‘You learn from your mistakes’- unfortunately, this quote does not hold much ground in soccer. The consequences of a defensive error are immense and one of the members of Mauricio Pochettino’s back line for the USMNT is under the spotlight, albeit not for the best reasons. Experience is often invaluable, but it comes with a caveat, the challenge of aging in sport. 

To provide context, Tim Ream became the oldest player to wear the Stars and Stripes jersey, during the side’s 1-0 victory in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal. At 37 years of age, Ream put on a splendid performance but there were times at which the defender looked vulnerable. Former USMNT defender, Alexi Lalas took notice of this and had a lot to say about the Charlotte player. 

Speaking on the Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast, Lalas wants Pochettino to find better options at center-back. “As good as Tim Ream is, and we all love him, but if you told me in 2026, we’d be looking to start Tim Ream for the USMNT, in this World Cup at home, we screwed up somewhere along the line,” said Lalas. 

That’s a big ask, considering injuries and the rest of the current squad being in their 20s. “There’s a center-back question when it comes to the center-back, we don’t know if Sergino Dest is going to get back from that right-back position going forward,” added Lalas. Dest who plays for PSV Eindhoven, isn’t necessarily a reliable option as the defender has suffered with injuries in the past, and is currently out for the rest of the season because of an ACL tear. 

Having an experienced leader in front of your post provides you with that safety net, but we have seen young players outshining even those who have been playing for years. With the stakes being higher than ever, is it time for Pochettino to pull a Koeman and provide the younger players more game time?

Time for Pochettino’s youth reformation?

Apart from Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream, the rest of the defenders enlisted for the USMNT are under 25. Looking back at history, there have been many instances where young players have outperformed on bigger occasions. Erik Ten Hag’s 18/19 Ajax squad is a prime example, as the side of youngsters made it to the semi-final of the Champions League. Perhaps it’s time for Pochettino to follow suit. 

We are hoping for the likes of Joe Scally, Auston Trusty, and Mark McKenzie to get more game time. The trio together has less than 50 caps for the country, in contrast to Ream who has 66 for the country. Chris Richard’s return will also be a boost to the Argentine’s side. With nearly two years until the ultimate challenge at home, Pochettino will be counting on time at hand to prepare his players.