretenders: Kellyn Acosta, 1995(30) Chicago Fire {M6, M8, RB, LB} Zach Booth, 2004(22) Leicester City {M8, M6, WG} Josh Atencio, 2002(24) Seattle Sounders {M6, CB, M8} [Mexico] Owen Wolff, 2004(21) Austin FC {M8, 10} Timothy Tillman, 1999(27) Los Angeles FC {WG, 10, M8, FW} Leon Flach, 2001(24) Philadelphia Union {M6, M8, LB} [Germany] Cristian Roldan, 1995(30) Seattle Sounders {M8, WG, M6} Paxton Pomykal, 1999(26), FC Dallas {M8, 10, WG} Jackson Yuiell, 1997(29) San Jose Earthquakes {M6, M8, CB} Keaton Parks, 1997(28) New York City FC {M8, M6} Frankie Amaya, 2000(25) Toluca {M8, 10, M6} Julian Green, 1995(30) Greuther Firth {WG, 10, M8, FW} Chris Durkin, 2000(26) Saint Louis City SC {M6, CB, RB} Oliver Larraz, 2001(24) Colorado Rapids {M8, 10} Dante Polvara, 2000(25) Aberdeen {M6, M8} Christian Cappis, 1999(26) Brondby IF {M8, M6, LB} Alex Mendez, 2000(25) FC Vizela {M8, WG, 10} [Mexico] Danny Leyva, 2003(23) Seattle Sounders {M6, M8} [Mexico] Dual-National Recruits: Noel Buck, 2005*(21) New England Revolution {10, WG, M8} [Prefers England] David Ruiz, 2004(22) Inter Miami [Prefers Honduras] Drop-Zone: Javier Casas, 2003(23) Chicago Fire {M8} Peter Stroud, 2002(24) New York Red Bulls {M8, M6} Alejandro Alvarado, 2003(22) FC Vizela > Vianense {M8, 10, M6} [Mexico] Sebastian Berhalter, 2001(25) Vancouver Whitecaps {M8, M6} Edwin Cerrillo, 2000(25) LA Galaxy {M6, M8} Eryk Williamson, 1997(29) Portland Timbers {M8, M6, 10} Malik Pinto, 2002(23) FC Cincinnati {M6, M8} Cameron Dunbar, 2002(23) Minnesota United {M8, WG} Patrick Leal, 2003(23) New England Revolution {M8, 10, WG} Moses Nyeman, 2003(22) Minnesota United {M8, M6} Carlos Moguel, 2003(23) Louisville City FC {M8, 10, M6} Ozzie Cisneros, 2004(22) Sporting Kansas City {M8, M6} Santiago Castañeda, 2004(21) MSV Duisburg {DM} Outlook: Robert Deziel, 2005*(20) Bayern Munich {DM} Sam Williams, 2005*(21) New York Red Bulls {M8} Julio Benitez, 2005*(20) Real Monarchs {M8} Francis Jacobs, 2005*(21) Orange County SC {M6, M8} Xavi Gnaulati, 2005*(21) Monterey Bay {M8, M6, LB} Bryan Moyado, 2005*(20) Los Angeles FC {M6, M8} [Mexico] Aaron Heard, 2006*(19), Saint Louis City SC {M8, 10, WG} Edwyn Mendoza, 2006*(20), San Jose Earthquakes {M6} Jude Wellings, 2006*(20) Pingzau Saafaladen {M8} Ian Shaul, 2006*(20), Portland Timbers {M8} Alejandro Urzua, 2006*(20) FC Dallas {M8} Adolfo Enriquez, 2006*(20) Portland Timbers {M8} Cielo Tschantret, 2006*(20) Sporting Kansas City {M6} Jonathan Shore, 2007*(19) New York City FC {M8} Nathan Worth, 2007*(19) FC Tulsa {M8} Colin Guske, 2007*(19) Orlando City {M6, M8} Darius Lane, 2007*(18) Brighton & Hove Albion FC {M8} Tyson Pearce, 2007*(18) Saint Louis City SC {M6} Ervin Torres, 2007*(18) Austin FC {M8} Sebastian Rodriguez, 2007*(18) Houston Dynamo {M6} Decarlo Guerra, 2008*(18) Los Angeles FC {M6} [Guatemala] Gil De Souza, 2008*(18) New York Red Bulls {M6, M8} [Brazil] ATTACKERSCore: Christian Pulisic, 1998(27) AC Milan {WG, 10} Timothy Weah, 2000(26), Juventus FC {WG, FW, RB, LB} Giovanni Reyna, 2002(23) Borussia Dortmund {10, WG, M8} Brenden Aaronson, 2000(25) Leeds United {10, WG, M8} Malik Tillman, 2002(24) PSV Eindhoven {WG, M8, 10, FW} Luca de la Torre, 1998(28) Celta Vigo {M8, WG} Contenders: Paxten Aaronson, 2003(22) Eintracht Frankfurt > FC Utrecht {10, M8, WG, FW} Taylor Booth, 2001(25) FC Utrecht {M8, M6, 10, WG} Griffin Yow, 2002(23) Westerlo {WG, FW} Benjamin Cremaschi, 2005*(21) Inter Miami CF [Argentina] Diego Luna, 2003(22) Real Salt Lake {WG, 