Go to Europe.
That is lengthy been the chorus for any American soccer participant hoping to make his debut with the U.S. Men’s National Team. Go to Europe, signal with a recognizable membership in a recognizable league, practice with a prime coach and don’t fret about whether or not or not you are a constant starter. Belief that the attract of your European bonafides will appeal the USMNT and lock in your call-up.
That recommendation does not fly anymore. USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, himself a veteran of the European membership system, has flipped the script on how American gamers can greatest put together to characterize their nation. Named USMNT coach in August 2024, Pochettino shouldn’t 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 the earth his USMNT candidates are primarily based.
“For me, crucial issue is how they’re performing of their membership,” said 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 an alternative 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 objective 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.
