It’s time for USMNT to bury age-old problems under Mauricio Pochettino. Amid all the excitement of hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the team received a harsh reality check in the recent Copa America, calling not just for a change in a coach but also a few systems. Although their ability to handle a few elite teams was exposed after their group-stage exit from the combined tournament, now even the players’ problems at the club level could be a stumbling block according to former USMNT stars.

Speaking on CBS Sports Golazo America, former players Charlie Davies and Tony Meola emphasized the importance of USMNT players playing regularly for their clubs to fit into the national team. Taking examples of multiple players Davies stated, Davies suggested many current USMNT athletes will need to prove their mettle at the club level for them to impress Pochettino.

It appears that top players from the Stars and Stripes despite representing European giants aren’t having adequate time to improve their game. The problem is mainly persisting in Europe where even the most highly estimated USMNT stars are not able to make it into the starting eleven of their club team.

The main goalkeeper of the Yanks, Matt Turner started in just 17 games for Nottingham Forest last season. Apart from Christian Pulisic who was a stalwart for AC Milan last season, other players have been mostly considered as secondary options for their teams. However, the experts feel that the only solution for them is to step back to see an advancement.

Charlie Davies gives a humbling answer for USMNT players’ struggle to play regularly

It’s not that the highly talented USMNT youngsters do not have the opportunities to show what they are capable of. They have to get to lower clubs and sacrifice their privileges for more game time, says Davies. Advising the players to move on from stagnant club careers, the former New England Revolution striker said, instead of playing just 5 to ten minutes in a game,

Meanwhile, quite a few players are already looking for a different shot after their uncertain careers with European giants. Apart from Turner, Gio Reyna also had a low-key time at Nottingham Forest playing just 235 minutes last season while on loan. However, the player despite being back at Borussia Dortmund now wants to go to a club where he will be needed. But it is hard to understand what the players expect out of their domestic careers. MLS is not considered a bad option by a few pundits as they feel that most of the USMNT players would not be benched keeping them in touch with the game. Nonetheless, while Pochettino is set to arrive soon, the expectations will be made clear which may pull a few players back to the native league.