10} [Mexico] Cade Cowell, 2003(22) Chivas Guadalajara {WG, FW} Alejandro Zendejas, 1998(28) Club America {WG, 10, M8} [INJURED] Brian Gutierrez, 2003(22) Chicago Fire {WG, 10, FW} [Mexico] Djordje Mihailovic, 1998(27) Colorado Rapids {10, WG, M8} Emmanuel Sabbi, 1997(28) Le Havre {WG, FW} Olympic: Cavan Sullivan, 2009**(16) Philadelphia Union {WG, FW} Niko Tsakiris, 2005*(20) San Jose Earthquakes {10, M8, WG} Nimfasha Berchimas, 2008*(18) Charlotte FC {WG} Cole Campbell, 2006*(20) Dortmund {WG} Cruz Medina, 2006*(19) San Jose Earthquakes {M8, 10} [Mexico] Dreamers: Kristian Fletcher, 2005*(21) DC United {10, WG, FW} David Vazquez, 2006*(20), Philadelphia Union {10, M8, WG, FW} Maximo Carrizo, 2008*(18) New York City FC {10, M8, WG} [Argentina] Luke Brennan, 2005*(21) Atlanta United {FW, WG} Mathis Albert, 2009**(17) Borussia Dortmund {WG} Zavier Gozo, 2007*(19) Real Salt Lake City {WG} Ruben Ramos, Jr., 2007*(19) LA Galaxy {WG} Santiago Morales, 2007*(19) Inter Miami {10} Paulo Rudisill, 2006*(20), Feyenoord {10, M8, WG} [Italy] Christopher Olney, Jr., 2006*(19) Philadelphia Union {10, WG, M8} Serge Ngoma, 2005*(20), New York Red Bulls {FW, WG} Jack Mize, 2008*(18) Borussia Dortmund {WG, 10} Dog-House/Pretenders: Quinn Sullivan, 2004(22) Philadelphia Union {FW, WG, 10, M8} Theodore Ku-DiPietro, 2002(24) DC United {WG, 10} Gerardo Valenzuela, 2004(21) FC Cincinnati {10, WG, FW} Richard Ledezma, 2000(25) PSV Eindhoven {M8, M6, 10, WG} [Mexico] Konrad De La Fuente, 2001(24), Lausanne FC {WG} Jackson Hopkins, 2004(22) DC United {WG, FW, M8} Aziel Jackson, 2001(24) Columbus Crew {M8, 10} Bernard Kamungo, 2002(24) FC Dallas {WG, FW} [Tanzania] Agustin Anello, 2002(24) Sparta Rotterdam {WG} Tyler Wolff, 2003(23) Atlanta United {WG, 10, M8, FW} Indiana Vassilev, 2001(25) Saint Louis City SC {WG, M8, FW} [Bulgaria] Paul Arriola, 1995(31) FC Dallas {WG} Bryce Duke, 2001(25) CF Montreal {M8, WG} Ben Bender, 2001(25) Charlotte FC {WG, 10, M8} Alan Sonora, 1998(28) Atletico Huracan {WG, M8, 10} Dual-National Recruits: Luca Koleosho, 2004(21) Burnley {WG} [Prefers Italy; Canada, Nigeria] Esmir Bajraktarevic, 2005*(21) New England Revolution {M8, 10, WG} [Bosnia] Fidel Barajas, 2006*(20) Chivas Guadalajara {WG} [Mexico] Edison Azcona, 2003(22) Inter Miami {WG, 10, FW} [Prefers Dominican Republic] Olger Escobar, 2006*(19) New England Revolution {WG} [Guatemala] Bora Aydinlik, 2005*(21) Fenerbache > Hull City FC {WG} [Turkey] Jorge Ruvalcaba, 2001(24) Standard Liege {WG} [Mexico] Drop-Zone: Tyler Boyd, 1994(31) Nashville SC {WG} Duane Holmes, 1994(31) Preston North End {10, WG} Chris Mueller, 1996(29) Chicago Fire {WG} Alex Muyl, 1995(30) Nashville SC {WG, 10, M8} Memo Rodriguez, 1995(30) LA Galaxy {WG} Jared Stroud, 1996(29) DC United {WG} Joel Sonora, 1996(29) Atletico Huracan {10, M8, WG} Jonathan Lewis, 1997(28) Colorado Rapids {WG, FW} Benji Michel, 1997(28) Arouca {WG, FW} Ian Harkes, 1995(31) New England Revolution {WG, 10} Sebastian Saucedo, 1997(29) FC Juarez {WG} Damien Rivera, 2002(23) New England Revolution {10, WG} Andres Jasson, 2002(24) New York City FC {WG, FW} Cristian Nava, 2003(23) New Mexico United {WG, 10} Diego Sanchez, 2004(21) Indy Eleven {WG} Jack Panayatou, 2004(21) New England Revolution {10, WG} Jose Gallegos, 2001(24) Sonderjyske {WG, 10} Dante Sealy, 2003(23) FC Dallas {WG, FW} Alex Mighten, 2002(24) Nottingham Forest {WG] [England] Outlook: Tarik Scott, 2005*(21), FC Dallas {WG} [Jamaica] Malcolm Fry, 2005*(21) New England Revolution {WG} Gage Akalu, 2005*(20) Sporting Kansas City {WG} Kage Romashyn, 2005*(20) Minnesota United {10} Andre Gitau, 2006*(20) Houston Dynamo {WG, 10} Brian Carmona-Romero, 2006*(20) Charlotte FC {M8, 10, WG} Christopher Aquino, 2006*(20) Seattle Sounders {WG, FW} Matthew Evans, 2006*(20) Los Angeles FC {10} [Guatemala] Cole Mrowka, 2006*(20) Columbus Crew {10, WG} Adrian Wibowo, 2006*(20) Los Angeles FC {WG} Axel Perez, 2007*(19) Olympique Lyon {WG, 10} [Spain] Owen Anderson, 2007*(19) Real Salt Lake {10} Gilberto Garcia, 2007*(19) Real Salt Lake {WG} Miles Perkovich, 2007**(19) Inter Miami {WG} Omar Marquez, 2008*(18) Real Salt Lake {WG} Cristiano Carlos, 2008*(18) New England Revolution {WG} [Portugal] Cristiano Oliveira, 2008*(18) New England Revolution {10, WG} Chance Cowell, 2008*(18) San Jose Earthquakes {WG} [Mexico] Jamir Johnson, 2008*(17) Philadelphia Union {WG} Jakob Garcia, 2009**(16) Orlando City SC {WG} FORWARDSCore: Folarin Balogun, 2001(24), AS Monaco {FW, WG} Ricardo Pepi, 2003(23) PSV Eindhoven {FW} Josh Sargent, 2000(26) Norwich City {FW, WG} Haji Wright, 1998(28), Coventry City {FW, WG} Contenders: Brandon Vazquez, 1998(27), CF Monterrey {FW} Jordan Pefok, 1996(30), Union Berlin > Borussia Moenchengladbach {FW} Duncan McGuire, 2001(25) Orlando City SC {FW} Jesus Ferreira, 2000(25), FC Dallas {FW, WG, 10} Damion Downs, 2004(21) FC Koln {FW} [Germany] Kahveh Zahiroleslam, 2002(23) Sint Truiden {FW} [Iran] Jordan Morris, 1994(31), Seattle Sounders {WG, FW} Olympic: Julian Hall, 2008*(18) New York Red Bulls {FW, WG} Keyrol Figueroa, 2006*(19) Liverpool {FW} [Honduras, England] Aidan Dausch, 2006*(19) Coventry City FC {FW} [England] Marcos Zambrano, 2005*(21) Vitoria Guimaraes {FW, WG} Austyn Jones, 2008*(18) PSV Eindhoven {FW, WG} [Netherlands] Alexander Staff, 2008*(18) Eintracht Frankfurt {CF} [Germany] Rodrigo Neri, 2005*(21) Atlanta United FC {FW, WG} [Venezuela] Dreamers: Bryce Jamison, 2006*(19) Orlando City SC {WG, FW} Caden Glover, 2007*(18) Saint Louis City FC {FW} Nelson Pierre, 2005*(21) Philadelphia Union {FW} Stefan Chirila, 2007*(19) FC Cincinnati {FW} Micah Burton, 2006*(20), Austin FC {FW, 10, WG} Julian Placias, 2006*(20) Westerlo {FW} Ezekiel Soto, 2007*(19), Houston Dynamo {FW, WG} Nighte Pickering, 2005*(21) Memphis 901 SC {FW} Favian Loyola, 2005*(21), Orlando City SC {WG, 10, FW} Mataeo Bunbury, 2005*(21) Sporting Kansas City {FW, WG} Dog-House/Pretenders: Brian White, 1996(30) Vancouver Whitecaps {FW} Daryl Dike, 2000(25), West Bromwich Albion {FW} [INJURED] Niko Gioacchini, 2000(25) Como 1907 {WG, FW} Logan Farrington, 2001(24) FC Dallas {FW} Joel Imasuen, 2004(21) Werder Bremen {FW} [Nigeria] Johan Gomez, 2001(24) Eintracht Braunschweig {FW, 10, WG} Patrick Agyemang, 2000(25) Charlotte FC {FW} Maurice Malone, 2000(25), Austria Wien {FW} [Germany] Jeremy Ebobisse, 1997(29), San Jose Earthquakes {FW} [Cameroon] Jacob Murrell, 2004(22) DC United {FW} Darren Yapi, 2004(21) Colorado Rapids {FW, WG} Matthew Hoppe, 2001(25), Middlesbrough FC {FW, WG} Tega Ikoba, 2003(22) Portland Timbers {FW} [Nigeria] Korede Osundina, 2004(22) Feyenoord > FC Dordecht {FW} Dual-National Recruits: Nathan Ordaz, 2004(22) Los Angeles FC {WG} [Mexico, El Salvador] Arquimedes Ordonez, 2003(22) FC Cincinnati {FW} [Prefers Guatemala] Santiago Munoz, 2002(23), Santos Laguna {FW} [Prefers Mexico] Drop-Zone: Malick Sanogo, 2004(22) Union Berlin {FW} Federico Oliva, 2004(21) UD Almeria {FW, WG, 10} Simon Becher, 1999(26) Vancouver Whitecaps {FW} Andrija Novakovich, 1996(29) Venezia > Calcio Lecco {FW} Mason Toye, 1998(27) Portland Timbers {FW} Preston Judd, 1999(27) San Jose Earthquakes {FW} Miguel Berry, 1997(28) LA Galaxy {FW, WG, 10} Charlie Kelman, 2001(24) Queens Park Rangers > Leyton Orient {FW} Chris Donovan, 2000(25), Philadelphia Union {FW} Vaughn Covil, 2003(22), Hull City FC {FW, WG} Outlook: Adem Sipic, 2006*(20) Nashville SC {FW} [Bosnia] Sal Olivas, 2006*19) Philadelphia Union {FW} [Mexico] Axel Kei, 2007*(18) Real Monarchs {FW, WG} [Ivory Coast] Tanner Rosborough, 2008*(18) New York Red Bulls {FW, WG} Anisse Saidi, 2008*(18) Philadelphia Union {FW} Chase Adams, 2008*(18) Columbus Crew {FW} Zidane Yanez, 2008*(18) New York City FC {FW} Zidane Cadet, 2009**(16) Inter Miami {FW} Da’vian Kimbrough, 2010**(16) Sacramento Republic {FW} [Mexico] Note: (*) next to birth year represents Olympic eligible for 2028. Players with (**) next to birth year represents Olympic eligible for 2032. Note: All ages are set for June 1, 2026.
My Top 55 right now…. GOALKEEPERS 1. Patrick Schulte 2. Roman Celentano 3. Matt Freese 4. Gabriel Slonina 5. Ethan Horvath HM: Matt Turner, Chris Brady, Zack Steffen, Drake Callender, Diego Kochen, Giorgio Di Marzi Comments: This position should be wide open right now. As it stands now, I’m about ready to drop Turner all together. He must leave Nottingham Forest if he ever wants to play for USMNT again. I barely wanted to include Horvath who has been poor. I believe that Poch is going to have to go to MLS, due to lack of other options, in order to find his #1. RIGHT BACKS 1. Joe Scally 2. Richie Ledezma 3. Bryan Reynolds 4. Marlon Fossey 5. DeJuan Jones Injured: Sergino Dest HM: None Dual: Michael Bresser Comments: Pray that one of Ledezma, Fossey, and/or Reynolds proves to be reliable. There is NO depth in this position. We need to go ahead and start recruiting Bresser aggressively. We really need Dest to return back to who he was. CENTER BACKS 1. Walker Zimmerman 2. Chris Richards 3. Miles Robinson 4. Cameron Carter-Vickers 6. Auston Trusty 7. Mark McKenzie 8. Vacant 9. Vacant 10. Vacant HM: Tim Ream, John Brooks, Jalen Neal, Max Dietz, Noahkai Banks, Joshua Wynder Comments: Besides goalkeeper, our weakest position. Ream should be retired. That leaves us with 7 decent but not great options. Maybe Banks could be a stud. But there is NO ONE on the horizon who looks to be worth a damn. They’re not even worth mentioning. LEFT BACKS 1. Jedi Robinson 2. John Tolkin 3. Caleb Wiley 4. Kristoffer Lund 5. George Bello HM: Kristoffer Lund, Nathaniel Brown, Jonathan Gomez Dual: Christian McFarlane Comments: Jedi is the clear #1. But back up is wide open and they’re some decent options to compete for that #2. We’ll see who claims it. As it stands now, I don’t have Paredes playing there…. Yet. MIDFIELDERS 1. Weston McKennie 2. Yunus Musah 3. Johnny Cardoso 4. Lennard Maloney 5. Tanner Tessmann 6. Luca de la Torre 7. Gianluca Busio 8. Aidan Morris 9. Rokas Puktsas 10. Jack McGlynn Injured: Tyler Adams HM: James Sands, Cole Bassett, Daniel Edelman Comments: as it stands, we look good. But we need to have some worry as the next generation (2005+) looks very weak since Vargas, Buck, and Esmir quit the program. That said, I cannot count Adams until he can stay healthy. ATTACKING MID/WINGER 1. Christian Pulisic 2. Gio Reyna 3. Tim Weah 4. Malik Tillman 5. Haji Wright 6. Brenden Aaronson 7. Kevin Paredes 8. Paxten Aaronson 9. Cade Cowell 10. Griffin Yow 11. Djordje Mihailovic 