Go to Europe.
That is lengthy been the chorus for any American soccer participant hoping to make his debut with the U.S. Males’s Nationwide Group. Go to Europe, signal with a recognizable membership in a recognizable league, prepare with a prime coach and don’t be concerned about whether or not or not you are a constant starter. Belief that the attract of your European bonafides will allure the USMNT and lock in your call-up.
That recommendation would not fly anymore. USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, himself a veteran of the European membership system, has flipped the script on how American gamers can finest put together to signify their nation. Named USMNT coach in August 2024, Pochettino will not be blinded by the shine of big-name golf equipment. He is eager about one factor and one factor solely: common, sturdy performances, irrespective of the place on this planet his USMNT candidates are based mostly.
“For me, a very powerful issue is how they’re performing of their membership,” stated Pochettino, per Lizzy Becherano of ESPN.com.
Pochettino’s new USMNT mindset of membership minutes over membership fame has led to a seismic shift within the growth path of younger American gamers. As a substitute of fleeing the U.S. — and, by extension, Main League Soccer — in favor of Europe, many prime American prospects are staying put. They’re dedicating the prime of their careers to MLS as a result of they know the league will give them what Pochettino desires to see: constant, devoted enjoying time.
No younger USMNT participant exemplifies this shift greater than Actual Salt Lake’s Diego Luna. The 21-year-old attacker made his mark on the USMNT with gritty, technically gifted performances in 2025, catching the attention of a number of European golf equipment within the course of. However whereas enjoying in Europe stays a aim for Luna, he is not eager about sacrificing his enjoying time simply to get a big-name membership on his resume. He is listening to Pochettino and staying in Salt Lake.
