Having dual citizenship offers great benefits, but in soccer, it also comes with a few drawbacks. Just as players can choose the club teams they wish to play for, they can also select the country they wish to represent. However, it often requires some persuasion from the respective national team federations to convince players why they should represent their colors—something Mauricio Pochettino isn’t open to doing for the USMNT!

The current scenario involves three of the most sought-after talents being up for grabs, with the Stars and Stripes having a chance to secure them. First is VfB Stuttgart center-back Anrie Chase, who may be born and raised in Japan, but the 20-year-old does hold US citizenship. Next is 21-year-old left-back Nathaniel Brown of Eintracht Frankfurt, who hails from Germany, and finally we have Burnley winger Luca Koleosho, who may have been born in Norwalk, Connecticut but the 21-year-old looks inclined to represent Italy.

While there may be more names, Poch remained lip-tight over the potential names the USSF may convince. “I don’t want to give names, but we are working on other players to try to see if they want to be committed with us,” began the 52-year-old ahead of the CONCACAF Nations League. Given the opportunity to bring any of these players on board, Pochettino has instead placed the decision in the hands of these dual nationals, urging them to make their own choice. “We don’t need to convince. A player needs to want to play for the national team,” boldly admitted the former Chelsea boss.

Citing his own example, Pochettino admitted that, as an Argentinian, he wanted to play for his nation—not because of a contract or the opportunity to play in Europe, but because he was desperate to defend his badge and his flag. Further urging the US Soccer Federation to remain careful, he said, “One player cannot be more important than the team or 300 million people. The player, if he’s an American player, needs to be desperate, needs to show that we need him. Because, if not, we are a weak Federation” – a true patriotic speech from the Argentinian tactician, who is rather happy with the players who are rather ready to give their all for their beloved nation than those who need a bit of convincing.

Mauricio Pochettino is ready to even adjust with ‘less talented’ players but won’t kneel down for USMNT recruiting!

“We want maybe less talent but people who will come in and be desperate to defend that shirt and fight for the country. If they show this type of attitude and behavior, of course, for sure they’re going to have the opportunity to show their quality,” assured the former Southampton man, sending a clear message to all the potential recruits that hold dual citizenships. Then again, a little bit of convincing won’t be much of a harm.

To remind you, until the time Yunus Musah hadn’t worn the red, white, and blue colors of the States, he had a chance to represent England on a senior level as well. In fact, having represented the Three Lions’ U15, U16, U17, and U18 sides from 2016 to 2019, the midfielder managed to feature 32 times and even net 4 goals. However, then-USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter had convinced Musah to pledge his alliance to the Stars and Stripes instead. “Gregg opened my doors to the US Men’s National Team and gave me a career so [I’m] grateful for that,” admitted the youngster.

If it’s a proud feeling for all Americans to see someone like Yunus Musah on their team, imagine what would it be like for the aforementioned potential recruits to join as well. Regardless, that’s something for either party to decide!