12. Diego Luna 13. Alex Zendejas 14. Ben Cremaschi 15. Taylor Booth HM: Emmanuel Sabbi, Nimfasha Berchimas, Lynden Gooch, Cole Campbell, Cavan Sullivan, Niko Tsakiris, Jesus Ferreira Dual: Luca Koleosho Comments: There are 15 names here, across the positions of RW, LW, and CAM, but don’t get too excited. Pulisic is still our main man who is reliable. Weah is consistent. But Reyna needs to find a new club. Tillman still needs to prove himself at the international level. Wright and Aaronson are competitive…. Paredes too… but everyone else needs to do more. We need to be willing to go all in for Koleosho. FORWARDS 1. Josh Sargent 2. Folarin Balogun 3. Ricardo Pepi 4. Brandon Vazquez 5. Jordan Pefok HM: Damion Downs, Kahveh Zahiroslalem, Duncan McGuire Comments: We need Poch to figure out this position in the way Gregg was unable to do so. He’s got some decent options. At this point, maybe Sargent should be our #1.
Now, that Poch is officially named coach, and to be honest, this team looks to be in complete disarray, here is my shortlist player pool for the remainder of 2024. But first, let me say that I recommend Poch experiment with a couple different formations. We must get away from being beholden to the 433 at all costs ~ even though I’m not saying get rid of it all together. That said, I’m looking at our player pool, and I’d like to see us experiment with a 352, but I think we’re better suited either from the empty bucket 442 or the diamond 442. Now, for the purposes of this player pool depth chart, let me suggest that I’m looking at the 442 empty bucket, in order to get Reyna and Pulisic on the field together, underneath two strikers. GOALKEEPERS: Patrick Schulte Gabriel Slonina Diego Kochen Roman Celentano Matt Turner Ethan Horvath Comments: I’m sorry, but we need to drop Turner for the rest of 2024. He’s such a liability, we can’t continue with him moving forward. Let him sort out what he’s got going on, and maybe he can be included later. But for now, Schulte would be my main man. And, because I don’t trust Horvath either, I’d call in some variation of Slonina, Celentano, and Kochen to gain some experience for the rest of the year. It’s Hail Mary time for the keeper position. Confidence in the position, right now: F RIGHT BACKS Sergino Dest [Injured] Joe Scally Marlon Fossey Bryan Reynolds Richie Ledezma Note: May want to try out Weston McKennie and/or Tim Weah and a RWB role for us (not as a defensive RB). Comments: Best thing that came out of last night is that Fossey might be a real option for us moving forward. Plus, we still need to see what Reynolds and Ledezma can do. Meanwhile, we obviously need Dest to return back to health and form, we need to use this time to test out what we have. Confidence in the position, right now: B LEFT BACKS Jedi Robinson Caleb Wiley Kristoffer Lund John Tolkin Note: We may want to try out Kevin Paredes at LWB. But like McKennie and Weah, I don’t see him as a defensive LB. Comments: We all know Jedi is number one. Is Lund #2? I don’t think he should be yet. Wiley and Tolkin look just as capable or more. And then, there’s still playing Paredes there, especially if we play more with a LWB. Confidence in the position, right now: B CENTER BACKS Mark McKenzie Chris Richards Auston Trusty Miles Robinson Cameron Carter-Vickers Walker Zimmerman Note: We need to attempt to recruit Anrie Chase. At the moment, him and Koleosho are priority number one for dual national recruitment. Meanwhile, our post-WC 2026 future