In the world of soccer, you’re only as good as your manager. Tactics and player roles your coach decides can sometimes make or break some of the most talented players. Christian Pulisic is undoubtedly in the best form of his career for club and country but critics believe that Captain America is being limited under Mauricio Pochettino’s system. 

Former USMNT player, Landon Donovan has highlighted the core problem in the team’s defensive structure. Simply put, the USMNT’s defenders are not good enough and the current squad depth provides no safety margin either. Former players turned soccer analysts, Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville resonated with Donovan believing this affects the team as a whole. 

“So what happens is you’ll have Pulisic and other attacking players at the top end of the pitch. I don’t think they’ll ever be able to give their absolute best if when they’re playing, there’s a fear at the back of their mind that whatever they do may not be enough.” said the former Liverpool legend in the latest episode of ‘It’s called soccer’. 

Carragher further emphasizes the importance of having defensively solid players, as they provide a safety net, even if the forwards are underperforming. Meanwhile, Neville urged for Pochettino to switch to a back three. This makes sense as the fullbacks are often pushing high up wide or cutting on the inside and joining the midfield. 

In recent years, expectations from center-backs have grown, with many required to be better ball carriers up the pitch. This is especially true in Pochettino’s system where the backline operates closer to midfield. However, that’s not the only challenge facing the Argentine coach. 

Pochettino’s USMNT needs a major overhaul ahead of the upcoming fixtures 

The issue isn’t just the backline but also between the sticks. Current no.1 choice goalkeeper Matt Turner is getting 0 playing minutes at club level. This is crucial as playing week in and week out helps refine the players. The rest of the goalkeepers currently named in the roster do not play at top levels either, but there is an argument on the rising standards of the MLS. 

The USMNT boss will also have a hard call to choose between Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi. In the absence of the injured AS Monaco striker, Ricardo Pepi has been shining for the Stars and Stripes and recently scored in both legs of the quarterfinal win over Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal.

While there may seem no end to Pochettino’s troubles, the manager has almost 2 years to prepare for the 2026 World Cup at home, which many believe will be the ultimate test. He will be hoping to make it past the round of 16, a feat the USMNT has not achieved, since reaching the quarterfinals at the 2002 World Cup.