Concerns Over U.S. Men’s National Team’s Midfield Options
FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — Coach Mauricio Pochettino faced questions on Tuesday regarding the limited selection of defensive midfielders in his 26-man World Cup roster. When he started naming players like Gio Reyna and Malik Tillman, there was a noticeable shift in the room.
Reyna, usually a winger, is being considered for a defensive midfield role, alongside Tillman, who typically plays in an attacking position. This had many wondering how this strategy would play out.
Let’s just say these choices seem like desperate measures.
“We have Tyler Adams, Cristian Roldan, and Sebastian Berhalter who fit that role,” Pochettino stated, also mentioning Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, and Sergiño Dest among others. Alex Freeman’s name came up too.
The exclusion of Tanner Tessman from the lineup raised eyebrows since defensive midfield is primarily suited for Adams, Roldan, and Berhalter. While Adams is seen as the likely starter, Roldan and Berhalter are established in MLS but have yet to showcase their skills on a World Cup field.
Roldan didn’t play in the last World Cup, and Berhalter was watching from the stands at the young age of 20.
Even though both players deserve their spot this time, Pochettino seems to be taking a gamble on one, if not both, of them.
McKennie, who has shown versatility at Juventus by playing multiple positions, could also step in alongside Adams. That said, McKennie prefers a more advanced role, as he believes it’s where he can be most effective.
“I’m open to whatever the team needs,” McKennie commented. “I prefer playing in the No. 8 position, but I’m ready for anything—whether it’s right wing-back or even goalkeeper! I think I can adjust based on what’s needed.”
Training for the U.S. national team kicked off Wednesday at their new facility in Fayetteville. The sessions were closed to the media after warm-ups, leaving Pochettino’s strategies leading into their match against Paraguay in two weeks still under wraps.
Pochettino mentioned that tactical flexibility informed many of his roster decisions.
“With this roster, we can explore formations like a back four, back three, or even shift between holding midfielders,” he explained. “These are all considerations I’m mulling over.”
Anything is on the table, but historically, a two-man defensive midfield has been consistent under his leadership. Currently, the reliance on Adams raises some eyebrows, especially considering his injury track record and the possibility of a suspension due to a yellow card.
“At this stage of my career, I feel equipped to adapt to various situations,” Adams shared. “We have some friendlies to fine-tune our strategies, and I’m excited to explore different roles, whether it’s alone or in tandem with Weston, with whom I have a solid chemistry. We’ll see how it unfolds.”
Chris Richards was the lone absentee from Wednesday’s practice.
He plans to join the national team on Friday after Crystal Palace competes in the UEFA Conference League final in Leipzig, Germany.
Additionally, Andrew Lick and Diego Kochen, both 20-year-old goalkeepers from Philadelphia Union and Barcelona Atlétic respectively, have been brought in as training keepers. Although not on the main roster, they are set to practice with the team during the World Cup.