national team must not forget about Noel Buck. Comments: Right now, I’m not confident. This year exposed that we need answers at center back as fast as we can answer them. The good news is that there are some options. Hopefully the Canada game and Copa America sealed Ream’s fate ~ although I do not wish to disparage him. He was great in 2022. But he’s not a real option for 2026. Meanwhile, we have six options for 2026. McKenzie, Richards, CCV, Zimmerman, Miles, and Trusty. Right now, that position is a mess. But we have some decent options if Poch can figure out the right move. That said, any new contender, such as, Noahkai Banks, etc. they aren’t a real option yet for the rest of 2024. Stick to these 6. Figure out who you can trust best. Confidence in the position, right now: D+ CENTER MIDFIELDERS, MORE HOLDING THAN BOX TO BOX Tyler Adams (Injured) Johnny Cardoso Tanner Tessman Lennard Maloney Aidan Morris Comments: Even in the double pivot, we probably need one of the midfielders to be more committed to defense, and allow another one to crash the box / get into the attack. That said, with Adams injured, I’d like to see us test the next man up, between Johnny, Morris, Tessmann, and Maloney. These are pretty good options…. Even though Johnny was poor in this recent window and Maloney may or may not be hurt. Confidence in the position, right now: B+ CENTER MIDFIELDERS, MORE BOX TO BOX, THAN HOLDING Weston McKennie Yunus Musah Luca de la Torre Gianluca Busio Rokas Puktsas Note: We probably need to attempt to recruit Noel Buck back to us. Comments: We need one of our center mids to be able to offer some offense. Otherwise, we are going to castrate our offense. McKennie might be hurt right now, but he will probably be needed for this role. Musah has been hot/cold but he’s still one of our most talented players. Let’s see how Busio does in the fall in Serie A to see if he’s a real contender. I’d probably call him up anyways. I haven’t lost all faith in Luca de la Torre. Meanwhile, we could theoretically still play two holding mids in the center, pulling any from our options there. Or we could pull a more attacking mid, such as Malik Tillman, Brenden Aaronson, Paxten Aaronson, or Gio Reyna, but we must be mindful of what that does to our attack and we must trust the replacement option at that position. Finally, I think that we ought to call in Puktsas as a look-see call up. But I don’t think he’s ready yet. Confidence in the position, right now: B - LEFT AND RIGHT ATTACKING MID / WING Christian Pulisic Gio Reyna Tim Weah (Injured) Kevin Paredes Brenden Aaronson Malik Tillman Paxten Aaronson Griffin Yow Cade Cowell Diego Luna Taylor Booth Note: We probably need to push hard to recruit Luca Koleosho. Note: You could play almost any of the more box to box center mids here, to include, McKennie, Musah, and De la Torre. Just be mindful of what that does to our center midfield. Comments: Besides Pulisic, we need some answers. I still believe that Gio is right there with Pulisic on talent and ceiling. But he’s got to figure himself out. Weah has been probably the best RW option. You could still possibly play McKennie there too. But maybe we need to look at something else. Poch needs to figure out if Paredes is going to be a defensive player or an offensive player for us. He needs to figure that out in 2024 or early 2025 if he can. Right now, I still have him more offensive, but I’m very close to slotting him at left back. I don’t get why Malik Tillman has