The United States men's national team has officially begun its World Cup training camp, but the conversation surrounding the squad remains focused on who is not there rather than who is. Mauricio Pochettino's roster selection, which includes 10 defenders and only four central midfielders, has sparked debate about the team's balance and tactical approach.
Pochettino's Squad Reveal
On Tuesday, Pochettino joined his 26 players and hundreds of fans for a grand reveal in Manhattan. The event, which was nationally televised, confirmed the roster that had been reported by the Guardian days earlier. Fans held signs, some pleading for the inclusion of Diego Luna, a playmaker from Real Salt Lake who had been praised by Pochettino in the past. Despite the public pressure, Pochettino declined to explain his decisions regarding players who did not make the cut.
When asked about Tanner Tessmann's exclusion, Pochettino dismissed the question, stating that it was disrespectful to focus on players not on the roster. He emphasized the need to move on and concentrate on the upcoming games. This approach contrasts with other managers like Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel, who provided more context for their squad selections.
Midfield Concerns
The most glaring issue with the USMNT roster is the lack of depth in central midfield. With Johnny Cardoso sidelined due to an ankle injury, the team relies heavily on Tyler Adams. Pochettino admitted that he might not always use a holding midfielder, naming attacking midfielders Malik Tillman and Gio Reyna, as well as wide defenders Sergiño Dest and Alex Freeman, as potential midfield options. However, this flexibility raises questions about defensive solidity, especially after the team struggled in March friendlies against Belgium and Portugal.
Tactical Implications
The decision to prioritize defenders over midfielders suggests where Pochettino's concerns lie. However, it also invites opponents to attack the center of the pitch. If Adams picks up yellow cards or suffers an injury, the USMNT has few reliable alternatives. The knock-on effects extend to the attacking third, where playing a back-five may limit the effectiveness of wingers like Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah.
Pulisic remains a key figure despite his recent poor form, and Weah has been a consistent contributor. Benching either would be surprising, but fitting both into the lineup alongside an attacking midfielder could leave the defense exposed. The balance of the squad remains unclear.
Pochettino's Defensiveness
Pochettino's press conference highlighted his reluctance to discuss roster decisions. He defended his use of email to notify players who did not make the squad and admitted to sleepless nights over the selections. However, his lack of transparency has left fans and analysts puzzled about the rationale behind the squad.
As the USMNT prepares for the World Cup, the questions about midfield depth and tactical balance persist. The team's success may depend on how well Pochettino can adapt his system to the available personnel.
