With a new coach in place, GOAL analyzes the biggest developments for the biggest USMNT players in European leagues
It was a busy week for Mauricio Pochettino and, right now, American soccer's eyes are squarely focused on the U.S. men's national team's new head coach. There are just many reasons to be excited, and just as many mysteries. He hasn't coached a game yet, and, until he does, everyone will be wondering what he thinks of it all.
Pochettino will have plenty of studying to do over the next few weeks but, over this weekend, he got his first real glimpse at USMNT stars with their clubs as this new era begins.
That will be good news for several players, who stepped up with the types of performances that will excite the new USMNT boss. Others, though, were underwhelming. There are still a few weeks to impress the coach before the U.S. convenes for Pochettino's first camp, but there's nothing more important than a first impression, is there?
That process has started. Which players made their mark, and which will need to step up in the weeks to come? GOAL takes a look at the weekend that was for Americans Abroad.
GettyThe prolific Pulisic
This isn't hyperbole. This isn't exaggeration or bias. It's statistically true. For the last year or so, Christian Pulisic has been one of the most prolific attackers in the world.
On Saturday, Pulisic scored one and assisted one in a 4-0 win over Venezia, continuing his hot start to the season. He already has two goals and two assists in four Serie A matches. The campaign is just beginning, but Pulisic has wasted no time in getting going.
This isn't just a hot start, though; it's been a hot year. Since the beginning of last season, Pulisic is one of only 12 players with double-digit goals and assists in a top-five European league. There's only one other in Serie A: teammate Rafael Leao. Pulisic has been sensational, doing everything Milan could have possibly dreamed of when they signed him from Chelsea.
Another compelling stat: with his goal on Saturday, Pulisic is now 10-for-10 on penalty kicks for club and country. He's reliable as can be, whether that's from open play or from the spot.
Pulisic is one of very few USMNT players really playing at an elite level in a top, top league. Antonee Robinson may be the only other one. If only the rest of his USMNT teammates could play to this level.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWhat's up with Weston?
Pochettino is now in charge, and he'll be keeping a close eye on what everyone's doing on the club level. Right now, that isn't great news for Weston McKennie.
McKennie was left on the bench once again this past weekend as he failed to appear in Juventus' 0-0 draw with Empoli. There was some good news in the form of Tim Weah's return, but the real story, at least from a USMNT perspective, is McKennie.
The midfielder has played at total of just 23 minutes since the start of the season. Despite re-signing with the club, McKennie has barely earned a glance from Thiago Motta, who seemingly doesn't know what to do with him.
Under Gregg Berhalter, that may not have concerned McKennie much. He'd proven himself under the previous USMNT boss. The resume was built and the performances were there. Berhalter would bet on McKennie to figure it out.
Will Pochettino make a similar bet? We'll find out but, right now, McKennie might just be on shaky ground with the USMNT as the new boss comes in.
Getty Images SportLuca Koleosho watch continues
OK, so he isn't a USMNT player just yet, and, to be fair, he may never be, but American fans can dream, right?
That aspiration will only become more intense after Luca Koleosho's stunning goal for Burnley over the weekend, one that shows exactly why several countries are chasing him. The run, the composure, the finish – Koleosho flexed it all with that finish in the 1-0 win over Leeds.
As things stand, it seems the USMNT is losing the race for Koleosho's international allegiance. The Connecticut-born star most recently played for Italy's U21s, and it seems the Azzurri have the inside track at the moment. The USMNT isn't even the only other team chasing him, as the 20-year-old winger is also eligible to play for Canada and Nigeria, too.
All four countries are on high alert, but the USMNT does have a new wrinkle that could change things. Don't underestimate the power of Pochettino, who is clearly has the stature of a coach that could influence this type of player chase.
For now, though, Koleosho will keep chugging along with Burnley and, if he keeps scoring goals like this, the interest will only intensify.
Getty Images SportSargent is back?
It really was disappointing to see Josh Sargent miss out on minutes during this international break. He's earned them, to put it lightly. Sargent has dominated the Championship but has been unable to bring that form to the USMNT.
That's because of injury issues. An ankle ailment kept him out against New Zealand. Sargent, though, was healthy enough to start for Norwich this weekend.
Sargent's start is obviously good news. It's encouraging that his ankle injury wasn't serious. It's great to see him playing a key role for a club with legitimate Premier League ambitions. Sargent is one of the few players in the USMNT who is legitimately key to how his team plays. Any time he shows that, it's a real positive.
Still, Sargent's start only reinforces how unlucky he's been with the USMNT. He's played less than 30 minutes since the World Cup, which is nowhere near enough for a player at his ability level. Hopefully, he'll be back in the mix in October, but seeing him out there this weekend only reinforced how much of a missed opportunity this September window was for him.