been such a bust for the national team. He’s the #10 for far and away the best club in Eredivise. Poch has to sort that out. That’s a major issue. Brenden Aaronson has regressed in my opinion. But not by so much that I think we forget his phone number. He just shouldn’t be an automatic call up. Same thing for his brother. Yow had an amazing Olympics, and then, nothing. Disappointed. Let’s see if he earns a call up in either October or November. But he’s on the radar. Cowell is so hit or miss. Either he’s electric or he’s nonexistent. He’s got to figure that out. But I’d keep my eye on him. I don’t want to lose Luna (nor Gutierrez) to Mexico, so maybe he (or they) receive a call up sooner than later, but in all honesty, the January Camp is probably their time. Finally, Taylor Booth. He’s got to get consistently healthy and be more consistent in form. He lost his starting spot to fellow American, Paxten Aaronson, but he’s dynamic enough that I’d keep my eye on him. P.S. I haven’t forgot about Zendejas. Nor Mihailovic. Nor some others. But right now, there isn’t room. But it would be nice to steal Koleosho. Confidence in the position, right now: B+ LEFT AND RIGHT CENTER FORWARDS Folarin Balogun Ricardo Pepi Haji Wright Josh Sargent Jordan Pefok Brandon Vazquez Note: Malik Tillman or Tim Weah could be options too. Comments: Someone needs to take the reins at center forward as no one has done so yet, but we have options. Options enough that we should consider a two forward system because one isn’t strong enough to get it done by themselves. At the moment, I’m looking at Balogun, Pepi, Sargent, Wright, Pefok, and Vazquez as my top 6. Pefok and Vazquez are probably just alternates on that list though. Yes, there are some other fringe options to monitor. Downs, Kahveh, McGuire, etc. Even Jordan Morris. Possibly. BUT at the moment, we don’t have time for them, unless they prove to be better at the club level. Besides, we might be able to play Tim Weah at CF. Overall, I see our player pool and I see talent. But Berhalter could never figure this position out throughout this time as coach. Can Poch do what Gregg couldn’t do? Personally, I think we need a system where the forwards can play off of each other to answer that problem. Confidence in the position, right now: C
Poch has been pretty consistent in his formations and roles over time. He has played a 3 ATB at times, but a two striker system might be completely unused. He's a guy who believes in positional play and using numerical overloads -- you're also not likely to see a two many midfield. Standard Poch is 4231 with attacking fullbacks and wingers who play as sort of playmaking forwards/midfielders. He's much more attack focused in general, but believes everyone should defend and can through work and effort. Perhaps the whole pool will disappoint and he'll break from this, but I doubt it. The big losers will be players who won't work and counterpress, and can't follow instruction, and probably the fullbacks who can't get forward. Strikers who don't press and can't help in the build-up are a problem. I would not be hopeful were I someone like Haji or Scally. I also think more traditional wingers who lack midfielders skills (so Cowell, Paredes, Morris, Arriola, but not Weah) also likely are less utilized though Dest's skillset may alter that some. Guys who could go either way are Gio and Tillman -- if they can prove out their defense and positioning elements, they will excel. If not, someone else will.