The summer saw Gio Reyna and Matt Turner finally and permanently switch clubs, creating clear paths toward playing time. Both players needed consistent minutes to reassert their status within the national team. Coach Mauricio Pochettino's latest roster features a near-even split between MLS- and Europe-based players, making it unclear what club situations raise a player's profile. Less than a year from the World Cup, only a handful of players appear locked into roster spots or starts. Major transfers are being evaluated for their impact on individual professional careers and on the future composition of the USMNT. Players are ordered by estimated transfer values.
It seems as if it has been a successful summer for the U.S. men's national team. Well, not on the field and definitely not off the field either, but what I mean is this: Two of the biggest questions hanging over the team for the past two seasons were: Will Gio Reyna ever play professional soccer again? And will Matt Turner ever play professional soccer again?
At long last, the USMNT's presumptive starting goalkeeper and theoretical starting attacking midfielder have clear paths toward playing time after both players finally and permanently switched clubs this summer. While we probably do read a little too much into how club situations impact national team performance, these were the two moves most directly connected with the state of the USMNT. Such is the talent of both players that they really just needed to play -- somewhere -- to reassert their status within the national team.
At least, that's what we thought. After the announcement of coach Mauricio Pochettino's latest roster, which contains a nearly even split between MLS- and Europe-based players, it's difficult to understand what actually raises your profile in the eyes of the former Tottenham manager. Less than a year out from the World Cup, only a handful of players seem to be locks -- not just to start next summer, but to even make the roster.
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