USMNT vs. Portugal review: Pochettino's Pulisic tactic, standouts, strugglers & more
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Tactical analysis
Starting Pulisic as a nine was just so random. It just came out of nowhere. We've never seen this before. It's like Pochettino's just kind of unfazed by the fact that the World Cup is now 180 minutes away.
It was a failed experiment. There's no way around it. He doesn't have the ability to play that role with a bigger, stronger defender on his back.
USMNT World Cup preparation
Pochettino cares not for chemistry, it sure looks like. He does not seem to care about making sure we get our key guys getting minutes in these games as we're so close to the World Cup.
USMNT attacking struggles
The number one concern coming out of this window is open play chance creation. Even against Belgium, the best chances for the U.S. came on set pieces.
World Cup squad selection
I think Pochettino views Patrick Aujiman as the second striker on his depth chart behind Balogun and I guess Pulisic. I think Pepe is the one who's on the bubble.
I think Trustee may have booked his spot on a World Cup roster... he's put up good performances against good teams. And crucially, he is very comfortable with his left foot.
Managerial messaging
Poch's statement after the game, while being correct about the US not having the players up to the level of Portugal, is completely contradictory to his pre-window message of why not us.
USMNT team quality
The U.S. is less talented. The U.S. is a worse team than the teams they played in this window. And the scorelines reflected that.
Weston McKinney form
I'm still of the belief that there was something there [with McKinney], even if it was a small thing, but clearly he's responded in a good way and he looks in good shape heading into the World Cup.
Alex Freeman performance
I do think he's going to play quite a bit for the U.S. this summer and I'm not mad at that given the rest of the pool, but he for me is still not quite in the 'oh yes, this is a reliable player' category.
