The USMNT team is not new to hurdles. But manager Mauricio Pochettino set a higher standard for American players in elite clubs by demanding regular playing time and performance. Pochettino wants players to be in their top forms like Christian Pulisic so that they get selected for the final squad.

Christian Pulisic, a prominent face of the USMNT, has successfully transitioned to a pivotal role at AC Milan. This showcases the resilience and consistency expected by Pochettino. Pulisic’s journey at Chelsea serves as a focal point for other American players aiming for European top clubs.

Pochettino insists players must train to be fit and earn their spots in the USMNT and top clubs. It’s not enough to just be on the roster. This applies to Matt Turner too. He moved from Nottingham Forest to Crystal Palace on loan. Now, he faces the challenge of securing a starting position.

For Pochettino, regular playing time is not merely a preference but a necessity. In a press conference, he highlighted that match fitness and sharpness are directly tied to how much time a player gets at their club. Players sitting on the bench or playing occasionally cannot match that competitive edge needed for international duty.

USMNT Players must match Christian Pulisic’s level

It does not only relate to the goalkeepers. Pochettino also must demand more American talents across the pitch, defenders, midfielders, or forwards. As the World Cup approaches, USMNT requires players who are ready and honed physically but at the same time mentally sharp and tactically prepared. Such players require club minutes sufficient and consistent to gain the experience they need and confidence as well.

Chelsea’s young goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina could thrive under Pochettino’s focus on youth, especially with regular play. Slonina is very talented. If he meets Pochettino’s standards, he could compete for a starting spot in the 2026 World Cup for the USMNT.

The demands Pochettino has set forth will require USMNT players to adapt their careers to a model of success. It no longer suffices simply to find a big club; you must become an essential part of the squad and demonstrate reliability on the field. The likes of Christian Pulisic have set the standard, and for someone like Turner, the message is straightforward: raise your game or be dropped.

With that said, the call to arms is surely a rallying cry from Pochettino to American players to seize the moment when given the opportunity to play regularly and provide their best. It will be only the players with Christian Pulisic-like perseverance and dedication that put the USMNT in a better position to succeed on the world stage.