How will Pochettino approach the USMNT's lineup against the Reggae Boyz in the Nations League quarterfinals? GOAL takes a look
Mauricio Pochettino takes the touchline in a competitive USMNT match for the first time this week, leading the U.S. into the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals against Leon Bailey and Jamaica in a two-legged series – the first match is Thursday in Kingston, followed by a Nov. 18 game in St. Louis.
It will be his first real test as the head coach of the program, all as part of the lead up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil. And it won't be easy, with injuries limiting his squad's defensive and attacking options.
The USMNT coach will look to deploy a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation, so now it just comes down to personnel. Haji Wright, Folarin Balogun and Josh Sargent will all miss camp due to injury. Meanwhile, starting right back Sergino Dest is still sidelined due to an ACL tear, and Gio Reyna remains out as well.
In the midfield, Tyler Adams has finally returned to the pitch for Bournemouth, earning his first start of the season on Saturday, but it was too much, too soon to be included in the November camp roster.
“He is an important player for USA, for us, and I consider him, personally, a very important player for the future of this team,” Pochettino said of Adams. “But the most important thing now is to see the progression."
Factor in that Tim Weah – while included on the squad – is suspended for the first Jamaica match due to a red card from Copa America over the summer, and it's even more of a head-scratcher.
So what does Pochettino do with seven key players all set to miss Thursday's match? GOAL projects the USMNT's starting XI vs. Jamaica in Kingston.
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper: Matt Turner
Turner has consistently displayed that he can be relied on in net for the U.S. despite his inability to get starting minutes at the club level. Of course, it's not an ideal situation for either party – the USMNT need him at his best. He recently earned a start for Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup as the pulled off a shocking upset over Aston Villa, in which Turner made seven saves.
He's proven he can perform for the U.S., they just need him at his best despite his lack of playing time. If he can't go, Columbus Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte is the next man up.
AdvertisementGettyLeft back: Antonee Robinson
Arguably the USMNT's best defender, and perhaps their most consistent player outside of Christian Pulisic, Robinson is a lock for Pochettino at left back. The Fulham ace has been brilliant in the English Premier League for Fulham of late, recently setting up a late winner for the against Brentford. For the sake of dealing with Jamaica star Leon Bailey as well, Robinson needs to be deployed on the left flank, as Bailey is the most dangerous attacker.
GettyLeft center back: Tim Ream
Still playing at a ridiculously high level after his transfer to MLS side Charlotte FC, Ream is a lock in the U.S. defense at the moment. With Chris Richards still not fully healthy after a recent injury, it looks like Ream could be key for the USMNT once again during this window.
A veteran leader, Ream started both matches during the October international window, and put forth two quality performances. There's zero reason to expect him to be replaced, especially considering he provides a sense of veteran leadership on the backline.
Getty Images SportRight center back: Mark McKenzie
After his summer transfer to Ligue 1 side Toulouse, McKenzie has taken a step up and elevated his game. He started next to Ream in las month's 2-0 victory over Panama, and the expectation should be that he returns to that role. He's been playing incredibly well in France, and as a result, should be rewarded with the start in leg one against the
If it's not broken, why change it? If Pochettino does look elsewhere, though, Auston Trusty should be the next up in line, with Miles Robinson behind.
