GOAL projects the squad as Pochettino takes charge in advance of friendlies against Panama and Mexico
With established national team coaches, it's easier to project what their squads will look like. There's a natural cadence coaches have, both in terms of favorites and history. Gregg Berhalter, for instance, certainly had a predictable approach during his time in charge of the U.S. men's national team.
This is Mauricio Pochettino's team now, however. It's a clean slate and, and thus it's not exactly clear what the makeup will be of his first squad, which U.S. Soccer announced will be unveiled Wednesday.
Pochettino is set to name his first USMNT group ahead of October friendlies against Panama and Mexico. After months of waiting, Pochettino's first game is nearly here, and it all starts with the players.
Some members are obvious. Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun and Antonee Robinson are fixtures on the team, for example. Some key players, such as Tyler Adams and Sergino Dest, will be missing due to injury. Tim Weah and Gio Reyna will likely join them. Because of that, we won't get a full look at the player pool in the coming weeks, but we will get a good idea of what Pochettino thinks of it.
Which members of the old guard will he trust? Which new players can break into his plans? What tactics and lineups will he rely on in these early days? GOAL projects what the squad could look like.
Getty Images SportGOALKEEPERS
Patrick Schulte, Gabriel Slonina, Matt Turner
He may not be the locked-in No. 1 this time, but there's no doubt Turner will be in the squad. Despite his lack of playing time at Crystal Palace, he's still very much in the race so, even under a new coach, he'll be there.
So, too, should Schulte, who has shined despite the USMNT's loss to Canada in a friendly earlier this month. The Columbus Crew shot-stopper made some big saves in that game, proving that he's the player best equipped right now to give Turner a run for that starting spot.
As for the third goalkeeper in the squad, Pochettino can go a few different ways. We'll go with Slonina, with whom the coach is familiar after they briefly overlapped at Chelsea.
AdvertisementGettyDEFENDERS
Cameron Carter-VickersMarlon Fossey, Richy Ledezma, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson, Joe Scally, Auston Trusty,
Chris Richards is injured, which takes away the only locked-in starting centerback. Carter-Vickers is dealing with a toe injury but, if he's healthy, he's in. With or without Richards, the centerback picture is murky right now, so every camp is a new chance for someone to make a real statement.
Out wide, Dest is still out, so the right-back spot will fall to Scally. Ledezma has earned a chance to back him up, much like Fossey did on Robinson's left-hand side with his performance last camp.
GettyMIDFIELDERS
Brenden Aaronson, Johnny Cardoso, Weston McKennie, Aidan Morris, Yunus Musah, Tanner Tessmann, Malik Tillman
After missing September camp, McKennie is a lock to be back in, having reclaimed his starting spot at Juventus. He might reclaim his starting spot with the USMNT next to Musah, too, but we still don't fully know how Pochettino will set up his midfield.
Will it be a 4-2-3-1 with Tillman as the 10? Will he go with someone such as Morris, who was a bulldog in September? Could a new face like Paxten Aaronson or Busio earn a spot?
There are plenty of options in the midfield and, and we don't fully know how Pochettino will assemble this puzzle – which is a storyline to watch in this camp.
GettyATTACKERS
Folarin Balogun, Cade Cowell, Christian Pulisic, Ricardo Pepi, Josh Sargent, Haji Wright
Without Weah, who is nursing an injury, there are legitimate concerns on the wing. Pulisic – who has been on a tremendous run for Milan – is on one side, so no worries there, but who starts on the other?
It could be Wright. It could also be Aaronson, who was listed among the midfielders. If healthy, Reyna is also a candidate, although it makes more sense to leave him at Dortmund this time around. There isn't much depth in that position, which is why recruiting someone such as Koleosho could be a focus for Pochettino in these early days.
Up top, Pochettino is spoiled with options: Balogun, Pepi and Sargent are all scoring goals, so it'll be interesting to see what his pecking order is with that trio in camp.
