USMNT winners and losers with Mauricio Pochettino: Christian Pulisic up, Tyler Adams in trouble

All signs point to Mauricio Pochettino as the new manager of the United States men’s national team. While it’s an exciting move, it’s one that could bring a lot of change as he’ll be someone who could shake up the status quo of the USMNT setup. Outside of players such as Christian Pulisic and Antonee Robinson, there won’t be many who have assured places in the starting XI but that’s also an exciting proposition.

From players who aren’t playing regular soccer for their clubs getting into the starting XI, to the static nature of the formation, it will be a much needed shakeup, but who could be some of the winners and losers of Pochettino’s appointment be?

Winner: Christian Pulisic 

Already showing what he can do for club and country, Pulisic is one of the biggest gainers from a switch to Pochettino’s attacking style. A strong forward pressing and finishing his chances, Pulisic is someone who will thrive in an attacking setup that allows him to showcase his creativity. If Pochettino can orient the lineup to get others to create chances for him, this could be quite a chance for the winger. Given how strikers perform under Pochettino, more space to operate in should be expected for Pulisic, but it will be up to him to make the most of that space.

Loser: Matt Turner

Getting back to the need for regular playing time, Turner is someone who could be on notice with this move. A backup at Nottingham Forest, if he doesn’t get a move elsewhere or win the starting role during the season, it could be a reason to look elsewhere. Ethan Horvath is starting for Cardiff City, Gaga Slonina is starting for Barnsley and Patrick Schulte is starting for the Columbus Crew, so there’s no shortage of options in net depending on what he’s looking for.

Winner: Chris Richards

Tactical flexibility means that one of the most versatile defenders in the squad just got more important. Chris Richards is good in the air and on the ball while being sound in his positioning. Learning a lot from playing in defensive midfield for Crystal Palace, Richards knows when to step up to make a tackle and when he should hang back. The USMNT could go in and out of a back three or a back four under Pochettino, which is also something that Richards has experience in. Work needs to be done to determine who will partner him, but Richards seems locked into the defensive setup.

Loser: Tyler Adams

Starting yet another Premier League season injured, there are questions about how much can Tyler Adams’ legs take. Adding that in with Pochettino’s style requiring a lot of running and fitness and it makes you wonder if Adams’ days as a starter are numbered. He’ll need to work back to health to begin with, but when he does, given the plethora of midfield options that Pochettino will have, maybe it could be in the best interest of all parties for him to become a finisher off the bench for the national team.

Winner: Matt Crocker

Having already worked with Pochettino at Southampton, Crocker’s European connections are already paying dividends. Since joining the U.S. Soccer setup as a Sporting Director, Crocker has landed Emma Hayes and is close to landing Pochettino. Getting two of the best coaches in the world to join the U.S. Soccer setup is something to be proud of and it shows that a good foundation is being laid for the future. 

Loser: The rest of Concacaf

With Pochettino in charge of the USMNT, there is a lot to be hopeful for, but as the USMNT were already on top of Concacaf without the Argentine, they can do something impressive with him. Canada will do what they can to challenge under Jesse Marsch, but the Canucks still have a long way to go to catch the USMNT in terms of depth. If Pochettino can nurture the young players in the USMNT setup while also bringing in more dual nationals, there’s a lot to like entering 2026.